Tuesday, February 27

The third chapter of Kruz/Gerberding introduces the third component of early medieval culture: the Germanic or, as our chater calls them, barbarian component. There are certain things I want you to sort out as you read this chapter. First, know something about the significance of each of these groups, and where they eventually settled (or failed to settle, as the case may be):

• Visigoths
• Ostrogoths
• Vandals
• Franks
• Huns
• Burgundians

Next, be able to identify the following individuals:

• Alaric
• Attila (pictured at right)
• Theoderic
• Boethius
• Cassiodorus
• Clovis (and the Merovingian dynasty)

Finally, be prepared to address the following questions:

• Why do we no longer refer to the barbariarians as having simply invaded Rome? How would you characterize the complex relationships between Romans and the peoples who came to inhabit the remains of the Empire in the West?
• How did the ethnic identity and customs of the barbarians themselves develop in response to their contact with Rome?
• Compare barbarian political, social, and legal institutions to those of Rome.
• What can you say about the preservation of ancient culture in the early medieval west?

Now, I want to impress upon you the fact that this review does not constitute your homework! Your actual homework is on the primary sources.

Homework: The following is a list of seven questions. Pick any three questions from 1 to 6, and then write on question 7 as well (so you'll have written on four in all).

1. Examine the way in which leadership is established, maintained, and handled. What seem to be the underlying principles for holding authority?
2. What is the role of warfare in Germanic society? What seems to be Tacitus's view of the ethical dimension of warfare (i.e., is it a good thing, a moral and social evil, etc.)? Find passages.
3. Look at passages relating to family and gender. What seems to be Tacitus's view of sexuality? Does he, for example, speak approvingly or disapprovingly of the way the Germans handle these things?
4. Look at passages that demonstrate the Germans' approach to wealth. Again, how does Tacitus present this information?
5. How are social ties formed and maintained?
6. What is the role of religion in Germanic society?
7. Putting this all together, what seem to be the values of this group of people? Can we compare their value system, such as it is, with those of Rome and of Christianity?

Laurel Carrington carringt@stolaf.edu
Most recent update: Feb 21, 2007

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