Nowadays, Paleo-Balkan mythology has become a topic of great relevance and interest to a wide range of people. With the advancement of technology and globalization, Paleo-Balkan mythology has gained greater importance in today's society. Whether it's a historical figure, a current topic, or an iconic date, Paleo-Balkan mythology has captured the attention of individuals of all ages and backgrounds. In this article we will explore in depth the impact of Paleo-Balkan mythology in different areas, as well as its relevance today and its projection into the future.
The horseman was a common Palaeo-Balkan hero. The original Palaeo-Balkan word for 'horseman' has been reconstructed as *Me(n)zana-, with the root *me(n)za- 'horse'. It is based on evidence provided by:
Albanian: mëz or mâz 'foal', with the original meaning of 'horse' that underwent a later semantic shift 'horse' > 'foal' after the loan from Latincaballus into Albanian kalë 'horse'; the same root is also found in Albanian: mazrek 'horse breeder';
Messapic: menzanas, appearing as an epithet in Zis Menzanas, found in votive inscriptions, and in Iuppiter Menzanas, mentioned in a passage written by Festus in relation to a Messapian horse sacrifice;
Thracian: ΜΕΖΗΝΑ̣Ι mezēnai, found in the inscription of the Duvanli gold ring also bearing the image of a horseman.
The reliefs of the Thracian horseman, especially his depiction as a hunter (either chasing or holding the hunted animal in his hand), were widespread within the Balkano-Danubian area during the Roman period.