Sources about the Galatians

**Thaatu** · 04-12-2009, 18:55

Hello again. I'm just wondering about this paragraph from the EB home page's unit descriptions for the Galatikoi Kleruchoi.

"Historically, Galatai were imported in such numbers as to have changed the ethnic makeup of some parts of the country. They often intermarried with the Hellenes and to this day the area around the Fayuum depression in Aigyptos is populated by fair skinned people with light eye colors. The Galatians were fanatically loyal to the Ptolemaioi, being used as a counterweight to the dangerous native troops, which they slaughtered wholesale during two rebellions. After the Roman conquest, these men joined the legions raised in Aigyptos, and spread themselves all over the near east. Theirs is a truly fascinating story that is not often told."

I'd like to know the sources for this, especially about the Fayuum depression. I'm doing a presentation about Galatians and the Fayuum detail would be a neat addition. The only problem is that I need some sources, which I couldn't find on my own, so any help is appreciated.

**-Praetor-** · 04-12-2009, 19:06

Hey, long time no see!

You may ask Krusader, he's digging into Galatians right now, at least in the Anatolian area.

PS: How's your study going, in what area are you specializing?

**Krusader** · 04-12-2009, 19:20

Originally Posted by Thaatu

Hello again. I'm just wondering about this paragraph from the EB home page's unit descriptions for the Galatikoi Kleruchoi.

"Historically, Galatai were imported in such numbers as to have changed the ethnic makeup of some parts of the country. They often intermarried with the Hellenes and to this day the area around the Fayuum depression in Aigyptos is populated by fair skinned people with light eye colors. The Galatians were fanatically loyal to the Ptolemaioi, being used as a counterweight to the dangerous native troops, which they slaughtered wholesale during two rebellions. After the Roman conquest, these men joined the legions raised in Aigyptos, and spread themselves all over the near east. Theirs is a truly fascinating story that is not often told."

I'd like to know the sources for this, especially about the Fayuum depression. I'm doing a presentation about Galatians and the Fayuum detail would be a neat addition. The only problem is that I need some sources, which I couldn't find on my own, so any help is appreciated.

Altering the ethnic makeup thing I'm fairly certain will be dropped as there are no sources Ive come across citing this. Could be one of the first historians who was a bit rash with drawing conclusions.
Galatians (and Celts from Eastern Europe) did however immigrate to Ptolemaic lands in substantial numbers and did intermarry with other ethinc groups, but also took their wives and children with them, as there is evidence showing Celtic female names from Egyptian graveyards and/or papyric inscriptions (according to second-hand sources). Also, many Galatians took Hellenic names as well.
And yes the Galatians were pretty loyal to the Ptolemaioi, although there was one revolt (by mercenaries) and once where they refused to obey orders (due to a full moon and Celts were very concerned with signs & portents). Cleopatra VII had an elite bodyguard of Galatians, which was given to Herod the Great after her death, by Octavian.

As for Fayuum depression there is really only one book for that and its Gunther Hölbl's History of the Ptolemaic Empire. Don't have it in my collection, but have read it and there some good info on the Fayuum there.

**Thaatu** · 04-12-2009, 21:13

25 minutes? Wow...

Hey k_raso, it's going great! I've been promoted to DJ of the archaeology department and actually managed to find a girlfriend, so the studies are going... umm, yeah. Seriously, we're just going through the basic archaeology courses this year, but I'm going to specialize in Classical Archaeology. From June to September I'll be in Sheffield at excavations.

Thanks for the info Krusader. I appreciate it very much.