Seigite (ˈsei̯ɣai̯t / SAY-ghite)
The Seigites were the earliest known culture to inhabit the eastern steppe. Historically, the Seigites were pastoral nomads, moving from place to place to ensure their herds could graze. They primarily raised horses, goats, and sheep, and they traded with nearby agrarian cultures to get grains, fruits, and vegetables. Their society was tribal and matriarchal, led by female chieftains.
The first permanent Seigite settlement was founded during the Bronze Age. This settlement, named Kunkei Ăung (meaning 'the settlement'), was built in a river valley, where the fertile ground enabled them to cultivate grains and other crops they had received in trade. Bronze-age Seigite culture was semi-nomadic, with farmers and craftspeople living permanently in Kunkei Ăung or lesser settlements and livestock herders adopting a pattern of seasonal migration between settled areas and open countryside.
By the Iron Age, Kunkei Ăung had grown into a prosperous city, and the Seigites had a number of settlements. Their prosperity came to an end, however, when the growing Feogh Empire to the west—which was far larger and more powerful—conquered Kunkei Ăung and the other Seigite towns. The Seigites were dispersed, with some being forced to assimilate into the invaders' culture and the rest being driven out of the steppe.
A notable offshoot of the Seigites were the Eliviðites, who settled the eastern coast after abandoning the steppe.
Naming Traditions
Family names
The Seigites did not have surnames, though they did optionally use matronymics. Rarely, patronymics were used instead (or in addition), typically if the person in question's father was a notable individual.
When including the matronymic, the format of a full Seigite name was (mother's name) + ăð feing (meaning 'child of') + (given name). For example, someone named Eya whose mother's name was Cheyŭn would be called Cheyŭn ăð feing Eya.
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
Proto-Eastern
Art & Architecture
Nomadic Seigites lived in tents made using animal skins, since such homes were easy to carry from place to place. Permanent homes were earth huts with thatched roofs and no doors or windows (the "door" was just an open doorway). These homes could get quite large, as extended families often lived together under one roof.
Historical figures
Seigĕ (legendary matriarch from whom the Seigites trace their descent)
Ideals
Relationship Ideals
Seigite marriage was technically monogamous, in that a person could only have one spouse (vizka), though it was typical for women who had wealth and/or status (such as chieftains) to have one or more concubines (nouvlous') as well. Marriage was usually heterosexual (but not always), and a woman's husband (or wife, when that was the case) was considered to be the father of her children.
Diverged ethnicities
Related Locations
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