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by Tacitus |
Contents
Introduction
The Inhabitants & the
Origins of the Name "Germany"
The National War-Songs
Physical Characteristics
Climate, Soil, & Precious Metals
Arms, Military Manoeuvres, & Discipline
Government & the Influence
of Women
Deities
Auguries & Method of Divination
Councils
Punishments
Training of Youth
Warlike Ardour
of the People
Habits in Time of
Peace
Arrangement of
Their Towns & Subterranean Dwellings
Dress
Marriage Laws
Their Children & Laws of
Succession
Hereditary Feuds & Fines
for Homicide
Hospitality
Habits of Life
Food
Sports
Slavery
Occupation of Land &
Tillage
Funeral Rites
The German Tribes
Tradition says that armies already wavering and giving way have been rallied by women who, with earnest entreaties and bosoms laid bare, have vividly represented the horrors of captivity, which the Germans fear with such extreme dread on behalf of their women, that the strongest tie by which a state can be bound is the being required to give, among the number of hostages, maidens of noble birth. They even believe that the sex has a certain sanctity and prescience, and they do not despise their counsels, or make light of their answers. In Vespasian's days we saw Veleda, long regarded by many as a divinity. In former times, too, they venerated Aurinia, and many other women, but not with servile flatteries, or with sham deification.
Thus with their virtue protected they live uncorrupted by the allurements of public shows or the stimulant of feastings. Clandestine correspondence is equally unknown to men and women. Very rare for so numerous a population is adultery, the punishment for which is prompt, and in the husband's power. Having cut off the hair of the adulteress and stripped her naked, he expels her from the house in the presence of her kinsfolk, and then flogs her through the whole village. The loss of chastity meets with no indulgence; neither beauty, youth, nor wealth will procure the culprit a husband. No one in Germany laughs at vice, nor do they call it the fashion to corrupt and to be corrupted. Still better is the condition of those states in which only maidens are given in marriage, and where the hopes and expectations of a bride are then finally terminated. They receive one husband, as having one body and one life, that they may have no thoughts beyond, no further-reaching desires, that they may love not so much the husband as the married state. To limit the number of children or to destroy any of their subsequent offspring is accounted infamous, and good habits are here more effectual than good laws elsewhere.
Land proportioned to the number of inhabitants is occupied by the whole community in turn, and afterwards divided among them according to rank. A wide expanse of plains makes the partition easy. They till fresh fields every year, and they have still more land than enough; with the richness and extent of their soil, they do not laboriously exert themselves in planting orchards, enclosing meadows and watering gardens. Corn is the only produce required from the earth; hence even the year itself is not divided by them into as many seasons as with us. Winter, spring, and summer have both a meaning and a name; the name and blessings of autumn are alike unknown.
Such on the whole is the account which I have received of the origin and manners of the entire German people.
I shall now deduce the institutions and usages of the several people, as far as they vary one from another; as also an account of what nations from thence removed, to settle themselves in Gaul.
The Gauls
That the Gauls were in times past more puissant and formidable, is
related by the Prince of authors, the deified Julius [ie Julius Caesar]
and hence it is probable that they too have passed into Germany. For what
a small obstacle must be a river, to restrain any nation, as each grew
more potent, from seizing or changing habitations; when as yet all habitations
were common, and not parted or appropriated by the founding and terror
of Monarchies? The region therefore between the Hercynian Forest and the
rivers Moenus [ie Main] and Rhine, was occupied by the Helvetians; as was
that beyond it by the Boians, both nations of Gaul. There still remains
a place called Boiemum, which denotes the primitive name and antiquity
of the country, although the inhabitants have been changed. But whether
the Araviscans are derived from the Osians, a nation of Germans passing
into Pannonia, or the Osians from the Araviscans removing from thence into
Germany, is a matter undecided; since they both still use the language,
the same customs and the same laws. For, as of old they lived alike poor
and alike free, equal proved the evils and advantages on each side the
river, and common to both people. The Treverians and Nervians aspire passionately
to the reputation of being descended from the Germans; since by the glory
of this original, they would escape all imputation of resembling the Gauls
in person and effeminacy. Such as dwell upon the bank of the Rhine, the
Vangiones, the Tribocians, and the Nemetes, are without doubt all Germans.
