| Germania Magna (Greater Germany) from Ptolemaeus’ Geographia. 2nd century AD. |
From: STRABO'S GEOGRAPHY. BOOK VII. GERMANY.
THE CIMBRI, GETÆ, DACI.--MOUTHS OF THE DANUBE.--THE TAURICA CHERSONESUS, ILLYRICUM,
HUNGARY, EPIRUS, DODONA, MACE- DONIA, THRACE.--THE HELLESPONT. From CHAPTER I.
We will first speak of those nations to the north of the Danube, for their history is less involved than
that of the tribes situated on the other side of the river.
Next after the Keltic nations come the Germans who inhabit the country to the east beyond the
Rhine; and these differ but little from the Keltic race, except in their being more fierce, of a larger
stature, and more ruddy in countenance; but in every other respect, their figure, their customs and
manners of life, are such as we have related of the Kelts. The Romans therefore, I think, have very
appositely applied to them the name `Germani,' as signifying genuine; for in the Latin language
Germani signifies genuine.
The first division of this country is the land extending along the Rhine from its source to its
embouchure. Indeed, the valley of that river extends nearly as far as the whole breadth of Germany
on the west. Of the people who occupied this country, some have been transplanted by the Romans
into Keltica, the others have retired to the interior, as the Marsi; there are but few remaining, and
some portion of them are Sicambri; next to the inhabitants of this valley succeeds the tribe dwelling
between the Rhine and the river Elbe,which river flows towards the ocean in a direction nearly
parallel with the Rhine, and traversing a country of no less extent. There are also between these other
navigable rivers, such as the Ems, on which Drusus defeated the Bructeri in a naval engagement; all
likewise flowing from south to north, and falling into the ocean; for the whole country rises towards
the south, and forms a ridge of mountains near the Alps, which extends eastward as though it were a
continuation of the Alps;18 and some have even so described it, as well on account of its position as
because it produces the same system of vegetation; nevertheless, the altitude of this ridge in no part
equals that of the Alps. Here is situated the Hercynian Wood, and the tribes of the Suevi, some of
whom inhabit the forest, as do likewise some of the Quadi. Among these latter people is situated
Bujemum, the royal city of Marobodus, whither he has assembled many strangers and many of the
Marcomanni, a kindred nation with his own. This Marobodus, from a private station, raised himself
to the administration of affairs after his return from Rome. For he went to that city while a youth,
and was patronized by Augustus. After he came home, he acquired the sovereignty of his country,
and added to the people I have enumerated, the Luji, a powerful nation, and the Zumi, and the
Gutones and Mugilones and Sibini, besides the Semnones, another con- siderable tribe of the Suevi.
As I have previously stated, a portion of the Suevi dwells within the Forest, while another portion
occupies the territory beyond, on the frontiers of the Getæ; wherefore the nation of the Suevi is the
most considerable, as it extends from the Rhine as far as the Elbe, and even a part of them, as the
Hermonduri and the Langobardi, inhabit the country beyond the Elbe; but at the present time these
tribes, having been defeated, have retired entirely beyond the Elbe. All these nations easily change
their abode, on account of the scantiness of provisions, and because they neither cultivate the lands
nor accumulate wealth, but dwell in miserable huts, and satisfy their wants from day to day, the most
part of their food being supplied by the herd, as amongst the nomade races, and in imitation of them
they transfer their households in waggons, wandering with their cattle to any place which may appear
most advantageous. There are many other smaller German tribes, as the Cherusci, Chatti, Gamabrivi,
Chattuarii, and next the ocean the Sicambri, Chaubi, Bructeri, Cimbri, Cauci, Caulci, Campsiani, and
many others.
In the same direction with the Ems, the Weser and the river Lippe take their course, the latter, distant
about 600 stadia from the Rhine, flows through the territory of the Lesser Bructeri. And there is also
the river Sala, between which and the Rhine Drusus Germanicus died, whilst in the midst of his
victories. He not only subdued the greater part of the German tribes, but also the islands on the coast
he passed along, one amongst which is Byrchanis, which he took by siege.
