Hepthalites

[Greg_Wild]

The Hepthalites (or often known as White Huns) were a Steppe people, who were responsible for raiding northern China, and eventually settling in Bactria/Northern Pakistan, providing a significant thread to the Sassanid Empire in the 5th/6th centuries (they were defeated in 565AD). The problem is, that information on their cultural and military aspects are rather hard to find to say the least. Does anyone have any knowledge on this rather obscure (and often forgotten) culture?

 

For the modification for Rome:Total War (Barbarian Invasion) entitled "Imperia Romana" I am currently directing, we are including in later versions the Hepthalites. I have a run down of the various dates and events refering to them, but the problem now is getting some kind of idea on what they looked like, how they fought, and the structure of their society. They will be a VERY difficult culture to portray in the game, but definatly one that will prove worthwhile (and being a significant threat to the Sassanids during the later half of the game.)

 

Basically if you think you have ANY information, such as web-links, suggested books, or you'd even like to join the team feel free to contact me about it.

[Pertinax]

presume you have the modest picture reference at figure f2 in"Rome's Enemies (vol 3)" from osprey men-at-arms? (and the inferred combat capabilities of these people)

 

If you dont have ready access , we are talking pony mounted archery specialists

Edited November 23, 2005 by Pertinax

[Pantagathus]

All I know of them is that were at least an Indo-European people... No doubt ancestors of the Scythians (& related tribes) of centuries before. Definitely more calvary oriented than infantry

 

Though I don't profess to follow much of humanity's downward spiral into the Dark Ages.

[Greg_Wild]

Yup, I've got that picture

Otherwise, they are going to be "fun" to research...in the sarcastic sense of the word.