Weapons of the Alans (Alani)

[ACStudios]

Hi everyone. I'm doing some research on the Vandals and Alans people of the 50 BC-1500 AD time period. From what I've found, the Alans were a nomadic tribe who travelled into the German region around about the time the Huns were causing problems for western Europe and the Visigoths were sacking Rome (and sacking Rome, and... well, you get the idea) .

Being a nomadic people, who were excellent horsemen, and being from the area around Iran I think, I was thinking that they'd be using a sword similar to a scmitar or falchion. However, I have not been able to find any references tonight on the internet. I also suspect that they would use a shorter recurve bow too.

Does anyone out there have any information? I would also appreciate any info on clothing, lifestyle etc... or a couple of good references. They appear to be a very interesting people, who ended up settling in Portugal and Spain.

Thanks in advance!

Alan

 

[FullerH]

If memory serves me, the Alans appeared on the borders of the Roman Empire in about the Fifth Century CE, or in the very late Fourth Century at the earliest. The swords used by virtually all of the peoples at that time were straight bladed, usually with two edges, but not always. The Romans were using the evolved spatha, which was largely what the Teutonics were using as well as their own designs, which may have started with the spatha or with the Celtic long sword, from which the spatha likely came. THe Parthians and Sassanid Persians both used straight bladed swords with two edges, as did most of the wandering tribes, who had acquired them as plunder or by trade. My guess is that the Alans were armed with that kind of sword, the composite, recurved bow, and spears and javelins. The big question is whether or not they were using stirrups, and I do not care to undertake that one.

 

[ACStudios]

Fuller,

Thanks for the information. It has confirmed some of what others have posted over on the Himilayan Imports forum (my usual hangout). From what I've heard there and read seperately, the Alans were credited with developing heavy calvary type tactics, so my *guess* would be that they did indeed use stirups, but like you, I don't hazard to claim they did.

It is turning out to be a very interesting look at that time period. If you are interested, stop over and read some of the responses at HI. ...

Thanks again,

Alan