The Ubians are ashamed of their original; though they have a particular
honour to boast, that of having merited an establishment as a Roman Colony,
and still delight to be called Agrippinensians, after the name of their
founder: they indeed formerly came from beyond the Rhine, and, for the
many proofs of their fidelity, were settled upon the very bank of the river;
not to be there confined or guarded themselves, but to guard and defend
that boundary against the rest of the Germans.
The Batavians
Of all these nations, the Batavians are the most signal in bravery.
They inhabit not much territory upon the Rhine, but possess an island in
it. They were formerly part of the Cattans, and by means of feuds at home
removed to these dwellings; whence they might become a portion of the Roman
Empire. With them this honour still remains, as also the memorials of their
ancient association with us: for they are not under the contempt of paying
tribute, nor subject to be squeezed by the farmers of the revenue. Free
from all impositions and payments, and only set apart for the purposes
of fighting, they are reserved wholly for the wars, in the same manner
as a magazine of weapons and armour. Under the same degree of homage are
the nation of the Mattiacians. For such is the might and greatness of the
Roman People, as to have carried the awe and esteem of their Empire beyond
the Rhine and the ancient boundaries. Thus the Mattiacians, living upon
the opposite banks, enjoy a settlement and limits of their own; yet in
spirit and inclination are attached to us: in other things resembling the
Batavians, save that as they still breathe their original air, still possess
their primitive soil, they are thence inspired with superior vigour and
keenness. Amongst the people of Germany I would not reckon those who occupy
the lands which are under decimation, though they be such as dwell beyond
the Rhine and the Danube. By several worthless and vagabond Gauls, and
such as poverty rendered daring, that region was seized as one belonging
to no certain possessor: afterwards it became a skirt of the Empire and
part of a province, upon the enlargement of our bounds and the extending
of our garrisons and frontier.
The Cattans
Beyond these are the Cattans, whose territories begin at the Hercynian
Forest, and consist not of such wide and marshy plains, as those of the
other communities contained within the vast compass of Germany; but produce
ranges of hills, such as run lofty and contiguous for a long tract, then
by degrees sink and decay. Moreover the Hercynian Forest attends for a
while its native Cattans, then suddenly forsakes them. This people are
distinguished with bodies more hardy and robust, compact limbs, stern countenances,
and greater vigour of spirit. For Germans, they are men of much sense and
address. They dignify chosen men, listen to such as are set over them,
know how to preserve their post, to discern occasions, to rebate their
own ardour and impatience; how to employ the day, how to entrench themselves
by night. They account fortune amongst things slippery and uncertain, but
bravery amongst such as are never-failing and secure; and, what is exceeding
rare nor ever to be learnt but by a wholesome course of discipline, in
the conduct of the general they repose more assurance than in the strength
of the army. Their whole forces consist of foot, who besides their arms
carry likewise instruments of iron and their provisions. You may see other
Germans proceed equipped to battle, but the Cattans so as to conduct a
war. They rarely venture upon excursions or casual encounters. It is in
truth peculiar to cavalry, suddenly to conquer, or suddenly to fly. Such
haste and velocity rather resembles fear. Patience and deliberation are
more akin to intrepidity.
