By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Christian Conservative LDS
Germanic Vandals and Iranic Alans In North Africa
History is often shaped by the victors, but the story of the Vandals and Alans stands as a poignant reminder that freedom-loving peoples can rise, thrive, and leave their mark, even against insurmountable odds. The Kingdom of the Vandals and Alans, founded in North Africa during the decline of the Roman Empire, exemplifies the resilience, adaptability, and independence that characterize civilizations born in the crucible of adversity.
As an Iranian-American ex-Muslim and Christian conservative, I find inspiration in this story. It is a tale of defiance against imperial domination and the preservation of cultural identity—a theme that resonates deeply with my Persian roots and my journey away from Islam toward Christianity.
Origins of the Vandals and Alans
The Vandals, a Germanic people, and the Alans, an Iranic nomadic group, were outsiders in the collapsing Roman world. The Alans, descendants of the Scytho-Sarmatian warrior culture, were expert horsemen and fierce warriors who had migrated westward from the Eurasian steppes. Their partnership with the Vandals was forged during the turbulent migrations of the 4th and 5th centuries, when they sought refuge and opportunities in a fractured Roman Empire.
In 429 AD, under King Genseric, the Vandals and Alans crossed into North Africa. By 439 AD, they had established a powerful kingdom with Carthage as their capital. This kingdom would last for nearly a century, challenging the might of both Rome and Constantinople.
The Alan Legacy in the Vandal Kingdom
The Alans brought their Iranic traditions of warrior ethos and leadership to the Kingdom of the Vandals and Alans. Their influence is evident in the military tactics and governance of the kingdom. As a descendant of the Alans and Scythians, I see their legacy as a testament to the enduring spirit of Iranian peoples, who have repeatedly faced conquest and assimilation yet preserved their unique cultural identity.
The Alans also played a pivotal role in spreading Christianity. By the time of their partnership with the Vandals, many Alans had adopted Arian Christianity, a form of Christianity that differed from the Nicene orthodoxy of Rome. This choice to adopt and spread a form of Christianity that defied the Roman mainstream resonates with my own embrace of Christian truth in defiance of Islamic orthodoxy.
The Resilience of the Kingdom
The Vandals and Alans carved out their place in history not through sheer might but through strategic brilliance and adaptability. They defeated Roman forces, established a strong navy, and created a vibrant cultural and economic center in Carthage. Their naval dominance in the Mediterranean was a direct challenge to both the Eastern and Western Roman Empires, forcing these once-mighty powers to reckon with this "barbarian" kingdom.
The resilience of the Vandals and Alans reminds me of my own personal journey. Like these peoples, I had to fight against the cultural and ideological forces of my upbringing. Just as they built a kingdom in a hostile environment, I have forged a new identity as a Christian conservative, rejecting the lies of Islam and socialism.
Lessons from the Fall
The Kingdom of the Vandals and Alans fell to the Byzantine Empire in 534 AD, a victim of internal divisions and external pressures. Yet their impact on history endures. Their story teaches us that even small and marginalized groups can challenge empires and leave an indelible mark on history.
As an Iranian-American Christian, I reflect on this history with both pride and caution. The fall of their kingdom reminds us of the importance of unity, faith, and vigilance in preserving our freedoms. It also serves as a warning against the cultural and spiritual decay that can lead to downfall—a lesson that resonates deeply in our current fight against the forces of secularism and globalism.
Conclusion
The Kingdom of the Vandals and Alans was more than a historical curiosity; it was a beacon of independence, cultural preservation, and faith in a world dominated by imperial powers. Their legacy, particularly the contributions of the Alans, continues to inspire those of us who value freedom, resilience, and the courage to stand against the tide.
Their story is a reminder that history is not only written by the victors but also by those who dare to defy and to endure.
Citations
- Heather, Peter. Empires and Barbarians: The Fall of Rome and the Birth of Europe. Oxford University Press, 2010.
- Burns, Thomas S. Barbarians Within the Gates of Rome: A Study of Roman Military Policy and the Barbarians, ca. 375-425 AD. Indiana University Press, 1994.
- Mathisen, Ralph W., and Hagith S. Sivan. "Forging a New Identity: The Kingdom of the Vandals and Alans." The Classical World, vol. 84, no. 3, 1991, pp. 151–178.
- Wenskus, Reinhard. Stammesbildung und Verfassung: Das Werden der frühmittelalterlichen gentes. Böhlau, 1961.
- "The Alans: Nomadic Warriors of the Eurasian Steppes." World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org/Alans/
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