Euskaldunak/History

Faction Overview	Strategic Overview	History

The Euskaldunak or Basque peoples are thought to constitute the oldest autochthonous race in all of Europe, with a history that spans well over five millenia. Ensconced in the Pyrenees that form the borders between modern-day France and Spain, their ancestors managed to live in relative isolation from the outside world until the Middle Ages when the rise of mediaeval feudalism saw their communities integrated first into the Holy Roman Empire, then as parts of the mediaeval kingdoms of Pamplona, Navarre, and later France and Spain. In spite of the great upheavals of history, the Basques have for millenia managed not only to survive as a single race, but have even preserved their own language (which they call Euskadi), which could well be the oldest language in the European continent and is not related to any other one therein.

The ancestors

For centuries, it was thought that the Basques were a fully autochthonous people who had always settled and lived off the lands of their ancestors for millenia - a belief that until recently was the quotidian belief amongst not just the folk of the Basque regions, but also that of academics. DNA evidence recently discovered in a cave in the Atapuerca Mountains of northern Spain has hinted at a more realistic and richer heritage - being that the Basques were descended from the intermingling of Europe's first hunter-gatherer tribes and migrants from further east who practised agriculture.

Little has survived of the pre-Christian and pre-Islamic mythology and beliefs of the Basque peoples, but various folk tales, popular legends and toponyms remain to hint of the beliefs, cultural practices and political organisation of prehistoric Basque peoples. Clearly, they followed animistic beliefs, and were ranged in various small communities, ruled by a chief or local strongman who may also have been shamans, healing — the work of the shaman — was clearly held in high regard by the Basques. While they were polytheists, the Basques too also believed in a range of spirits (both good and evil alike) and creatures (particularly the jentilak or giants), who were said to reside in the many caves that honeycomb their lands and followed complex and elaborate rituals throughout their lives. Fire, water, the luminaries and the horse (as well as tools and weapons) seemed to have had deep spiritual significance for the Basques, they unlike the other Indo-European cultures of the world saw thunder and lightning as evil (they believed that thistle could protect from lightning storms) and feared it as much as they (and other cultures) feared darkness, diseases, and death. Not unlike many cultures around the world, water held special significance for them, and so springs were considered sacred sites.

The history of the Basque people during the period from 1800 BCE to 500 BCE is fascinating and somewhat enigmatic due to the scarcity of written records. However, archaeological and genetic evidence provides some insights into their early history:

Origins and Early History Prehistoric Roots: The Basques are believed to be one of the oldest ethnic groups in Europe, with roots tracing back to the Upper Paleolithic period. Genetic studies suggest that the Basques are descendants of early hunter-gatherers who settled in the region before the arrival of Indo-European groups12. Isolation and Continuity: The Basque region, located in the western Pyrenees and along the Bay of Biscay, provided a natural barrier that helped the Basques maintain their distinct culture and language. This isolation contributed to their genetic and cultural continuity2. 1800 BCE to 500 BCE Bronze Age (circa 1800 BCE - 1200 BCE): During the Bronze Age, the Basque region saw the development of fortified settlements and the use of bronze tools and weapons. The Basques engaged in trade with neighboring regions, exchanging goods such as amber, metals, and pottery1. Iron Age (circa 1200 BCE - 500 BCE): The transition to the Iron Age brought advancements in metallurgy and agriculture. The Basques continued to live in small, fortified communities and maintained their distinct language and cultural practices. They were known for their skills in metalworking and their use of iron tools and weapons12. Cultural and Linguistic Aspects Language: The Basque language, Euskara, is unique and unrelated to any other known language. It is considered a linguistic isolate, meaning it has no known relatives. This distinct language is a key element of Basque identity and has been preserved through millennia12. Mythology and Religion: The Basques had their own set of myths and religious beliefs, which were deeply connected to nature and the landscape. They worshipped various deities and spirits associated with natural elements such as mountains, forests, and rivers1. Interactions with Neighboring Cultures Trade and Exchange: Despite their relative isolation, the Basques engaged in trade with neighboring cultures, including the Celts and Iberians. They exchanged goods and cultural practices, which influenced their material culture1. Resistance to Conquest: The Basques were known for their fierce independence and resistance to external domination. This resistance helped them maintain their cultural and linguistic identity despite the various invasions and migrations that affected the surrounding regions2. The Basques’ ability to preserve their unique identity through millennia is a testament to their resilience and strong cultural cohesion.