Moreover a custom, practised indeed in other nations of Germany, yet very rarely and confined only to particulars more daring than the rest, prevails amongst the Cattans by universal consent. As soon as they arrive to maturity of years, they let their hair and beards continue to grow, nor till they have slain an enemy do they ever lay aside this form of countenance by vow sacred to valour. Over the blood and spoil of a foe they make bare their face. They allege, that they have now acquitted themselves of the debt and duty contracted by their birth, and rendered themselves worthy of their country, worthy of their parents. Upon the spiritless, cowardly and unwarlike, such deformity of visage still remains. All the most brave likewise wear an iron ring (a mark of great dishonour this in that nation) and retain it as a chain; till by killing an enemy they become released. Many of the Cattans delight always to bear this terrible aspect; and, when grown white through age, become awful and conspicuous by such marks, both to the enemy and their own countrymen. By them in all engagements the first assault is made: of them the front of the battle is always composed, as men who in their looks are singular and tremendous. For even during peace they abate nothing in the grimness and horror of their countenance. They have no house to inhabit, no land to cultivate, nor any domestic charge or care. With whomsoever they come to sojourn, by him they are maintained; always very prodigal of the substance of others, always despising what is their own, till the feebleness of old age overtakes them, and renders them unequal to the efforts of such rigid bravery.
The Usipians & The Tencterians
Next to the Cattans, dwell the Usipians and Tencterians; upon the Rhine
now running in a channel uniform and certain, such as suffices for a boundary.
The Tencterians, besides their wonted glory in war, surpass in the service
and discipline of their cavalry. Nor do the Cattans derive higher applause
from their foot, than the Tencterians from their horse. Such was the order
established by their forefathers, and what their posterity still pursue.
From riding and exercising of horses, their children borrow their pastimes;
in this exercise the young men find matter for emulating one another, and
in this the old men take pleasure to persevere. Horses are by the father
bequeathed as part of his household and family, horses are conveyed amongst
the rights of succession, and as such the son receives them; but not the
eldest son, like other effects, by priority of birth, but he who happens
to be signal in boldness and superior in war.
The Chamavians & The Angrivarians
Contiguous to the Tencterians formerly dwelt the Bructerians, in whose
room it is said the Chamavians and Angrivarians are now settled; they who
expulsed and almost extirpated the Bructerians, with the concurrence of
the neighbouring nations: whether in detestation of their arrogance, or
allured by the love of spoil, or through the special favour of the Gods
towards us Romans. They in truth even vouchsafed to gratify us with the
sight of the battle. In it there fell above sixty thousand souls, without
a blow struck by the Romans; but, what is a circumstance still more glorious,
fell to furnish them with a spectacle of joy and recreation. May the Gods
continue and perpetuate amongst these nations, if not any love for us,
yet by all means this their animosity and hate towards each other: since
whilst the destiny of the Empire thus urges it, fortune cannot more signally
befriend us, than in sowing strife amongst our foes.
The Dulgibinians & The Chasuarians
The Angrivarians and Chamavians are enclosed behind, by the Dulgibinians
and Chasuarians; and by other nations not so much noted: before, the Frisians
face them. The country of Frisia is divided into two; called the greater
and lesser, according to the measure of their strength. Both nations stretch
along the Rhine, quite to the ocean; and surround vast lakes such as once
have borne Roman fleets. We have moreover even ventured out from thence
into the ocean, and upon its coasts common fame has reported the pillars
of Hercules to be still standing: whether it be that Hercules ever visited
these parts, or that to his renowned name we are wont to ascribe whatever
is grand and glorious everywhere. Neither did Drusus who made the attempt,
want boldness to pursue it: but the roughness of the ocean withstood him,
nor would suffer discoveries to be made about itself, no more than about
Hercules. Thenceforward the enterprise was dropped: nay, more pious and
reverential it seemed, to believe the marvellous feats of the Gods than
to know and to prove them.
The Chaucians
Hitherto, I have been describing Germany towards the west. To the northward,
it winds away with an immense compass. And first of all occurs the nation
of the Chaucians: who though they begin immediately at the confines of
the Frisians, and occupy part of the shore, extend so far as to border
upon all the several people whom I have already recounted; till at last,
by a Circuit, they reach quite to the boundaries of the Cattans. A region
so vast, the Chaucians do not only possess but fill; a people of all the
Germans the most noble, such as would rather maintain their grandeur by
justice than violence. They live in repose, retired from broils abroad,
void of avidity to possess more, free from a spirit of domineering over
others. They provoke no wars, they ravage no countries, they pursue no
plunder. Of their bravery and power, the chief evidence arises from hence,
that, without wronging or oppressing others, they are come to be superior
to all. Yet they are all ready to arm, and if an exigency require, armies
are presently raised, powerful and abounding as they are in men and horses;
and even when they are quiet and their weapons laid aside, their credit
and name continue equally high.
