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Alani

Alani

1 9.9
A group of ancient nomads from the Eurasian steppes who moved west
  • proper noun
: alanos
  • The Alani were known for their powerful cavalry as they migrated across the Eurasian steppes.

Examples

  • Many ancient texts reference the Alani as skilled horsemen and fierce warriors during their westward movement.

  • Historical records indicate that the Alani played a significant role in the early migrations into Europe.

  • We have postulated here earlier that Arthur's own Teulu was of the heavy lance-armed Sarmatian/Alani type, known in the late Roman army as cataphractarii.

    Blog text (15)
  • As discussed previously, it is possible these and Alani settlers in Armorica (Brittany) provided Arthur (and Ambrosius before him) with a Teulu of Sarmatian-type heavy cavalry lancers.

    Blog text (15)

Surface Forms

Alani main

Etymology

Alani was also the name of an ancient 'people' from the Eurasian steppes, and the name probably comes from an old Iranian tribal word. The same root is linked to the modern name Alan, so historians use Alani to talk about that nomad group who moved west long ago.