All these nations became known through their wars with the Romans, at one time submitting, at
another revolting and quitting their habitations; and we should have become acquainted with a greater
number of their tribes, if Augustus had permitted his generals to pass the Elbe, in pursuit of those
who had fled thither; but he considered the war on hand would be more easily brought to a
conclusion, if he left the people on the other side of the Elbe unmolested, and not by attacking
provoke them to make common cause with his enemies.
The Sicambri inhabiting the country next the Rhine were the first to commence the war, under the
conduct of their leader, Melon; other nations afterwards followed their example, at one time being
victorious, at another defeated, and again recommencing hostilities, without regard to hostages or the
faith of treaties. Against these people mistrust was the surest defence; for those who were trusted
effected the most mischief. For example, the Cherusci, and those who were subject to them, amongst
whom three Roman legions with their general, Quintilius Varus, perished by ambush, in violation of
the truce; nevertheless all have received punishment for this perfidy, which furnished to Germanicus
the Younger the opportunity of a most brilliant triumph, he leading publicly as his captives the most
illustrious persons, both men and women, amongst whom were Segimuntus, the son of Segestes, the
chief of the Cherusci, and his sister, named Thusnelda, the wife of Armenius, who led on the
Cherusci when they treacherously attacked Quintilius Varus, and even to this day continues the war;
likewise his son Thumelicus, a boy three years old, as also Sesithacus, the son of Segimerus, chief of
the Cherusci, and his wife Rhamis, the daughter of Ucromirus, chief of the Chatti, and Deudorix, the
son of Bætorix, the brother of Melon, of the nation of the Sicambri; but Segestes, the father-in-law of
Armenius, from the commencement opposed the designs of his son-in-law, and taking advantage of a
favourable opportunity, went over to the Roman camp and witnessed the triumphal procession over
those who were dearest to him, he being held in honour by the Romans. There was also led in
triumph Libes the priest of the Chatti, and many other prisoners of the various vanquished nations,
the Cathylci and the Ampsani, the Bructeri, the Usipi, the Cherusci, the Chatti, the Chattuarii, the
Landi, the Tubattii.
The Rhine is distant from the Elbe about 3000 stadia, if one could travel in a direct line; but we are
compelled to go a circuitous route, on account of the windings of the marshes and the woods.
The Hercynian Forest is extremely dense, and overgrown with very large trees, covering an immense
circuit of country, fortified by nature. In the midst of it is situated the region well suited for
habitation, of which we have spoken. Near this forest are the sources of the Danube and the Rhine,
and the lake situated between these, together with the marshes formed by the Rhine. The circuit of
the lake is more than 30042 stadia, and the distance across about 200. In this lake is an island which
served Tiberius as an arsenal, in the naval war with the Vindelici. This lake is south of the sources of
the Danube and the Hercynian Forest, so that in passing from Keltica to the forest, one has first to
cross the lake, then the Danube, and afterwards by a more passable country, and over elevated
plains, you approach the forest. When Tiberius had proceeded but one day's journey from the lake,
he came in sight of the sources of the Danube.
The territory of the Rhæti borders some portion of this lake, but the greater part of the shores belong
to the Helvetii and Vindelici [the Norici come next after the Vindelici in an easterly direction, and the
desert of the Boii. The nations as far as the Pannonians, but more especially the Helvetii and
Vindelici, inhabit high table lands. The Rhæti and the Norici, verging towards Italy, extend over the
very summits of the Alps; the former confining with the Insubri, the latter the Carni, and the districts
about Aquileia. There is likewise another great forest, named Gabreta, on this side the territory of the
Suevi, while beyond them lies the Hercynian Wood, which also is in their possession. (end)
THE CIMBRI, GETÆ, DACI.--MOUTHS OF THE DANUBE.--THE TAURICA CHERSONESUS, ILLYRICUM,
HUNGARY, EPIRUS, DODONA, MACE- DONIA, THRACE.--THE HELLESPONT. From CHAPTER I.