The Cheruscans
Along the side of the Chaucians and Cattans dwell the Cheruscans; a
people who finding no enemy to rouse them, were enfeebled by a peace over
lasting and uniform, but such as they failed not to nourish. A conduct
which proved more pleasing than secure; since treacherous is that repose
which you enjoy amongst neighbours that are very powerful and very fond
of rule and mastership. When recourse is once had to the sword, modesty
and fair dealing will be vainly pleaded by the weaker; names these which
are always assumed by the stronger. Thus the Cheruscans, they who formerly
bore the character of good and upright, are now called cowards and fools;
and the fortune of the Cattans who subdued them, grew immediately to be
wisdom. In the ruin of the Cheruscans, the Fosians, also their neighbours,
were involved; and in their calamities bore an equal share, though in their
prosperity they had been weaker and less considered.
The Cimbrians
In the same winding tract of Germany live the Cimbrians, close to the
ocean; a community now very small, but great in fame. Nay, of their ancient
renown, many and extensive are the traces and monuments still remaining;
even their entrenchments upon either shore, so vast in compass that from
thence you may even now measure the greatness and numerous bands of that
people, and assent to the account of an army so mighty. It was on the six
hundred and fortieth year of Rome, when of the arms of the Cimbrians the
first mention was made, during the Consulship of Caecilius Metellus and
Papirius Carbo. If from that time we count to the second Consulship of
the Emperor Trajan, the interval comprehends near two hundred and ten years;
so long have we been conquering Germany. In a course of time, so vast between
these two periods, many have been the blows and disasters suffered on each
side. In truth neither from the Samnites, nor from the Carthaginians, nor
from both Spains, nor from all the nations of Gaul, have we received more
frequent checks and alarms; nor even from the Parthians: for, more vigorous
and invincible is the liberty of the Germans than the monarchy of the Arsacides.
Indeed, what has the power of the East to allege to our dishonour; but
the fall of Crassus, that power which was itself overthrown and abased
by Ventidius, with the loss of the great King Pacorus bereft of his life?
But by the Germans the Roman People have been bereft of five armies, all
commanded by Consuls; by the Germans, the commanders of these armies, Carbo,
and Cassius, and Scaurus Aurelius, and Servilius Caepio, as also Marcus
Manlius, were all routed or taken: by the Germans even the Emperor Augustus
was bereft of Varus and three legions. Nor without difficulty and loss
of men were they defeated by Caius Marius in Italy, or by the deified Julius
in Gaul, or by Drusus or Tiberius or Germanicus in their native territories.
Soon after, the mighty menaces of Caligula against them ended in mockery
and derision. Thenceforward they continued quiet, till taking advantage
of our domestic division and civil wars, they stormed and seized the winter
entrenchments of the legions, and aimed at the dominion of Gaul; from whence
they were once more expulsed, and in the times preceding the present, we
gained a triumph over them rather than a victory.
The Suevian Tribes
I must now proceed to speak of the Suevians, who are not, like the
Cattans and Tencterians, comprehended in a single people; but divided into
several nations all bearing distinct names, though in general they are
entitled Suevians, and occupy the larger share of Germany. This people
are remarkable for a peculiar custom, that of twisting their hair and binding
it up in a knot. It is thus the Suevians are distinguished from the other
Germans, thus the free Suevians from their slaves. In other nations, whether
from alliance of blood with the Suevians, or, as is usual, from imitation,
this practice is also found, yet rarely, and never exceeds the years of
youth. The Suevians, even when their hair is white through age, continue
to raise it backwards in a manner stern and staring; and often tie it upon
the top of their head only. That of their Princes, is more accurately disposed,
and so far they study to appear agreeable and comely; but without any culpable
intention. For by it, they mean not to make love or to incite it: they
thus dress when proceeding to war, and deck their heads so as to add to
their height and terror in the eyes of the enemy.
