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| Who were the Germani and where did they come from? | <table of contents> <previous page> <next page> page 4 of 7 |
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| The ancestors of the Germani lived for many centuries in their villages and on their farms. In this sense one can understand Tacitus’ notion that the Germani “unmixed,” or “indigenous” and the subsequent Roman cliché of the “pure” savage – a notion that would be used incorrectly as a racial concept. Like the later Germanic tribes, the Germani were always determined by many external influences. Migrations and population shifts do mot always lead to cultural change. More often change comes with the acceptance of certain fashionable customs, which are taken to be “chic.” Chief among these, perhaps, are burial customs. At a time that knew no great religions, changes occurred without much difficulty: The change from cremation to burial could occur easily, and graves might include either more or less artifacts. Just as in our day, there were fashion trends: Those who could afford it might choose to express their wealth through their dress; women are adorned by jewelry, and the graves of men might contain jewelry and weaponry. And although the garment pin had long been in use, the clasp used on Celtic clothing, which is a forerunner to out safety pin, was eagerly adopted. It is clear, therefore, that there is simply no “pure” early Germanic or Germanic culture. Wherever they were felt necessary, innumerable influences were taken up by the Germani: from the Celts, from the Romans, from the Steppes to the east, and later from Christianity. The same shifts occur
in interpersonal relationships. Strict divisions along the lines of
nationality were unknown. Marriage and other relationships with those
in other clans, tribes and nations were not unknown. Moreover, prestige
played an important role, as it does today. Middle and Central Europe
was not occupied by a few great nations, but by an unmanageable multitude
of societies, each of which was sometimes large, sometimes, small. Whenever
chieftains rallied a group of followers for the purposes of making war,
a small group would see its own weakness; and there was only one means
of defense: join together with others. And since these early settlers
were religious, believing in the efficacy of magic, they sought relationships
with those of a good reputation, whether by showing courage, having
a long pedigree, or by having gods or leaders who promised safety. One
must find a niche in a group that can be said to have a “Kernel
of Tradition.” |
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