[tied] Re: Why is PIE more centum than satem?

--- In cybalist@..., george knysh <gknysh@...> wrote:

> *****GK: A tack on query. An Olbian inscription of ca.
> 200 BC mentions one "Saitafarn" ruler of the "Saii" as
> THE monarch to whom tribute is due from the city. Did
> a leading "K" by any chance drop off from both
> names?*****

It would have been Iranian /x/, actually (a fricative like Russian
<x>), and I can well imagine /xs^/ being transmitted as /s/
(though /ks/ is the normal Greek substitute). *xs^aita-farna- (with
*f- for *xW-) 'shining/majestic (Av. <xs^aeta->) hvarna' would make
perfect sense.

Piotr