March 1, 2007

Jordanes, believed to have been a Goth, wrote his history after an original, longer text from the pen of Cassiodorus, who as we recall was a member of Theodoric's court. The passages we're reading begin with the origins of the Goths, way back in the ancient world. They originally came from the island of Scandza (does anyone want to venture a guess as to what that means?). The legends that follow are by no means historical, but they do attempt to place the Goths as a people on the stage of the ancient world. So, I give you Question 1: What are the legendary peooples and individuals among whom Jordanes locates the Goths? If you have little or no background on the ancient world, then don't feel you have to answer this question in detail. But if there are things you can say about it, then do so.

Next, in section XXIV, we meet the Huns. Question 2: How does Jordanes represent the Huns? How did they come to embark on their conquests? Question 3: How does our author describe Attila? Is there anything to admire about him?

Finally, in Question 4, I want you to evaluate the interactions of both the Goths and the Huns with the Romans. How do the Romans figure into the narrative?

For the Brown reading: I want to call your attention first to Brown's sketch of a debate betweeh Symmachus and Bishop Ambrose on pp. 121-122. I'll tell you more about it in class. What interests us for this unit is Brown's depiction of the relaitonship between Romans and Goths. How does this compare to the treatment of the Franks, according to Brown? You don't need to write out answers to these questions--just pay attention.

Luarel Carrington carringt@stolaf.edu
Most recent update: February 28, 2007

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