Who were the Germanic people
Unlike the Romans, the Germanic people did not form a universal empire. Which tribes exactly belonged to the Germanic peoples and which to neighboring peoples such as the Gauls or Celts is a subject of debate. Germanic people did not call themselves Germanic, but after their tribe. Julius Caesar wrote that the Germanic people lived in Germania, which lay from east to west between the Vistula and the Rhine and from north to south from southern Scandinavia to the Danube. However, this is very short-sighted and he skips most of the North Germans in Scandinavia. From a linguistic point of view, the Germanic people were tribes that collectively spoke Germanic languages. Scientists agree that we can say that we can talk about Germanic-speaking peoples from the 5th century BC. Archaeologists connect the early Germanic peoples with the Jastorf culture that existed in Denmark and northern Germany between the 6th and 1st centuries BCE. The Germanic tribes migrated towards the east, south and west and came into contact with the Celts, Balts and Slavs.
Our knowledge of the Germanic people in this period largely comes from their enemies, the Romans. As a result, the picture is strongly clouded by propaganda and personal agendas instead of objective observations. Other sources with which we can investigate the Germanic people are linguistic research and archaeology.
Trigger warning: Contains nudity.
Linguistic
Linguistic reconstructions can draw a comparison between the different Germanic languages and be compared with other Indo-European languages such as Celtic and Baltic. This allows linguists to project certain terms back to the Proto-Germanic period, despite only being attested in one Germanic language; for example, *saidaz ('magic') is only attested in Old Norse as seiðr, but has parallels in Proto-Celtic *soytos and Lithuanian saitas.
Germania
Tacitus' work "Germania" is a valuable source of information about Germanic society. He provides a detailed description of the Germanic tribes and their way of life. Although Tacitus was not an eyewitness to Germanic culture, he based his work on various sources, including oral tradition, observations of Roman soldiers, and possibly even earlier writings about the Germanic people that are now lost.
Tacitus and Caesar were Roman aristocrats who wrote from a Roman perspective. Their works may therefore be colored by prejudices and political agendas, such as emphasizing the superiority of Roman culture.
Tacitus and Caesar had limited direct knowledge of Germanic culture and often relied on secondary sources and hearsay. This means that their descriptions may not be completely accurate or representative of the diversity of Germanic society.
Social characteristics
Individual performance
Many stories from Germanic and Celtic mythology center on individual achievement. In Germanic society, individual performance meant performance for the benefit of the tribe. A person's status probably depended heavily on the individual achievement he or she had accomplished. Individual achievement within Germanic culture was closely linked to the community and the tribe. Individuals were recognized and valued within the context of their contribution to the community and collective well-being. But especially the contribution to the larger social structure and the survival of the tribe.
Examples of how this is woven into mythological stories are:
Courage and bravery: An individual was valued for his courage and bravery in battle. Showing courage, achieving victories and protecting the community were important aspects of individual achievement.
Honor and fame: Acquiring honor and fame was an essential part of individual achievement. Achieving feats of heroism, defending the tribe, and gaining a good reputation were ways individuals could increase their honor.
Skills and craft: Having skills and craftsmanship was valued within Germanic culture. Individuals who excelled in crafts such as blacksmithing, weaving, woodworking or hunting were admired and respected.
Leadership and responsibility: Individuals who demonstrated leadership qualities and took responsibility for leading and protecting others were highly regarded. Good leadership qualities, such as wisdom, justice and the ability to inspire others, were valued.
Wisdom and knowledge: Acquiring wisdom and knowledge was important in Germanic culture. Individuals who were intellectually literate, able to remember stories and mythologies, and who could give good advice were valued.
Centering your own interests
There are also examples in Germanic stories where individual performance was not in the interests of the tribe. The pursuit of individual status without the interest of the tribe or sometimes even at the expense of the tribe was seen as evil. Examples include: Loki is known for his selfish actions and pursuit of personal gain, even at the expense of others or the tribe. He is involved in several negative events, such as deceiving the other gods, sabotaging their plans and causing conflict. His motives are usually focused on satisfying his own desires and seeking personal benefit, even if it is harmful to others.
