Sandilch

Sandilch (Σάνδιλ, Σάνδιλχος; Turkic: "boat") was a chieftain of the Utigurs in the 6th century.^[1][2] The origin of the name is probably Hunnic.^[3][4] Although he initially protested against leading the Utigurs into war against a related people, the Kutrigurs, the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I (527–565) convinced him to do so through diplomatic persuasion and bribery.^[5][6] The Utigurs led by Sandilch attacked the Kutrigurs, who suffered great losses.^[5][6]

Sandilch's own words:

"It is neither fair nor decent to exterminate our tribesmen (the Kutrigurs), who not only speak a language, identical to ours, who are our neighbours and have the same dressing and manners of life, but who are also our relatives, even though subjected to other lords".^[7]

After decimating each other, the remnant of Zabergan's and Sandilch's Bulgars acquired Dacia during the reign of Emperor Maurice.

Honours

Sandilh Point in Antarctica is named after Sandilch.

See also

• Utigurs
• Kutrigurs