[gothic-l] Re: Scanza - Was: Trailing the Eruli in the North

[Tore Gannholm]

>
>  >
>>  He has some tribal names common with Procopius. Others he has
>>  obtained from other sources.
>>
>>  The arechaeological finds are clear here.
>>  Tore
>>
>
>Tore,
>
>Neither Jordanes nor Procopius had a clear picture of the geography
>of Scandinavian region - maybe caused by an insufficient description
>from Ptolemeus.
>
>I also agree that Jordanes probably mixed up Gotland and the
>Scandinavian Peninsula under the name Scanza, but I am still not sure
>how you will split his description up today (I remember some earlier
>discussions).
>
>Do you agree, that III 19-23 describes the Scandinavian Peninsula?
>
>Troels
>
>

Troels,
There is no question that these deal with Thule (the Scandinavian peninsula)

Ptolomaios says that in Scandza live Chaedini, Favonae, Firaesi, 
Finni, Gutae , Dauciones and Levoni

I am not sure which of Ptolomaios tribes Jordanes has included.

Here follows Jordanes list according to Mierow.

(19) Now in the island of Scandza, whereof I speak, there dwell many 
and divers nations, though Ptolemaeus mentions the names of but seven 
of them. There the honey-making swarms of bees are nowhere to be 
found on account of the exceeding great cold. In the northern part of 
the island the race of the Adogit live, who are said to have 
continual light in midsummer for forty days and nights, and who 
likewise have no clear light in the winter season for the same number 
of days and nights. (20) By reason of this alternation of sorrow and 
joy they are like no other race in their sufferings and blessings. 
And why? Because during the longer days they see the sun returning to 
the east along the rim of the horizon, but on the shorter days it is 
not thus seen. The sun shows itself differently because it is passing 
through the southern signs, and whereas to us the sun seem to rise 
from below, it seems to go around them along the edge of the earth. 
There also are other peoples. (21) There are the Screrefennae, who do 
not seek grain for food but live on the flesh of wild beasts and 
birds' eggs; for there are such multitudes of young game in the 
swamps as to provide for the natural increase of their kind and to 
afford satisfaction to the needs of the people. But still another 
race dwells there, the Suehans, who, like the Thuringians, have 
splendid horses. Here also are those who send through innumerable 
other tribes the sappherine skins to trade for Roman use. They are a 
people famed for the dark beauty of their furs and, though living in 
poverty, are most richly clothed. (22) Then comes a throng of various 
nations, Theustes, Vagoth, Bergio, Hallin, Liothida. All their 
habitations are in one level and fertile region. Wherefore they are 
disturbed there by the attacks of other tribes. Behind these are the 
Ahelmil, Finnaithae, Fervir and Gauthigoth, a race of men bold and 
quick to fight. Then come the Mixi, Evagre, and Otingis. All these 
live like wild animals in rocks hewn out like castles. (23) And there 
are beyond these the Ostrogoths, Raumarici, Aeragnaricii, and the 
most gentle Finns, milder than all the inhabitants of Scandza. Like 
them are the Vinovilith also. The Suetidi are of this stock and excel 
the rest in stature. However, the Dani, who trace their origin to the 
same stock, drove from their homes the Heruli, who lay claim to 
preëminence among all the nations of Scandza for their tallness. (24) 
Furthermore there are in the same neighborhood the Grannii, Augandzi, 
Eunixi, Taetel, Rugi, Arochi and Ranii, over whom Roduulf was king 
not many years ago. But he despised his own kingdom and fled to the 
embrace of Theodoric, king of the Goths, finding there what he 
desired. All these nations surpassed the Germans in size and spirit, 
and fought with the cruelty of wild beasts.


Tore
-- 

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