The Sarmatians were an ancient group of Iranian-speaking nomadic tribes that thrived in the vast steppes of Eastern Europe and Central Asia from around the 5th century BCE to the 4th century CE. They were closely related to the Scythians, another nomadic people of the steppes, and were part of the larger Iranian cultural and linguistic group. The Sarmatians are significant in the history of human migration and the ethnogenesis of various European and West Eurasian peoples, as their movements and interactions with other cultures left a lasting impact on the region.

The Sarmatians originally inhabited the area between the Don and Volga rivers but eventually expanded westward into territories that are now parts of Ukraine, Southern Russia, and even as far west as the Danube River basin. Their westward movement brought them into contact with the Roman Empire, where they served as both foes and mercenaries. The Sarmatians played a crucial role in the military history of the Roman Empire, particularly during the Marcomannic Wars, where they were both formidable opponents and valuable allies.

In terms of their lifestyle, the Sarmatians were primarily horse-riding nomads, known for their exceptional cavalry skills. They practiced a pastoral economy, relying heavily on horse breeding, as well as the herding of sheep, cattle, and goats. The Sarmatians were also accomplished warriors, famous for their heavy armor and long spears, which were used effectively in battle. Their society was structured around a warrior aristocracy, and they are often depicted as fierce and formidable fighters in ancient texts.

The Sarmatians are also notable for their rich material culture, which included elaborately decorated weapons, armor, and horse gear, as well as intricate jewelry and other artifacts. Archaeological evidence from Sarmatian burial mounds, or kurgans, reveals a society that valued martial prowess and had complex burial practices, often including horses and grave goods in their tombs.

Genetically, the Sarmatians were part of the broader Indo-Iranian population group and contributed to the genetic makeup of later European populations. Their interactions with other nomadic groups, as well as settled populations in Europe, played a role in the history of human migration and the spread of cultural and genetic traits across West Eurasia. The legacy of the Sarmatians can be seen in the histories and legends of various peoples in Eastern Europe, including the Alans, who were direct descendants of the Sarmatians and played a significant role in the late Roman and early medieval periods.
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