Yelvas

Yelvas were an ancient Indo-European-speaking people known to have inhabited the Pontic Steppe, a vast area in Eurasia. They are considered a branch of the Greater Iranian-speaking peoples, closely related to the Scythians and Sarmatians. The Yelvas likely resided in the northeastern part of the steppe, possibly around the modern-day Russian region of Kalmykia.

The available historical records on the Yelvas are scarce, making it challenging to determine their exact identity and role within the complex network of steppe cultures. Given their generic similarity to other steppe peoples, it is assumed they were a nomadic or semi-nomadic society, subsisting primarily on animal husbandry and resourceful hunting practices.

Due to the limited history and literature available, any dependable information regarding their language, customs, and governance system remains largely speculative. Regardless, the Yelvas, along with neighboring groups, did participate in significant events of the ancient world, such as military incursions into neighboring territories.

Radiocarbon dating and various other historical analyses place the period of Yelva existence spanning from about the 9th to 4th centuries BC. This assumption is supported by the alleged broad consistency in their displacement with the rise and subsequent fall of other steppe empire enclaves. Archaeological findings from associated Northeastern European areas demonstrate more complete material culture profiles. However, these preliminary studies provide a more understanding of complex interatio.