Germania
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Germania is a work by the Roman historian Tacitus, published around AD 98. It provides a detailed ethnographic account of the Germanic tribes living on the Roman frontier. Tacitus describes their origins, social structures, customs, warfare, and forms of government, often contrasting their perceived simple virtues with the perceived moral laxity of contemporary Rome.123
The book is considered a valuable historical source, with archaeological findings largely confirming Tacitus's accuracy and insights into the Germanic peoples of his time. He notes their division into various tribes, their warrior elite, and their religious practices. The work also touches upon the complex relationship between the Germanic tribes and the Roman Empire, including trade, conflict, and military service.134
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- Germanic peoples
…book now known as the Germania, he had reliable sources of information on which to draw. The book is one of the most valuable ethnographic works in existence; archaeology has in many ways supplemented the information Tacitus gives, but in general it has tended only to confirm his accuracy and…
Read More…book now known as the Germania, he had reliable sources of information on which to draw. The book is one of the most valuable ethnographic works in existence; archaeology has in many ways supplemented the information Tacitus gives, but in general it has tended only to confirm his accuracy and…
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GermanyAncient history…historian Tacitus relates in the Germania that in ad 59 the Hermunduri, in fulfillment of their vows, sacrificed defeated Chatti to one of these gods. This elite was also the basis of political organization. The Germanic peoples comprised numerous tribes that were also united in leagues centered on the worship…
Read More…historian Tacitus relates in the Germania that in ad 59 the Hermunduri, in fulfillment of their vows, sacrificed defeated Chatti to one of these gods. This elite was also the basis of political organization. The Germanic peoples comprised numerous tribes that were also united in leagues centered on the worship…
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Germanic religion and mythologyClassical and early medieval sources…continental Germanic tribes in his Germania, written circa 98 ce. He describes some of their rituals and occasionally names a god or goddess. While Tacitus presumably never visited Germany, his information was partly based on direct sources; he also used older works, now lost.
Read More…continental Germanic tribes in his Germania, written circa 98 ce. He describes some of their rituals and occasionally names a god or goddess. While Tacitus presumably never visited Germany, his information was partly based on direct sources; he also used older works, now lost.
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SwedenEarliest settlementsThe Germania (written 98 ce) of Tacitus gives the first description of the Svear, or Suiones (Swedes), stated to be powerful in men, weapons, and fleets. Other ancient writers who mention Scandinavia are Ptolemy, Jordanes, and Procopius.
Read MoreThe Germania (written 98 ce) of Tacitus gives the first description of the Svear, or Suiones (Swedes), stated to be powerful in men, weapons, and fleets. Other ancient writers who mention Scandinavia are Ptolemy, Jordanes, and Procopius.
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