Another example is the figure of Grendel in the Old English epic poem Beowulf. Grendel is a monster that attacks and kills the people of the kingdom of Hrothgar. His actions are mainly inspired by his own resentment and envy, without any concern for the welfare of the tribe. He is considered a symbol of evil and destruction.
Class shield
There was a clear class difference within the Germanic tribes. In Indo-European and later Germanic graves it can be seen that one individual takes more objects to the afterlife than the other. This points to a clear class difference. The philosophy that everyone is equal was probably not implemented until Christianity. A person's status was largely related to the achievements one made for the tribe. The function of royalty, nobility and martial classes should largely be approached from this point of view. If kings and aristocrats did not perform sufficiently, they were probably deposed without mercy. The Salic Law made a distinction between free and unfree people. Probably the Germanic classes, like the Indo-European classes, were divided into the fighting, religious, working classes.
Free/unfree people
Freemen were protected by law and had certain rights and responsibilities (legal personality). Unfree people were often at the mercy of their lord and had fewer legal rights.
Different classes
From the Germanic and 'Viking' Laws we can conclude that there was a large class difference within the tribe. Although there is a chance that these laws are inspired by each other and small parts of them are derived from Christian and Roman law. Yet scientists argue that these Germanic laws provide a fairly pure insight into Germanic society.
Classes in the Germanic laws
The Salic Law, the Frostathing Law, the Gulathingslov, the Lex Alamannorum and the Lex Baiuvariorum unanimously distinguish between different classes in society. They also all make a distinction between free and unfree men. All Five of these laws deal with matters such as hereditary succession, weregeld (wergeld) and fines. The higher the status of the victim, the higher the fine. The wergeld that an offender had to pay to the victim or the victim's family also depended on the status of the victim.
Kingship (fighting classes)
Within Germanic society there was often a king or prince who served as the highest authority and leader of the tribe. The king often had a special status and enjoyed privileges and respect because of his leadership. Within Germanic society there may have been a less strict and unchanging aristocratic class as in some other societies. Leadership and positions of power were often determined based on personal qualities, achievements and community support.
Within Germanic society, there were mechanisms in place to depose leaders if they were no longer considered acceptable or if they abused their power.
In general, the position of power and leadership within Germanic society was determined by the trust and support of the community, rather than by a rigid aristocratic structure in which rulers were untouchable.
Some examples of this are:
King Witigis of the Ostrogoths:In the 6th century, King Witigis was deposed by his own army leaders. They were dissatisfied with his leadership during the war against the Byzantine Empire and decided to depose him and elect a new king.
King Æthelwald Moll of Northumbria: In the 8th century, Æthelwald Moll, a king of Northumbria, was deposed by his cousin Eadberht. Eadberht felt that Æthelwald was unable to govern effectively and took power.
King Harald Gormsson of Denmark: In the 10th century, King Harald Gormsson, also known as Harald Blauwtand, was deposed by his son Sweyn Forkbeard. Sweyn felt that his father was too lenient towards the Christian missionaries and took over the throne.
King Sigurd Eysteinsson of Norway: In the 9th century, King Sigurd Eysteinsson of Norway was deposed by his brother Halfdan. Halfdan wanted the throne for himself and drove Sigurd out of the kingdom.
Nobility and warrior class:There was a distinction between the nobility and the warrior class, who usually formed the elite within society. These groups could enjoy prestige and privileges based on their origins, martial arts and social status.
Free men (martial classes):Among Germanic society there were free men, who were self-sufficient and independent and had their own property and land. They had certain rights and obligations within the community. They were expected to defend their tribe and fight under the leadership of a king or warlord. Their military skills and achievements allowed free men to rise in prestige and status within society.
However, it was not the case that all free men automatically belonged to the warrior class. The warrior class consisted of those who actually engaged in warfare and had a certain degree of skill and experience. Not all free men chose to become warriors; some turned to other professions such as agriculture, crafts or trade.
So while free men could be part of the warrior class, it was not the only role they could fulfill within Germanic society. They also had other responsibilities and occupations depending on their individual abilities and origins.
