Apsilae

Apsilae (different sound Apsils, Apshils) - one of the ancient tribes that lived on the territory of modern Abkhazia and had played a decisive role in the formation of the abkhazian nation[1].

Apsils lived in that part of modern Abkhazia which previously called Apsilia (‎Tsebelda‎)[2].
For the first time Apsilae are mentioned in the writings of Pliny of the 1 st century ad[1], as well as the Flavius Arrianus in the II century are mentioned as "Αψιλαι".
From the 2-nd half of the 8th century Apsilae in the documents are not mentioned.
Apsilae descended from the coastal part of the ancient tribes Zygii[3].
The ethnonym "Apsilae" is preserved in the name of abkhazians - Apsua, as well as the linguistic originality of modern abkhaz language - Abjui dialect.
The high development of the local manufacturing of products and tools of metal archeological artifacts Tsebelda culture.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Apsils" in the Great Soviet Encyclopedia
  2. ^ Воронов Ю. Н. The Mystery of the Tsebelda valley. — M.: Наука, 1975
  3. ^ "Zikhis" in the Great Soviet Encyclopedia