Европейские источники о символах алан

Abstract

In the 16th century in the written sources of Western Europe, unexpectedly appears information about the visual symbols of the Alans, who have long since disappeared from the historical arena of the region. This information has practically remained outside the scientific attention of both historians and specialists in the field of heraldry and vexillology. Accordingly, the symbols themselves did not receive consideration as historical sources. The current situation determines the scientific relevance of the study. The purpose of the study is to preliminary determine the general range of sources and verify the data presented in them for their further inclusion in the study within such scientific disciplines as heraldry and vexillology. The study is based on the identified original data from written sources about the visual symbols of the Alans, which were practically not involved in the analysis by specialists. The study used methods of textual and logical analysis of sources and based on the principles of historicism and objectivity, systematic presentation. Among the presented zoomorphic symbols are identified images of a cat, marten, dog, lion, winged lioness, dragon and deer. The historical reliability of most of them at the present stage raises objective doubts. The number of such symbols undoubtedly includes those that are clearly the author’s interpretations. The reasons for them in some cases can be determined. At the same time, other symbols that are promising for analysis are outlined as historical sources. The preliminary analysis confirms the stated need to introduce the identified materials into study within such scientific fields as heraldry and vexillology.