Free farmers and artisans (working class):In addition to the free men, there were also free farmers and craftsmen who played an important role in the economy of the society. They worked the land or practiced a craft and had a certain degree of freedom and autonomy.
Slaves and serfs (unfree working classes):Although the practice of slavery was less widespread in Germanic society than in other ancient societies, there were still cases where slaves or serfs were kept. These individuals had a lower status and were often owned by the nobility or free men.
Military leadership
Tacitus also describes the importance of military leaders within the Germanic political structure. He notes that the Germanic kings and leaders were not only political figures but also military commanders. Gaining success in battle was an important factor in gaining respect and influence within the community.
The martial class
The role of the warrior class involved several things. First, leadership and military expertise. Thus, the tribe could keep its land and agricultural lands, otherwise it will become extinct. Tribal wars occurred continuously and many tribes had political conflicts that could date back hundreds of years. Conflicts between tribes must also be attributed an almost mythological role. Often in the form of cattle raids, the ''enemy'' tribe was impoverished and the winning tribe enriched. Cattle theft demanded the utmost from small groups of warriors who had to approach the enemy unnoticed and steal cattle there. This was probably much protected by groups of warriors from the tribe to which it belonged.
Ultimately, the main role of the warrior class was to protect the tribe from external threats. There is no direct evidence that the martial class also played a role in justice and enforcement. Although this is the suspicion. It is important to remember that the fighting class were not full-time soldiers, but also mostly performed agricultural professions. It was more the case that in the event of conflict a claim could be made on the warrior class or that they themselves undertook expeditions.
Tribal ties and political organization
Tacitus describes the political structure of the Germanic tribes as decentralized and characterized by royal authority. The kings and leaders, known as "reges" and "principles", were chosen based on their merit and courage in battle. Tacitus emphasizes that the Germanic tribes had a strong aversion to monarchy and that kings exercised authority mainly by earning the loyalty and support of their tribesmen.
Mergers between tribes
Germanic tribes had partnerships and could even merge. In the latter, the tribe often ceased to exist as an old form. Importantly, tribes often consisted of multiple groups living in a broader area. Undoubtedly this also allowed tribes to split from each other. The many mergers and splits between the Germanic tribes is the reason why names such as the Franks, Saxons, Alamanni, etc. were not mentioned during the times of Tacitus and Caesar.
Marcomanni and Quads: In the 1st century AD. the Marcomanni and the Quads, two Germanic tribes that originally lived in Central Europe, merged. They formed an alliance to advance their common interests and oppose Roman influence in the region.
Vandals and Silingen: In the 5th century, the Vandals, a Germanic tribe from Scandinavia, formed an alliance with the Silingen, another Germanic tribe from Eastern Europe. Together they migrated west, settling first in Gaul before moving on to North Africa, where they founded the Vandal Empire.
Lombarden en Saxony: In the 6th century, the Lombards, a Germanic tribe from northern Germany, merged with the Saxons, another Germanic tribe from northwestern Germany. They formed an alliance and migrated to the Italian peninsula, where they founded the Lombard Kingdom.
Alemanni and Suebi: In the 3rd and 4th centuries, the Alemanni, a Germanic tribe from southern Germany, formed an alliance with the Suebi, another Germanic tribe from southwestern Germany. Together they moved to the Rhine region and settled in parts of Gaul and Hispania.
Frankish Confederation: The Franks were originally a number of different tribes in the area now known as Northwestern Germany and Northern France. In the 3rd century, these tribes began to form an alliance known as the Frankish Confederation, led by the king of the Salian Franks. This alliance laid the foundation for the emerging Frankish empire.
Saxon confederations: The Saxons were originally a number of Germanic tribes living in northern Germany and the adjacent area. During the Migration Period, these tribes formed several confederations, such as the East Saxons, West Saxons and English Saxons. These confederations gradually merged into the Saxons, an ethnic group that played an important role in medieval history.
Angles, Saxons and Jutes: In the 5th and 6th centuries, several Germanic tribes migrated from the area that is now Denmark to Britain. Among them were the Angles, Saxons and Jutes. Although they were separate tribes, they merged with the existing British population to form the Anglo-Saxon culture and kingdom.