We will first speak of those nations to the north of the Danube, for their history is less involved than
that of the tribes situated on the other side of the river.
Next after the Keltic nations come the Germans who inhabit the country to the east beyond the
Rhine; and these differ but little from the Keltic race, except in their being more fierce, of a larger
stature, and more ruddy in countenance; but in every other respect, their figure, their customs and
manners of life, are such as we have related of the Kelts. The Romans therefore, I think, have very
appositely applied to them the name `Germani,' as signifying genuine; for in the Latin language
Germani signifies genuine.
The first division of this country is the land extending along the Rhine from its source to its
embouchure. Indeed, the valley of that river extends nearly as far as the whole breadth of Germany
on the west. Of the people who occupied this country, some have been transplanted by the Romans
into Keltica, the others have retired to the interior, as the Marsi; there are but few remaining, and
some portion of them are Sicambri; next to the inhabitants of this valley succeeds the tribe dwelling
between the Rhine and the river Elbe,which river flows towards the ocean in a direction nearly
parallel with the Rhine, and traversing a country of no less extent. There are also between these other
navigable rivers, such as the Ems, on which Drusus defeated the Bructeri in a naval engagement; all
likewise flowing from south to north, and falling into the ocean; for the whole country rises towards
the south, and forms a ridge of mountains near the Alps, which extends eastward as though it were a
continuation of the Alps;18 and some have even so described it, as well on account of its position as
because it produces the same system of vegetation; nevertheless, the altitude of this ridge in no part
equals that of the Alps. Here is situated the Hercynian Wood, and the tribes of the Suevi, some of
whom inhabit the forest, as do likewise some of the Quadi. Among these latter people is situated
Bujemum, the royal city of Marobodus, whither he has assembled many strangers and many of the
Marcomanni, a kindred nation with his own. This Marobodus, from a private station, raised himself
to the administration of affairs after his return from Rome. For he went to that city while a youth,
and was patronized by Augustus. After he came home, he acquired the sovereignty of his country,
and added to the people I have enumerated, the Luji, a powerful nation, and the Zumi, and the
Gutones and Mugilones and Sibini, besides the Semnones, another con- siderable tribe of the Suevi.
As I have previously stated, a portion of the Suevi dwells within the Forest, while another portion
occupies the territory beyond, on the frontiers of the Getæ; wherefore the nation of the Suevi is the
most considerable, as it extends from the Rhine as far as the Elbe, and even a part of them, as the
Hermonduri and the Langobardi, inhabit the country beyond the Elbe; but at the present time these
tribes, having been defeated, have retired entirely beyond the Elbe. All these nations easily change
their abode, on account of the scantiness of provisions, and because they neither cultivate the lands
nor accumulate wealth, but dwell in miserable huts, and satisfy their wants from day to day, the most
part of their food being supplied by the herd, as amongst the nomade races, and in imitation of them
they transfer their households in waggons, wandering with their cattle to any place which may appear
most advantageous. There are many other smaller German tribes, as the Cherusci, Chatti, Gamabrivi,
Chattuarii, and next the ocean the Sicambri, Chaubi, Bructeri, Cimbri, Cauci, Caulci, Campsiani, and
many others.
In the same direction with the Ems, the Weser and the river Lippe take their course, the latter, distant
about 600 stadia from the Rhine, flows through the territory of the Lesser Bructeri. And there is also
the river Sala, between which and the Rhine Drusus Germanicus died, whilst in the midst of his
victories. He not only subdued the greater part of the German tribes, but also the islands on the coast
he passed along, one amongst which is Byrchanis, which he took by siege.
All these nations became known through their wars with the Romans, at one time submitting, at
another revolting and quitting their habitations; and we should have become acquainted with a greater
number of their tribes, if Augustus had permitted his generals to pass the Elbe, in pursuit of those
who had fled thither; but he considered the war on hand would be more easily brought to a
conclusion, if he left the people on the other side of the Elbe unmolested, and not by attacking
provoke them to make common cause with his enemies.
