Steppe vs Sedentary Cultures

Steppe vs Sedentary Cultures

In the Early Iron Age, the nomadic peoples of the Great Steppe were in many ways far more technologically advanced than other nations. For example, all sedentary peoples were still living in the Bronze Age at this time, while the nomads already entered the Iron Age at the same time. If we compare the best military representatives (i.e. elite cavalry) of nomadic and sedentary civilizations, this difference is very clear. The armor, weapons, harness, and equipment of the Saka knight were much more advanced than that of the contemporary European (i.e. Macedonian) knight.

Early Iron Age military technology comparison

Elite Saka knight

Elite European cavalry

 

Bow and arrows, javelins

None or javelins

 

Iron or protosteel

Archaic bronze

 

Iron scale armor

Archaic bronze plate armor

 

Iron scale helmets

Archaic bronze helmets

 

Iron scale shields

None

 

Iron scale armor

None

 

Cavalry pants, shirts, coats

Archaic tunica

 

Advanced Steppe-style hats

Flat hats

 

Leather cavalry boots

Leather sandals

 

Back to top

An error has occurred!

Try to fill in the fields correctly.

Your data was successfully sent!

We will contact you shortly.

Your data was successfully sent!

A confirmation email was sent to your e-mail address. Please do not forget to confirm your e-mail address.

Translation unavailable


Go to main page