Meetings
Tacitus describes the important role of assemblies in Germanic political decision-making. In these meetings, important issues were discussed and decisions were made. The kings or chiefs had to get the support and approval of the tribesmen before they could take action. The influence during a meeting probably depended on the individual and his status within the tribe. This reflected the participatory nature of Germanic politics, in which community opinion and approval were important. The right to vote belonged to the free men (and possibly also women) of the tribe, who could cast their votes and influence decision-making. The kings or leaders had to win the support of the community and act in accordance with their will. Within the tribes there were often smaller social groups, such as clans and families, that played an important role in the political structure.
Caesar describes the Germanic tribes as divided into smaller political units, each led by kings and nobles. He notes that Germanic society had no central authority and that political decision-making took place in meetings where important issues were discussed and decisions were made.
In the event of a crisis, Germanic tribes could agree on a partnership or even merge (which often happened in the 4th century). A clear example of cooperation between the Germanic tribes was around the 9th century AD. under Arminius, which led to the great Germanic victory at the Teutoburger Wald.
Social structure
Tacitus emphasizes the egalitarian nature of Germanic society. He describes a society in which social status was determined not by birth, but by merit and leadership. He mentions the importance of martial prowess and individual achievement in Germanic culture, and how these qualities were valued and recognized within the community. In addition, he also describes the importance of the "comitatus" or the martial community, in which warriors voluntarily joined a leader and swore loyalty to him.
The division between men and women
Germanic culture was patriarchal. We infer this because Indo-European society was probably also patriarchal. A patriarchal society also emerges from the Germanic laws (The Salic Law, the Frostathing law, the Gulathingslov, the Lex Alamannorum and the Lex Baiuvariorum). There was a clear division of roles within Germanic society. The woman was responsible for the house, the children, for society within the tribe. Men were responsible as breadwinners and for protecting the tribe. The degree of patriarchy could possibly vary between different Germanic tribes and within specific periods, for example the Salic law is seen as the most patriarchal law and the Frostathinge and the Gulathingslov offer more protection and rights to women in the event of marital conflict. There is little evidence of the exact division of roles and the influence women had in it. One can generally assume that individual performance for the benefit of the tribe was more important than the division of roles between men and women. According to Janina Ramirez's theory, aristocratic women were regularly trained to lead and perform martial actions as much as men. This resulted, for example, in women being able to join the martial classes or as queens.
Women had more freedom and autonomy than, for example, in Roman and later Christian society. And perhaps the distribution is more comparable to that of the Etruscans. Women owned property and traded independently of their husbands. They were the boss of the house and made decisions about food supplies and clothing production. It is also unclear whether women could, for example, become skilled craftsmen such as blacksmiths and potters. There are female leaders and queens known within Germanic society. Women also played a central role within Germanic religion. They were priests, diviners and healers. They had an important role in ritual and ceremonies. Female deities were prominent and associated with fertility, protection and wisdom. There are some accounts of Germanic women taking part in battle. This is also mentioned in various mythological stories. Viking women's graves with weapons and armor have also been found from later periods. This proves, sporadically or otherwise, that women participate in the warrior class. This may also indicate that women, for example, were addressed as warriors when defending the tribe. For the robbery of cattle and attacking other tribes, it can be suggested that this was in any case more the role of young men who had not yet acquired status within the tribe or had made connections in a family.
Some examples of female warriors within Germanic culture are:
De Walkuren: In Norse mythology, the Valkyries are described as female divine beings tasked with selecting the fallen warriors on the battlefield and guiding them to Valhalla. They are depicted as warrior women who are both courageous and powerful.
Brynhild: Brynhild is an important figure in Norse mythology and is often described as a female warrior and heroine. She is a Valkyrie and takes part in battles and adventures. Her story is particularly known in the Völsunga saga and the Nibelungenlied.
Highlighted: Hervor is a legendary figure in Norse mythology and the sagas. She is known as a brave warrior and leader. Hervor is best known for the story in which she retrieves her father's sword from his grave and fulfills her destiny as a warrior.