The Semnones
Of all the Suevians, the Semnones recount themselves to be the most
ancient and most noble. The belief of their antiquity is confirmed by religious
mysteries. At a stated time of the year, all the several people descended
from the same stock, assemble by their deputies in a wood; consecrated
by the idolatries of their forefathers, and by superstitious awe in times
of old. There by publicly sacrificing a man, they begin the horrible solemnity
of their barbarous worship. To this grove another sort of reverence is
also paid. No one enters it otherwise than bound with ligatures, thence
professing his subordination and meanness, and the power of the Deity there.
If he fall down, he is not permitted to rise or be raised, but grovels
along upon the ground. And of all their superstition, this is the drift
and tendency; that from this place the nation drew their original, that
here God, the supreme Governor of the world, resides, and that all things
else whatsoever are subject to him and bound to obey him. The potent condition
of the Semnones has increased their influence and authority, as they inhabit
an hundred towns; and from the largeness of their community it comes, that
they hold themselves for the head of the Suevians.
The Langobards
What on the contrary ennobles the Langobards is the smallness of their
number, for that they, who are surrounded with very many and very powerful
nations, derive their security from no obsequiousness or plying; but from
the dint of battle and adventurous deeds. There follow in order the Reudignians,
and Aviones, and Angles, and Varinians, and Eudoses, and Suardones and
Nuithones; all defended by rivers or forests. Nor in one of these nations
does aught remarkable occur, only that they universally join in the worship
of Herthum; that is to say, the Mother Earth. Her they believe to interpose
in the affairs of man, and to visit countries. In an island of the ocean
stands the wood Castum: in it is a chariot dedicated to the Goddess, covered
over with a curtain, and permitted to be touched by none but the Priest.
Whenever the Goddess enters this her holy vehicle, he perceives her; and
with profound veneration attends the motion of the chariot, which is always
drawn by yoked cows. Then it is that days of rejoicing always ensue, and
in all places whatsoever which she descends to honour with a visit and
her company, feasts and recreation abound. They go not to war; they touch
no arms; fast laid up is every hostile weapon; peace and repose are then
only known, then only beloved, till to the temple the same priest reconducts
the Goddess when well tired with the conversation of mortal beings. Anon
the chariot is washed and purified in a secret lake, as also the curtains;
nay, the Deity herself too, if you choose to believe it. In this office
it is slaves who minister, and they are forthwith doomed to be swallowed
up in the same lake. Hence all men are possessed with mysterious terror;
as well as with a holy ignorance what that must be, which none see but
such as are immediately to perish. Moreover this quarter of the Suevians
stretches to the middle of Germany.
The Hermondurians
The community next adjoining, is that of the Hermondurians; (that I
may now follow the course of the Danube, as a little before I did that
of the Rhine) a people this, faithful to the Romans. So that to them alone
of all the Germans, commerce is permitted; not barely upon the bank of
the Rhine, but more extensively, and even in that glorious colony in the
province of Rhoetia. They travel everywhere at their own discretion and
without a guard; and when to other nations, we show no more than our arms
and encampments, to this people we throw open our houses and dwellings,
as to men who have no longing to possess them. In the territories of the
Hermondurians rises the Elbe, a river very famous and formerly well known
to us; at present we only hear it named.
The Nariscans, The Marcomanians, & The Quadians
Close by the Hermondurians reside the Nariscans, and next to them the
Marcomanians and Quadians. Amongst these the Marcomanians are most signal
in force and renown; nay, their habitation itself they acquired by their
bravery, as from thence they formerly expulsed the Boians. Nor do the Nariscans
or Quadians degenerate in spirit. Now this is as it were the frontier of
Germany, as far as Germany is washed by the Danube. To the times within
our memory the Marcomanians and Quadians were governed by kings, who were
natives of their own, descended from the noble line of Maroboduus and Tudrus.
At present they are even subject to such as are foreigners. But the whole
strength and sway of their kings is derived from the authority of the Romans.
