History of Tattoos: Exploring the Mythological and Cultural Ties Between Tattoos, Thrace, the Legendary Founders of Rome and Europe
Tattoos have played a significant role in human history, serving various functions from spiritual, cultural, and medicinal purposes to the expression of personal identity and social status. The history of tattoos spans thousands of years and crosses many civilizations, from the ancient Egyptians to Pacific Island tribes. However, a lesser-known yet fascinating connection lies between tattoos and the Thracians, an ancient Indo-European people known for their warrior culture. The Thracians not only embraced tattoos as a part of their cultural identity but also as an essential aspect of their military traditions and high social status.
This article delves into the rich history of tattoos, with a special focus on their relevance in Thracian culture and how they symbolized their warrior ethos.
Origins of Tattoos
Tattoos date back thousands of years. Archaeological evidence reveals that humans have been decorating their skin for at least 5,000 years. The oldest known example of a tattooed body is the famous Ötzi the Iceman, discovered in the Alps and dated to around 3300 BCE. By autosomal DNA he was part of the migration of early European farmers who migrated from Anatolia to Europe in large numbers during the 7th millennium BC. Ötzi’s body bears 61 tattoos, mostly lines and crosses on his joints and lower back. These early tattoos are believed to have had therapeutic purposes, as they were placed over areas with joint degeneration, indicating that tattoos were perhaps used as a form of pain relief or medicinal treatment.
Ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and Scythians also used tattoos for different purposes, from religious rituals to social marking and punishment. In these societies, tattoos were more than mere body art—they were an essential part of expressing one’s place within a specific cultural or social group.
Tattoos in Ancient Europe: The Thracians
One of the most intriguing and lesser-explored tattooing traditions of ancient Europe is found among the Thracians, an Indo-European people who inhabited what is now modern-day Bulgaria, parts of Greece, and Anatolia, Turkey. The Thracians were renowned for their warrior culture and complex societal structures.
The earliest written mention of the Thracians appears in Homer’s The Iliad (8th century BCE), where he describes them as formidable warriors who fought alongside the Trojan army. “The Thracians are the biggest nation in the world, next to the Indians; were they under one ruler, or united, they would in my judgment be invincible and the strongest nation on earth;” Herodotus — Book V: Chapters 1‑27
The most important Greek gods were Thracians. The throne of Zeus is on Mount Ida (on the Thracian-Pelasgian island of Crete), the throne of Poseidon is on Samothrace, and Olympus itself is in southern Macedonia (on the border with Thessaly). All this is a Thracian periphery. All in all, along with the knowledge that the Thracians worshipped different deities, exploring the idea that the Greek and Roman gods were, in fact, legendary Thracians, is well worth consideration.
Thracian warriors tattoo culture and symbolic
Thracian warriors in the Roman Empire
Constantine the Great, leadership impact on Europe.
At the end of the 6th and the beginning of the 5th centuries BCE, the Thracian tribes of the Derrones, the Oreski and the Lei began minting their own coins, a sign of economic and political emancipation. The Greek historian Herodotus, writing in the 5th century BCE, also described the Thracians as a people deeply connected to tattoos, stating that “tattooing among them is considered a mark of noble birth, while among the common folk, it is a sign of disgrace.”
Constantine the Great is the prominent Thracian who profoundly shaped the future of the Roman Empire and its successor, the Byzantine Empire. As the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity, Constantine’s influence transformed the religious landscape of the empire, culminating in the Edict of Milan in 313 AD, which legalized Christianity and set the foundation for it to become the dominant faith of Europe.
His decision to establish Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) as the new capital marked a pivotal shift, as the city would later become the heart of the Byzantine Empire for over a millennium. Constantine’s governance, military, and religious reforms stabilized the Roman Empire during his reign. They left an enduring legacy that defined the Byzantine Empire’s culture, politics, and religious identity, ensuring the continuity of Thraco-Roman influence well into the Middle Ages.
Tattooing as a Mark of Nobility and Status
Among the Thracians, tattoos were an important symbol of status, particularly among the nobility and warrior classes. The elite in Thracian society used tattoos to display their heritage, bravery, and social rank. Men and women of noble descent were heavily tattooed, often using intricate designs that held personal and familial significance.
A warrior’s tattoos would serve as a visual testament to his prowess in battle, with each new marking representing an achievement or conquest. Tattoos in Thracian culture were not just for decoration but were seen as a rite of passage for warriors, symbolizing their courage and strength.
