Warrior Aristocracy

Early barbarian societies were based on a simple caste-style system. At the bottom were the farmers and labourers, above them the warriors, and, at the top of society, the intellectuals. Members of the warrior and intellectual castes were buried in lavish graves with all the items they would need in the Otherworld. It is because of this custom that we have been able to learn more about ancient societies. For example, many of the beautiful weapons found in the graves of warriors were symbols of their positions in society, rather than for practical use.