From our arms, they rarely receive any aid; from our money very frequently.
The Marsignians, The Gothinians, The Osians & The
Burians
Nor less powerful are the several people beyond them; namely, the Marsignians,
the Gothinians, the Osians and the Burians, who altogether enclose the
Marcomanians and Quadians behind. Of those, the Marsignians and the Burians
in speech and dress resemble the Suevians. From the Gallic language spoken
by the Gothinians, and from that of Pannonia by the Osians, it is manifest
that neither of these people are Germans; as it is also from their bearing
to pay tribute. Upon them as upon aliens their tribute is imposed, partly
by the Sarmatians, partly by the Quadians. The Gothinians, to heighten
their disgrace, are forced to labour in the iron mines. By all these several
nations but little level country is possessed: they are seated amongst
forests, and upon the ridges and declivities of mountains.
The Arians, The Helvicones, The Manimians, The Elysians
& The Naharvalians
For, Suevia is parted by a continual ridge of mountains; beyond which,
live many distinct nations. Of these the Lygians are most numerous and
extensive, and spread into several communities. It will suffice to mention
the most puissant; even the Arians, Helvicones, Manimians; Elysians and
Naharvalians. Amongst the Naharvalians is shown a grove, sacred to devotion
extremely ancient. Over it a Priest presides apparelled like a woman; but
according to the explication of the Romans, 'tis Castor and Pollux who
are here worshipped. This Divinity is named Alcis. There are indeed no
images here, no traces of an extraneous superstition: yet their devotion
is addressed to young men and to brothers. Now the Aryans, besides their
forces, in which they surpass the several nations just recounted, are in
their persons stern and truculent; and even humour and improve their natural
grimness and ferocity by art and time. They wear black shields, their bodies
are painted black, they choose dark nights for engaging in battle; and
by the very awe and ghastly hue of their army, strike the enemy with dread,
as none can bear this their aspect so surprising and as it were quite infernal.
For, in all battles the eyes are vanquished first.
The Gothones, The Rugians, & The Lemovians
Beyond the Lygians dwell the Gothones, under the rule of a King; and
thence held in subjection somewhat stricter than the other German nations,
yet not so strict as to extinguish all their liberty. Immediately adjoining
are the Rugians and Lemovians upon the coast of the ocean, and of these
several nations the characteristics are a round shield, a short sword and
kingly government.
The Suiones
Next occur the communities of the Suiones, situated in the ocean itself;
and besides their strength in men and arms, very powerful at sea. The form
of their vessels varies thus far from ours, that they have prows at each
end, so as to be always ready to row to shore without turning nor are they
moved by sails, nor on their sides have benches of oars placed, but the
rowers ply here and there in all parts of the ship alike, as in some rivers
is done, and change their oars from place to place, just as they shift
their course hither or thither. To wealth also, amongst them, great veneration
is paid, and thence a single ruler governs them, without all restriction
of power, and exacting unlimited obedience. Neither here, as amongst other
nations of Germany, are arms used indifferently by all, but shut up and
warded under the care of a particular keeper, who in truth too is always
a slave: since from all sudden invasions and attacks from their foes, the
ocean protects them: besides that armed bands, when they are not employed,
grow easily debauched and tumultuous. The truth is, it suits not the interest
of an arbitrary Prince, to trust the care and power of arms either with
a nobleman or with a freeman, or indeed with any man above the condition
of a slave.
The Aestyan Nations
Beyond the Suiones is another sea, one very heavy and almost void of
agitation; and by it the whole globe is thought to be bounded and environed,
for that the reflection of the sun, after his setting, continues till his
rising, so bright as to darken the stars. To this, popular opinion has
added, that the tumult also of his emerging from the sea is heard, that
forms divine are then seen, as likewise the rays about his head. Only thus
far extend the limits of nature, if what fame says be true. Upon the right
of the Suevian Sea the Aestyan nations reside, who use the same customs
and attire with the Suevians; their language more resembles that of Britain.