Lagertha: Lagertha is a semi-mythological figure from the Viking Age and is mentioned in the sagas. She is described as a brave warrior and is said to have been the wife of the legendary Viking hero Ragnar Lodbrok.
Saxo Grammaticus In his History of the Danes, he described warrior women who dressed as men and wielded weapons.
Freydís, in the Greenland saga, is manipulative and greedy. After deceiving the people she traveled with, Freydís kills five women with an axe.
De Laxdæla-sagetells the story of Auðr, whose husband leaves her for another woman because she always wears men's pants. She decides to take revenge and, dressed as a man, stabs him with a sword. The Laxdœla saga has the widest range of female characters of all the sagas, and probably had an intended female audience. It is interpreted as an alternative to the disenchanted life that women led given their limited role in society.
Hervar, in de Hervarar-sage ok Heiðreks, is the only child of Angantyr. Early on, she shows more aptitude for weapons than traditional feminine duties. She wields the family sword against her father's wishes and experiences many manly adventures. Only when she decides to settle down and have children is the family's male line restored, allowing her to lay down the mantle of son that Angantyr never had.
Religion
Religion played a crucial role in Germanic society, with gods such as Wodan, Donar and Nerthus. Tacitus and Caesar mentioned different gods and religious practices, and although Tacitus claimed that the Germanic people did not make effigies of their gods, there are archaeological finds of Germanic votive statues. Trees were revered and served as sacred centers that connected the different levels of the universe. Temples, worship poles and ancient structures were also used for religious purposes. However, the role of religious officials, such as priests and shamans, is not fully understood. Germanic burial culture included both cremation and inhumation, with grave goods and different types of graves, such as urn graves and row graves for the elite.
Understanding Germanic religion and burial culture provides valuable information about the history and traditions of the Germanic peoples. Archaeological finds, such as votive statues, temples and tombs, help us better understand their belief system and social hierarchy.
Physical characteristics and clothing
Tacitus describes the Germanic tribes as tall, blond and blue-eyed people. He emphasizes their martial appearance and the importance they attach to their appearance. The Germanic men are described as proud of their long, blond hair.
Tacitus describes the clothing style of the Germanic peoples as simple but functional. He reports that they often wore tunics that were fastened with a belt around the body. These tunics had different colors and patterns.
Tacitus points out the love of the Germanic peoples for jewelry and adornment. He mentions that they liked to wear gold and silver rings, bracelets and chains. These jewelry not only served as decoration, but were also an expression of status, wealth and personal identity. They were considered valuable possessions that were passed down from generation to generation. Tacitus also emphasizes the pride and meaning that Germanic women attached to wearing jewelry. He writes that these jewelry not only emphasized their beauty.
Weapons and equipment
Tacitus also pays attention to the weapons and equipment of the Germanic warriors. He mentions that they were known for their skill with the sword, spear and shield. The weapons were usually simple in design but functional, allowing them to fight effectively in both close combat and at a distance.
Marriage and family life
Tacitus describes the Germanic tribes as faithful to their husbands and committed to marriage. He notes that divorce is rare and that women have great influence within the family. He also emphasizes the importance of family ties and solidarity within family clans.
Economy and agriculture
Tacitus describes Germanic society as agricultural, with agriculture and livestock breeding being important economic activities. He emphasizes the simple lifestyle of the Germanic people and their aversion to luxury goods. They value freedom and self-sufficiency.
Warfare and martial arts
Tacitus emphasizes the martial prowess of the Germanic tribes and their skills in warfare. He describes their tactics, weapons and the organization of their armed forces. The Germanic people were known for their courage and determination in battle.
Norse texts after the conversion to Christianity mention dedicated groups of warriors, some of whom, the berserkir (berserkers) and ulfheðnar, were associated with bears and wolves respectively. In the Ynglinga saga, Snorri Sturluson associates these warriors with Odin. Many scholars argue that warrior bands, with their initiation rituals and organizational forms, can be traced back to the time of Tacitus, who discusses various warrior bands and societies among the Germani. These scholars further argue that these ties can be traced further back to Proto-Indo-European precursors to some extent. Other scholars, such as Hans Kuhn, dispute continuity between Norse and earlier warrior bands. Inhumation and cremation graves containing bear claws, teeth and skins are found throughout the Germanic-speaking area, especially common on the Elbe from 100 BC. Until 100 AD. And in Scandinavia from the 2nd to 5th centuries AD; these may be related to warrior associations.