The Sicambri inhabiting the country next the Rhine were the first to commence the war, under the
conduct of their leader, Melon; other nations afterwards followed their example, at one time being
victorious, at another defeated, and again recommencing hostilities, without regard to hostages or the
faith of treaties. Against these people mistrust was the surest defence; for those who were trusted
effected the most mischief. For example, the Cherusci, and those who were subject to them, amongst
whom three Roman legions with their general, Quintilius Varus, perished by ambush, in violation of
the truce; nevertheless all have received punishment for this perfidy, which furnished to Germanicus
the Younger the opportunity of a most brilliant triumph, he leading publicly as his captives the most
illustrious persons, both men and women, amongst whom were Segimuntus, the son of Segestes, the
chief of the Cherusci, and his sister, named Thusnelda, the wife of Armenius, who led on the
Cherusci when they treacherously attacked Quintilius Varus, and even to this day continues the war;
likewise his son Thumelicus, a boy three years old, as also Sesithacus, the son of Segimerus, chief of
the Cherusci, and his wife Rhamis, the daughter of Ucromirus, chief of the Chatti, and Deudorix, the
son of Bætorix, the brother of Melon, of the nation of the Sicambri; but Segestes, the father-in-law of
Armenius, from the commencement opposed the designs of his son-in-law, and taking advantage of a
favourable opportunity, went over to the Roman camp and witnessed the triumphal procession over
those who were dearest to him, he being held in honour by the Romans. There was also led in
triumph Libes the priest of the Chatti, and many other prisoners of the various vanquished nations,
the Cathylci and the Ampsani, the Bructeri, the Usipi, the Cherusci, the Chatti, the Chattuarii, the
Landi, the Tubattii.
The Rhine is distant from the Elbe about 3000 stadia, if one could travel in a direct line; but we are
compelled to go a circuitous route, on account of the windings of the marshes and the woods.
The Hercynian Forest is extremely dense, and overgrown with very large trees, covering an immense
circuit of country, fortified by nature. In the midst of it is situated the region well suited for
habitation, of which we have spoken. Near this forest are the sources of the Danube and the Rhine,
and the lake situated between these, together with the marshes formed by the Rhine. The circuit of
the lake is more than 30042 stadia, and the distance across about 200. In this lake is an island which
served Tiberius as an arsenal, in the naval war with the Vindelici. This lake is south of the sources of
the Danube and the Hercynian Forest, so that in passing from Keltica to the forest, one has first to
cross the lake, then the Danube, and afterwards by a more passable country, and over elevated
plains, you approach the forest. When Tiberius had proceeded but one day's journey from the lake,
he came in sight of the sources of the Danube.
The territory of the Rhæti borders some portion of this lake, but the greater part of the shores belong
to the Helvetii and Vindelici [the Norici come next after the Vindelici in an easterly direction, and the
desert of the Boii. The nations as far as the Pannonians, but more especially the Helvetii and
Vindelici, inhabit high table lands. The Rhæti and the Norici, verging towards Italy, extend over the
very summits of the Alps; the former confining with the Insubri, the latter the Carni, and the districts
about Aquileia. There is likewise another great forest, named Gabreta, on this side the territory of the
Suevi, while beyond them lies the Hercynian Wood, which also is in their possession. (end)
Julius Caesar: The Germans, c. 51 BCE
The customs of the Germans differ widely from those of the Gauls; for neither have they Druids to
preside over religious services, nor do they give much attention to sacrifices. They count in the
number of their gods those only whom they can see, and by whose favors they are clearly aided; that
is to say, the Sun, Vulcan, and the Moon. Of other deities they have never even heard. Their whole
life is spent in hunting and in war. From childhood they are trained in labor and hardship.