They worship the Mother of the Gods. As the characteristic of their national
superstition, they wear the images of wild boars. This alone serves them
for arms, this is the safeguard of all, and by this every worshipper of
the Goddess is secured even amidst his foes. Rare amongst them is the use
of weapons of iron, but frequent that of clubs. In producing of grain and
the other fruits of the earth, they labour with more assiduity and patience
than is suitable to the usual laziness of Germans. Nay, they even search
the deep, and of all the rest are the only people who gather amber. They
call it glasing, and find it amongst the shallows and upon the very shore.
But, according to the ordinary incuriosity and ignorance of Barbarians,
they have neither learnt, nor do they inquire, what is its nature, or from
what cause it is produced. In truth it lay long neglected amongst the other
gross discharges of the sea; till from our luxury, it gained a name and
value. To themselves it is of no use: they gather it rough, they expose
it in pieces coarse and unpolished, and for it receive a price with wonder.
You would however conceive it to be a liquor issuing from trees, for that
in the transparent substance are often seen birds and other animals, such
as at first stuck in the soft gum, and by it, as it hardened, became quite
enclosed. I am apt to believe that, as in the recesses of the East are
found woods and groves dropping frankincense and balms, so in the isles
and continent of the West such gums are extracted by the force and proximity
of the sun; at first liquid and flowing into the next sea, then thrown
by winds and waves upon the opposite shore. If you try the nature of amber
by the application of fire, it kindles like a torch; and feeds a thick
and unctuous flame very high scented, and presently becomes glutinous like
pitch or rosin.
The Sitones
Upon the Suiones, border the people Sitones; and, agreeing with them
in all other things, differ from them in one, that here the sovereignty
is exercised by a woman. So notoriously do they degenerate not only from
a state of liberty, but even below a state of bondage. Here end the territories
of the Suevians.
The Peucinians, The Venedians, & The Fennians
Whether amongst the Sarmatians or the Germans I ought to account the
Peucinians, the Venedians, and the Fennians, is what I cannot determine;
though the Peucinians, whom some call Basstarnians, speak the same language
with the Germans, use the same attire, build like them, and live like them,
in that dirtiness and sloth so common to all. Somewhat they are corrupted
into the fashion of the Sarmatians by the inter-marriages of the principal
sort with that nation: from whence the Venedians have derived very many
of their customs and a great resemblance. For they are continually traversing
and infesting with robberies all the forests and mountains lying between
the Peucinians and Fennians. Yet they are rather reckoned amongst the Germans,
for that they have fixed houses, and carry shields, and prefer travelling
on foot, and excel in swiftness. Usages these, all widely differing from
those of the Sarmatians, who live on horseback and dwell in waggons. In
wonderful savageness live the nation of the Fennians, and in beastly poverty,
destitute of arms, of horses, and of homes; their food, the common herbs;
their apparel, skins; their bed, the earth; their only hope in their arrows,
which for want of iron they point with bones. Their common support they
have from the chase, women as well as men; for with these the former wander
up and down, and crave a portion of the prey. Nor other shelter have they
even for their babes, against the violence of tempests and ravening beasts,
than to cover them with the branches of trees twisted together; this a
reception for the old men, and hither resort the young. Such a condition
they judge more happy than the painful occupation of cultivating the ground,
than the labour of rearing houses, than the agitations of hope and fear
attending the defence of their own property or the seizing that of others.
Secure against the designs of men, secure against the malignity of the
Gods, they have accomplished a thing of infinite difficulty; that to them
nothing remains even to be wished.
What further accounts we have are fabulous: as that the Hellusians and Oxiones have the countenances and aspect of men, with the bodies and limbs of savage beasts. This, as a thing about which I have no certain information, I shall leave untouched.
Sources
The first half of this text is from Tacitus, The Agricola and Germania. Trans. A. J. Church and W. J. Brodribb. London: Macmillan, 1877.
The second half,
in which Tacitus gives a geographical account of the locations of the main
German tribes is from the 18th-century translation by Thomas Gordon.
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