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Thracian Tattoos and Warrior Culture
The Thracians were well-known for their fierce warriors, and tattooing played a crucial role in their military culture. Thracian warriors were frequently tattooed with symbols of their gods, particularly those associated with war and death. Many Thracian warriors worshipped Zalmoxis, a god associated with immortality, and these tattoos often reflected their belief in the afterlife and the idea that death in battle was the highest honour a warrior could achieve.
Thracian tattoos also included depictions of animals, which were believed to embody the warrior’s spirit. The lion, the eagle, and the boar were common motifs, symbolizing courage, freedom, and ferocity. These animal tattoos were thought to imbue the warrior with the qualities of the creatures they represented, offering both physical and spiritual protection in battle. Many coats of arms have their origins deeply rooted in this ancient warrior culture.
The God of War Mars is Thracian. “Moreover so highly were the Getae praised that Mars, whom the fables of poets call the god of war, was reputed to have been born among them. Hence Virgil says: “Father Gradivus rules the Getic fields.” – Jordanes, Get. 40. Mars fathered Romulus and Remus, the twin brothers whose story tells of the events that led to the founding of the city of Rome and the Roman Empire. Spartacus, who shed fear across the Roman Empire with the rebellion of the gladiators in 74-71 BC, was also a Thracian.
Thracian warriors are believed to have invented the military knowledge of how a weaker military power can defeat a stronger one. And if it is true that warrior traditions are passed down from father to son, this might help explain the remarkable outcome of the Battle of Doiran (1917), where the newly liberated Bulgarian state dealt a significant defeat to the British Empire. This battle stands as one of the most devastating losses for the British in the 20th century, and arguably in their entire military history.
Additionally, tattoos served as a form of intimidation. A Thracian warrior’s tattooed body, covered in the symbols of his gods and his animal spirit, would have struck fear into the hearts of his enemies. Tattoos, in this sense, became an integral part of the warrior’s armour
Thracian Women and Tattoos
In the history of tattoos, Thracian women played a vital role. Women in Thracian society also sported tattoos, though their designs were often more intricate and ornamental compared to the battle-oriented symbols worn by the men. Thracian women, especially those of noble lineage, used tattoos as a form of personal adornment, but they also carried deeper meanings related to fertility, family, and spiritual beliefs. Tattoos on women might depict symbols of the goddess Bendis, associated with the moon and hunting, or fertility symbols designed to protect the wearer.
In this way, tattooing in Thracian culture was not merely about aesthetics but was woven into the very fabric of societal and gender roles. Both men and women used tattoos as a means to express their connection to their gods, their family lineage, and their societal roles.
The Evolution of Tattoos: From Ancient Warriors to Modern Times
While tattooing held an important place in Thracian society, its popularity and meanings evolved as it spread throughout other cultures and time-periods. In the Roman Empire, tattoos were used to mark criminals and slaves, while in the Celtic and Germanic tribes of Northern Europe, tattoos also played a role in warrior culture similar to that of the Thracians.
In the history of tattoos by the Middle Ages, this practice in Europe had largely fallen out of favour. With the rise of Christianity, warriors and tattooing came to be seen as pagan or barbaric. However, tattoos remained a significant part of other cultures worldwide, particularly in Polynesia, Japan, and among Native American tribes.
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The modern resurgence of tattooing, beginning in the 19th and 20th centuries, brought the practice back into the public eye. Today, tattoos are a global phenomenon, appreciated for their aesthetic value, cultural significance, and personal meaning. The link to ancient warrior cultures like the Thracians remains evident in many tattoo designs, especially those that draw upon motifs of strength, bravery, and honour.
The history of tattoos is a long and intricate journey, filled with rich cultural symbolism and evolving meanings. Among the Thracians, tattoos were much more than skin deep—they were a testament to a person’s lineage, beliefs, and warrior prowess. Whether worn as symbols of social status, protective charms in battle, or markers of divine favour, tattoos in Thracian culture were a powerful expression of identity.
As tattooing continues to grow in popularity in modern times, it’s fascinating to look back and uncover its ancient roots, particularly its connection to warrior cultures like that of the Thracians. Their influence lingers on in the world of tattoo art today, reminding us that the practice has always been about more than just ink on the skin—it’s about telling a story, both personal and frank.
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