Caesar emphasizes the importance of the warrior class within Germanic society. He describes the Germanic warriors as brave and courageous, noting that success in battle was essential for gaining status and respect. The warriors were often the most important social group and their achievements in war were valued and honored within the community.
Legal system
Tacitus describes the Germanic tribes as having a form of customary law. He explains that disputes and crimes are settled by elected judges in public meetings. Penalties range from fines to banishment and even the death penalty, depending on the severity of the crime. However, the death penalty is rarely mentioned in Germanic laws.
Economy and agriculture: Tacitus describes Germanic society as agricultural, with agriculture and livestock breeding being important economic activities. He emphasizes the simple lifestyle of the Germanic people and their aversion to luxury goods. They value freedom and self-sufficiency. (But the latter can also be purely propaganda)
Romeinse limes
The Roman border line, the limus, was much more than just a physical barrier. The Roman Empire erected this border along the Rhine and Danube rivers. It was a symbol of Roman rule and their drive to expand their empire. From the Germanic perspective, the limus felt like an impenetrable wall, separating our free way of life from their organized world. Although the Limus seem to isolate the Germans, they have also united the various tribes. Mergers were made between the tribes, setting aside mutual disputes. This trend began to some extent already with Arminius and the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest in 9 AD
Despite the Roman limus, trading expeditions were constantly conducted between the Roman Empire and the Germanic tribes. The Roman Empire was therefore not hermetically closed to the Germanic people, the Romans rather wanted to have control over who crossed the border so that no military or tribal movements could take place. The Romans built large cities on the limus and this also provided the Germanic tribes with a market for their trade. In addition, many Germanic people served as mercenaries (auxiliae) in the Roman army. Both cultures knew each other well and the Roman Empire became increasingly Germanic influenced by the many Germanic contacts.
The great population movements
The Great Migrations refer to a period in late antiquity (4th-6th centuries AD) during which various Germanic and other tribes moved and caused migrations that brought about major political, social and cultural changes in Europe. These migrations were caused by several factors, including Hun invasions into Eastern Europe, internal conflict within the Roman Empire, climate change, economic pressures, and the search for better agricultural lands and wealth. As a result, Germanic tribes began to move, looking for new areas to settle. Some prominent events during the Great Migrations include:
The Invasion of the Huns: The rise of the Huns under leaders such as Attila caused a series of invasions in the eastern part of Europe, causing other Germanic tribes such as the Visigoths and Ostrogoths to migrate west.
The Fall of the Western Roman Empire: The Western Roman Empire faced internal problems and invasions from various Germanic tribes, such as the Vandals, the Alans and the Suebi. In 476 AD the last Western Roman emperor was deposed, marking the end of the Western Roman Empire.
The Migration of the Goths: The Goths, consisting of the Visigoths and Ostrogoths, migrated west from Eastern Europe. They settled in various parts of the Roman Empire and played an important role in the fall of the Western Roman Empire.
The Vandals in North Africa: The Vandals, originally an East Germanic tribe, moved through Europe and eventually settled in North Africa. They founded their own kingdom and threatened the maritime trade of the Roman Empire.
The Migration of the Franks: The Franks, led by King Clovis, migrated from their original territory in modern-day Germany to Gaul (modern-day France). They established the Frankish Empire and would later play an important role in the history of Western Europe.
The Great Migrations had enormous consequences for Europe. They led to political instability, the collapse of the Western Roman Empire and the rise of new kingdoms and states.
In the aftermath of the Great Migrations, several powerful Germanic kingdoms and states emerged that would change the course of history. One of these notable empires was the Frankish Empire, founded by the Franks under the leadership of King Clovis. The Franks were originally a Germanic tribe that expanded their territory over large parts of Gaul, modern-day France. They formed a powerful political and military force and thus laid the foundation for the later Holy Roman Empire.
