[gothic-l] The Scandinavian Origin of the Goths and Other Germanic Peoples

[bertil]

Maybe we are relating to different
things here. In my opinion it was never
during the Iron Age the question of
"nation building", but of ethnicity and
peoples.

There are a number of indications
that many of the Germanic peoples
originated in Scandinavia, although
it cannot be proven with certainty:

The Goths: Vaestergoetland, Oester-
goetland, Gotland.

The Gepids: See above.

The Eruli: Denmark

The Langobardi: Scania, southern Sweden

The Burgundi: the island of Bornholm
(formerly named Burgundarholm)

The Rugi: Rogaland (Norway)

The Cimbri: Himmerland (Denmark)

The Vandali: Vendsyssel (Jutland, Denmark)

During the migration southwards these
peoples were influenced and through
intermarriage not only with other Germanic
peoples but with peoples of the steppes in
the east changed, both culturally,
ethnically and linguistically. So when
reaching southern Europe they were of course
not the same as when they were leaving the
original home. Their ranks had probably
also grown with the addition of others living on
the continent. But there was of course an
interchange with Scandinavia. New migrators
being added and others returning to Scandinavia.

Concerning interaction of the peoples of
Scandinavia with the Celts this of course
took place in the form of trade and cultural
exchange.

I am glad we agree on the Scandinavian origin
of the Goths. If you want to discuss the problem
of the Scandinavian origin of the other peoples
we could perhaps do that privately, if you
are interested, as this is a Gothic list.

Gothically

Bertil Haggman

> In Scandinavia there was simply not
> the cultural interaction with a 'more
> advanced' group such as the Celts,
> which theory deems necessary for the
> process of identity, culture and 'nation'
> formation.


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