They are not devoted to agriculture, and the greater portion of their food consists of milk, cheese,
and flesh. No one owns a particular piece of land, with fixed limits, but each year the magistrates and
the chiefs assign to the clans and the bands of kinsmen who have assembled together as much land
as they think proper, and in whatever place they desire, and the next year compel them to move to
some other place. They give many reasons for this custom---that the people may not lose their zeal
for war through habits established by prolonged attention to the cultivation of the soil; that they may
not be eager to acquire large possessions, and that the stronger may not drive the weaker from their
property; that they may not build too carefully, in order to avoid cold and heat; that the love of
money may not spring up, from which arise quarrels and dissensions; and, finally, that the common
people may live in contentment, since each person sees that his wealth is kept equal to that of the
most powerful.
It is a matter of the greatest glory to the tribes to lay waste, as widely as possible, the lands bordering
their territory, thus making them uninhabitable. They regard it as the best proof of their valor that
their neighbors are forced to withdraw from those lands and hardly any one dares set foot there; at
the same time they think that they will thus be more secure, since the fear of a sudden invasion is
removed. When a tribe is either repelling an invasion or attacking an outside people, magistrates are
chosen to lead in the war, and these are given the power of life and death. In times of peace there is
no general magistrate, but the chiefs of the districts and cantons render justice among their own
people and settle disputes. Robbery, if committed beyond the borders of the tribe, is not regarded as
disgraceful, and they say that it is practiced for the sake of training the youth and preventing idleness.
When any one of the chiefs has declared in an assembly that he is going to be the leader of an
expedition, and that those who wish to follow him should give in their names, they who approve of
the undertaking, and of the man, stand up and promise their assistance, and are applauded by the
people. Such of these as do not then follow him are looked upon as deserters and traitors, and from
that day no one has any faith in them.
To mistreat a guest they consider to be a crime. They protect from injury those who have come
among them for any purpose whatever, and regard them as sacred. To them the houses of all are
open and food is freely supplied. (end)
The customs of the Germans differ widely from those of the Gauls; for neither have they Druids to
preside over religious services, nor do they give much attention to sacrifices. They count in the
number of their gods those only whom they can see, and by whose favors they are clearly aided; that
is to say, the Sun, Vulcan, and the Moon. Of other deities they have never even heard. Their whole
life is spent in hunting and in war. From childhood they are trained in labor and hardship.
They are not devoted to agriculture, and the greater portion of their food consists of milk, cheese,
and flesh. No one owns a particular piece of land, with fixed limits, but each year the magistrates and
the chiefs assign to the clans and the bands of kinsmen who have assembled together as much land
as they think proper, and in whatever place they desire, and the next year compel them to move to
some other place. They give many reasons for this custom---that the people may not lose their zeal
for war through habits established by prolonged attention to the cultivation of the soil; that they may
not be eager to acquire large possessions, and that the stronger may not drive the weaker from their
property; that they may not build too carefully, in order to avoid cold and heat; that the love of
money may not spring up, from which arise quarrels and dissensions; and, finally, that the common
people may live in contentment, since each person sees that his wealth is kept equal to that of the
most powerful.
It is a matter of the greatest glory to the tribes to lay waste, as widely as possible, the lands bordering
their territory, thus making them uninhabitable. They regard it as the best proof of their valor that
their neighbors are forced to withdraw from those lands and hardly any one dares set foot there; at
the same time they think that they will thus be more secure, since the fear of a sudden invasion is
removed. When a tribe is either repelling an invasion or attacking an outside people, magistrates are
chosen to lead in the war, and these are given the power of life and death. In times of peace there is
no general magistrate, but the chiefs of the districts and cantons render justice among their own
people and settle disputes. Robbery, if committed beyond the borders of the tribe, is not regarded as
disgraceful, and they say that it is practiced for the sake of training the youth and preventing idleness.
When any one of the chiefs has declared in an assembly that he is going to be the leader of an
expedition, and that those who wish to follow him should give in their names, they who approve of
the undertaking, and of the man, stand up and promise their assistance, and are applauded by the
people. Such of these as do not then follow him are looked upon as deserters and traitors, and from
that day no one has any faith in them.
To mistreat a guest they consider to be a crime. They protect from injury those who have come
among them for any purpose whatever, and regard them as sacred. To them the houses of all are
open and food is freely supplied. (end)