While the Franks settled in the west, another Germanic tribe, the Visigoths, gained autonomy in the Iberian Peninsula. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the Visigoths established the Visigothic Kingdom, with Toledo as their capital. This kingdom would play an important role in the medieval history of Spain for several centuries.
Meanwhile, the Ostrogoths migrated to eastern Europe, where they established the Ostrogoth Kingdom. This kingdom encompassed the Italian peninsula and had a significant influence on the politics and culture of that region. Under the reign of King Theodoric the Great, the Ostrogoths reached a period of political stability and cultural prosperity.
In the north of Italy, the Lombards settled in Lombardy, where they founded the kingdom of the same name. The Lombards were known for their powerful military culture and left a lasting legacy, including the 'Edictum Rothari', an important code of law that influenced the medieval legal system.
Meanwhile, the Anglo-Saxons settled in Britain after the withdrawal of the Roman armies. They formed several kingdoms, such as Wessex, Mercia and Northumbria, which eventually merged to form the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of England. The Anglo-Saxons would play a crucial role in the formation of English culture and identity.
These Germanic tribes that became states after the great migrations contributed to the formation of medieval European society. They brought political stability, cultural development and laid the foundation for the future nations and empires that would shape the history of Europe.
Germanic tribes & Christianity
At a time when the Germanic tribes still adhered to their old gods and belief systems, a shift towards Christianity began to take place. This change arose from various events and encounters that brought the tribes into contact with the new religion.
In the 4th century, when the Roman Empire still exerted its influence over large parts of Europe. Christianity began to spread, and missionaries moved north to convert the Germanic tribes. One of the most notable figures was Bishop Ulfilas, a Gothic missionary known for his translation of the Bible into Gothic. It was at this time that the Franks came under the influence of Christianity. King Clovis, who played an important role in the rise of the Frankish Empire, adopted the Christian faith after his victory at the Battle of Tolbiac. This marked the beginning of the conversion of the Franks to Christianity and the subsequent Christianization of the Frankish Empire. Kings often converted to Christianity out of the ambition to build on the ruins of the Roman Empire and for political reasons to connect with other peoples. Both ambitions will characterize this new period of history until the early modern period. This left the 4,000 year old traditions of Indo-European, Germanic religions and took the path of Christian-Roman Empire.
The Visigoths also came into contact with Christianity, albeit in a different way. After the sack of Rome in 410, the Visigoths settled in the Western Roman Empire and began assimilating into Roman culture. They came into contact with the Christian communities in the empire and gradually began to adopt the faith. Ultimately, Arianism, a deviant movement within Christianity, became the dominant form of faith among the Visigoths.
The Ostrogoths followed a similar path to the Visigoths. Under the reign of King Theodoric the Great, the Ostrogoths came into contact with Christianity, especially Arianism. Although Theodoric himself was Arian, he allowed religious tolerance and churches were built for both Arian and Orthodox Christians.
As the Lombards settled in Italy, they came into contact with the Catholic faith of the Roman population. Under the influence of the established Catholic Church, the Lombards gradually converted to Christianity.
For the Anglo-Saxons in Britain, Christianization occurred with the arrival of Christian missionaries, such as Augustine of Canterbury, who were sent to England at the behest of Pope Gregory the Great. Augustine managed to convert the king of Kent, King Æthelberht, to Christianity, leading to the conversion of many Anglo-Saxon kingdoms in the following centuries.
The Christianization of the Germanic tribes was a gradual process that took place through missionaries, contact with other Christian communities and political considerations. Christianity took root in Germanic societies and had a profound influence on their culture, laws and traditions. It marked the beginning of a new era and formed the basis for the Christian empires that would follow in the Middle Ages.
Conversion to Christianity was a gradual process that took several centuries. During part of this process, the population has been legally and violently moved away from the original traditions in which they had lived for 4,000 years.
Germanic tribes 1st-4th century
This overview contains the most prominent Germanic tribes from the 1st to 4th centuries AD
Cherusken: A Germanic tribe known for their leader Arminius, who defeated the Romans at the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest.
