Sibae

SI´BAE (Σίβαι, Arrian, Ind. 100.5; Diod. 17.96; Strab. 15. p. 688), a nation of the Panjab. below the junction of the Hydaspes and Acesines, encountered by Alexander in his attempt to invade India. They are described as a rude, warlike people, armed only with clubs for defensive weapons. The Greeks noticed this use of the club, and that the people were in the habit of branding the representation of a club on the backs of their cattle, and that they were clothed in the skins of wild animals. From these facts they inferred that they must be descendants of Hercules. There can be doubt that they are the same race as are called Sobii in Curtius (Curt. 9.4.2). A tribe of similar character, called Siapul or Siapuch, still exists in that country, who use the club, and wear the skins of goats for clothing. (Ritter, 7. p. 279, 5. p. 467; Bohlen, Alte-Indien, 1. p. 208.) It is possible that they have derived their name from the god Siva.

(Σίβαι) or Sibi (Σίβοι). An Indian people in the Punjab (Arrian, Ind. v.).