Sinnion

Sinnion (Greek: Σιννίων or Σισίννιος; undetermined origin, perhaps Iranian[1]) was the chieftain of the Kutrigurs, a Turkic nomadic tribe of the Pontic–Caspian steppe.

Sinnion was a veteran of the Vandalic War.[2][3] Noted for their strength and bravery,[3] Sinnion and Balas led a group of 600 auxiliaries (all mounted archers),[1] at the Battle of Ad Decimum (September 13, 533).

After the Utigurs led by Sandilch had attacked the Kutrigurs, Sinnion succeeded Chinialon as leader of the Kutrigurs between 551 and 558.[4] Having suffered great losses, the Kutrigurs made a peace treaty with Byzantine Empire, and 2000 Kutrigurs with their wives and children were led by Sinnion into the Empire's service and were settled in Thrace.[4][2] The shelter provided to the Kutrigurs was not well received by Sandilch.[4]

Sinnion was succeeded by Zabergan.

  1. ^ a b Maenchen-Helfen, Otto J. (1973). "Chapter IX. Language: 7. Names of undetermined origin". The World of the Huns: Studies in Their History and Culture. University of California Press. pp. 390, 420. ISBN 9780520015968.
  2. ^ a b Curta 2015, p. 76–77.
  3. ^ a b Martindale, John Robert (1971). The Prosopography of the Later Roman Empire, Volume 3. Cambridge University Press. p. 169. ISBN 9780521201605.
  4. ^ a b c Golden 2011, p. 140.