Bastarnae
Bastarnae | |
|---|---|
| 748–389 BCE | |
 Alleged territory of the Bastarnae | |
| Common languages | Multiple suggested languages |
| Government | Tribal Confederation |
| Chieftain | |
• c. 748 BCE - ? | Ulina |
• c. 485 BCE - ? | Kalex |
• c. 406 BCE - ? | Dedritla |
• c. 389 BCE - ? | Balop |
| History | |
| 748 | |
| 389 BCE | |
The Bastarnae were an enigmatic ancient people who inhabited western Syara from at least the 8th century BCE to the 4rd Century BCE. During their existence the Bastarnae profoundly impacted the early history of Syara, conducting four major invasions of central and northern Syara as well as numerous smaller raids before abruptly disappearing from history shortly after the end of their fourth and final invasion in 389 BCE.
The Bastarnae are attested to have inhabited western Syara, in what is today southern Scitaria and western Galania. Their origin is unclear, and their presence in recorded history is uncertain before the 8th century, although it is believed they were the "western tribes" identified as in several ancient sources written between 1,100 - 900 BCE. In 748 BCE they launched the First Bastarnae Invasion which devastated central Syara and contributed to the forming of the Kydonian League in 735 BCE, the first major nation to emerge in Syara. The Bastarnae were virtually unheard of for nearly 300 years until 485 BCE when they launched the Second Bastarnae Invasion, wreaking havoc through Kydonia before being halted with assistance from the Makedonian Empire. Less than a century would pass before they returned in 406 BCE during the Third Bastarnae Invasion, this time targeting the emergent Galanian Kingdom which culminated in the sacking of Decebala. Their fourth and final invasion in 389 BCE saw them once again return to attack Decebala, but were once again defeated with Makedonian assistance.
Despite the immense impact they had on ancient Syara, virtually nothing is known of the Bastarnae. It is not even clear whether Bastarnae is an exonym (a name given to them by other Syarans) or an endonym (a name they called themselves). Almost no records exist attesting to their existence following their final incursion in 289 BCE, and little archeological evidence can be definitively tied to them. With no concrete evidence regarding their ethnic or linguistic affiliation, many theories have risen to explain the Bastarnae's origin and fate; the most popular (and controversial) hold that they were the last remnants of the Segelen. Because of mystery surrounding them, as well as the havoc they wreaked in their invasions, the Bastarnae have formed a distinct part of Syaran culture, with references to them found in many facets, from pop culture, to consumer products, to serving as the nickname of Syaran Special Forces.