Sauromatae
/ˌsɔːrəˈmeɪtiː/noun
An ancient Greek and Roman name for an Iranian-speaking nomadic people of the Eurasian steppe, often identified with the early Sarmatians.
Did you know?The apparent Greek connection with sauros, “lizard,” likely reflects folk etymology rather than the people’s true name; Sauromatae are generally regarded as an early form or close predecessor of the Sarmatians.
Etymological Timeline
5th Century BCE
Greek
Σαυρομάται (Sauromátai)
“The name used by Greek writers, notably Herodotus, for a nomadic people living beyond the Don region.”
Classical Greek
Greek
σαῦρος (sauros)
““Lizard”; this visually similar Greek word probably encouraged later folk interpretations of the ethnonym, but is not securely its actual source.”
1st Century BCE–1st Century CE
Latin
Sauromatae
“The Latinized ethnonym used by Roman geographers and historians for the same steppe population.”
Late Antiquity
Greek/Latin
Sarmatai / Sarmatae
“A shortened or variant form associated with the broader Sarmatian peoples as Sauromatian groups became incorporated into Sarmatian history.”
Modern English
English
Sauromatae
“A historical term retained in classical studies and ancient ethnography for the early Sarmatian-related people.”