Did the Scythians and Cimmerians Call Themselves Aryans?

The question of whether the ancient Scythians and Cimmerians referred to themselves as Aryans has been a topic of much discussion and debate among scholars. This article explores the linguistic and cultural evidence that sheds light on the identity of these ancient peoples.

Scythians and Cimmerians: Indo-European Speaking Peoples

The Scythians and Cimmerians were Indo-European speaking peoples who played significant roles in the history of ancient Eurasia. The Scythians, in particular, spoke a language derived from the Proto-Indo-European (PIE) language group. They called themselves Ez Kurdan, "I am a Kurd," suggesting a strong ethnic identification.

Scythian Endonyms and Etymology

A thorough examination of the etymology of words reveals that the Scythians had various names, including Skuda, meaning archer. This term is derived from the PIE root skeud, which is etymologically related to the English word shoot. Over time, this word evolved into Skula in the Pontic region, preserved in Greek as Σκυλ (Skul) and Σκολ?ται (Skolotai).

Another notable Scythian name is Saka, which is derived from the Iranian root sac-, meaning nomad, thus denoting a sense of mobility and wandering.

Cimmerian Language and Etymology

The Cimmerians, like the Scythians, spoke an Indo-European language. Some scholars suggest that their names were inspired by the Sumerian terms, indicating their close ties to Mesopotamia. However, this theory is less widely accepted and requires further investigation.

Aryan Heritage: Connecting Names and Cultural Identity

Interestingly, some Scythian names such as Ariantas and Ariapeithes have clear connections to the term Arya. Ari is a common prefix in Aryan languages, and these names suggest a strong affiliation with a cultural heritage rooted in the concept of Arya.

Additionally, the Roxalani, a Scythian tribe, called themselves "Shining Alans" (Ossetian: Roxs-, meaning "bright light"). This further emphasizes their connection to the Aryan concept of nobility and enlightenment.

The Sanskrit Connection to Aryans

It is important to note that the term Arya was not only used by the Scythians and Cimmerians but was also widely employed in ancient India. Anyone versed in Sanskrit was known simply as Arya in ancient times. The Sanskrit language, born in present-day Punjab in Pakistan, was central to the development of the Aryan identity. The first Sanskrit university, Takshashila (Taxila), was located in the modern-day Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan.

Baylamp Identification and Nobility

The Baylampian inscriptions, particularly the Surkh Kutan inscription from the Takhar State, provide further evidence. This inscription, which was stolen by Americans during their invasion of Afghanistan, shows that the Tocharians, a significant branch of the Scythians, directly referred to themselves as Aryan. These inscriptions are incredibly valuable for understanding the cultural and linguistic heritage of the ancient Aryan peoples.

It is noteworthy that some contemporary efforts to rebrand or reinterpret the identity of the Aryans involve using new terms like Andronovo by the Russians. This is often seen as an attempt to reclaim identity and cultural heritage, albeit one that can be controversial and subject to debate.

Conclusion

In summary, the evidence from linguistic and cultural studies suggests that the Scythians and Cimmerians had strong connections to the Aryan identity, though the specific terms and cultural practices varied. The use of names like Ariantas and Roxalani, as well as the use of the term Aryan by various groups, provides a rich tapestry of cultural and historical evidence.

Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complexities and nuances of the Aryans and their historical significance. The interdisciplinary nature of this question, involving linguistics, archaeology, and cultural history, continues to intrigue scholars and historians alike.