Sarmatian Tamgas on Greek Tombstones in Panticapaeum
Sarmatian Tamgas on Greek Tombstones in Panticapaeum

Summary/Abstract: 16 Greek tombstones from the necropolis of Pantikapaeum with Sarmatian tamgas are examined. Usually, such signs were applied during the secondary use of a tombstones during various actions that took place at old cemeteries. These are clusters of tamgas, during an event with 10—20 participants (Ns. 1—4), pairs of signs (Ns. 4—8), and single signs (including the emblems of the Bosporan kings) (Ns. 9—12). Sometimes tamgas are violate the Greek texts. The sinchronous tamgas engraved on tombstones date back to the Middle Sarmatian period and are associated with the “Barbarian” regions of Crimea (Ns. 14—15). The tamgas were signed by the representatives of Sarmatian nobility, most often from the Lower Don region, and less often from the Northern Azov Sea region and “Barbarian” parts of Crimea. They belonged to the Middle and Late Sarmatian periods in approximately equal numbers. Among the clusters of tamgas, there are also emblems of the Bosporan kings Sauromates II, Rhescuporis III and Inensimeos, which were left by officials present at the events on behalf of the king. In order to prevent the deceased Greek owner of the tombstone from taking revenge, the Sarmatians removed the faces of the dead and his family members, as well as the top part of the tombstone with his head. The Sarmatian mini-sanctuary No. 4, which features three horse figures and was used during both periods, is particularly interesting. The horse on Atta's tombstone (No. 13) is unique, as it depicts the tamgas of its former owners, king Rhoemetalces and an influential nomadic clan from Western Ukraine. Until recently, the descendants of the Sarmatians, in some situations overturned the tombstones of foreign cultures for magical purposes.

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