Sueben: A confederation of Germanic tribes that lived in present-day Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic. They were described as warlike and influenced other Germanic groups.
Quaden: A Germanic tribe that lived in present-day Slovakia, Austria and Hungary. They were known for their cavalry and took part in conflicts with the Roman Empire.
Marcomanni: A Germanic tribe that lived in what is now the Czech Republic and Austria. They had frequent conflicts with the Roman Empire, especially during the Marcomannic Wars.
Hermundure: A Germanic tribe that lived in present-day Germany and Poland. They had close contacts with the Romans and took part in Roman military campaigns.
Goten: An umbrella term for several Germanic tribes, including the Visigoths and Ostrogoths, who would eventually invade the Roman Empire.
Semnon: A Germanic tribe that lived in present-day Germany. They were known for their belligerence and their supposed religious center, the Irminsul.
Lombards: A Germanic tribe that originally lived in Scandinavia and later migrated to present-day Italy, where they founded the Kingdom of Lombardy.
Herulen: A Germanic tribe that originally came from Scandinavia and later migrated south. They took part in raids on the Roman Empire.
Batavians: A Germanic tribe that lived in what is now the Netherlands. They were known for their cavalry skills and were recruited as allies of the Roman Empire.
Angelen: A Germanic tribe that originally came from the area that is now Denmark and later invaded parts of England, giving the country the name "Angelland".
To warn: A Germanic tribe that lived in present-day Germany and Denmark. They took part in conflicts with the Roman Empire and were later assimilated by the Saxons.
Chattuarii: A Germanic tribe that lived in what is now the Netherlands and Germany. They were involved in conflicts with the Roman Empire and were later incorporated into the Frankish Empire.
Frisians: A Germanic tribe that lived in what is now the Netherlands and Germany. They were known for their trading activities and their maritime skills.
Cananefaten: A Germanic tribe that lived in what is now the Netherlands. They were considered allies of the Roman Empire and took part in military campaigns.
Lombarden: A Germanic tribe that originated in Scandinavia and later migrated to present-day Italy, where they founded the Lombard Kingdom.
Hermiones: An umbrella term for several Germanic tribes that lived in present-day Germany and Poland. They were considered warriors and took part in conflicts with the Roman Empire.
Rugians: A Germanic tribe that originally lived in Scandinavia and later migrated to present-day Poland and Germany. They took part in conflicts with Roman armies.
Burgundy: A Germanic tribe that originated in Scandinavia and later migrated to present-day Switzerland and France. They founded the kingdom of Burgundy.
Lombarden: A Germanic tribe that originated in Scandinavia and later migrated to northern Italy, where they founded the Lombard Kingdom.
Germanic tribes 5th-10th century
This overview contains the most prominent Germanic tribes from the 5th to 10th centuries AD
Visigoths: A Germanic tribe that settled in the west of the Roman Empire in the early 5th century, in the area that now covers Spain and Portugal.
Ostrogoten: A Germanic tribe that originated in the east and later conquered parts of the Roman Empire in Italy and the Balkans.
Vandals: A Germanic tribe that migrated south from Scandinavia and eventually invaded North Africa, where they established an empire.
Franken: A confederation of Germanic tribes that settled in northern Gaul (modern France) and eventually formed the Frankish Empire.
Saxony: A Germanic tribe that lived in northern Germany and parts of the Netherlands and Denmark. They were known for their seamanship and were both traders and plunderers.
Angelen: A Germanic tribe that originally came from the area that is now Denmark and later invaded parts of England, giving the country the name "Angelland".
Lombarden: A Germanic tribe that originated in Scandinavia and settled in what is now northern Italy, where they founded the Lombard Kingdom.
Alemanni: A confederation of Germanic tribes that lived in the area of present-day southern Germany, Switzerland and Austria.
Juten: A Germanic tribe that originated in Denmark and settled in parts of northern Germany and present-day Jutland (Denmark).
Lombards: A Germanic tribe originally from Scandinavia who settled in northern Italy, where they founded the Kingdom of Lombardy.