Iolaes Discussion

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The Iolaes are considered the most ancient population on the island of Sardinia. Although considered to have Iberian roots, they are considered to be of Pre-Indo European origin. The Iolaes followed a shepherd lifestyle, were expert navigators and leveraged mountains to fend off invaders. They used guerilla warfare and were highly skilled with bow and useage of the mountainous terrain. Furthermore, the Iolaes had very strong ties with Ancient Greeks - many Greek products and ceramics have been found on Sardinia from before 800 BC. In fact Greek legends claim the name Iolaes derives from Iolaus, the Theban hero who founded a colony in Sardinia. They are considered the most important population of Nuragic Sardinia. Ancient Egyptian sources even link this tribe with the Sherden, one of the Sea Peoples.