German Culture

All about Germany

  • Home
  • Learn German
  • Articles
    • Famous Germans
    • German Holidays
    • German Cuisine
    • How To In Germany
    • Daily Life
    • German Facts
    • German Traditions
  • Facts About Germany
  • German History
  • German Recipes
    • German Baking Recipes
    • German Christmas Recipes
    • Desserts
    • Easter Recipes
    • Halloween Recipes
    • Main Dishes
    • Salads
    • Sauerkraut Recipes
  • Travel to Germany
  • Contact

Early History of Germany

early_history_of_germanyThe Germanic tribes, which probably originated from a mixture of peoples along the Baltic Sea coast, inhabited the northern part of the European continent by about 500 B.C. By 100 B.C., they had advanced into the central and southern areas of present-day Germany. At that time, there were three major tribal groups: the eastern Germanic peoples lived along the Oder and Vistula rivers; the northern Germanic peoples inhabited the southern part of present-day Scandinavia; and the western Germanic peoples inhabited the extreme south of Jutland and the area between the North Sea and the Elbe, Rhine, and Main rivers. The Rhine provided a temporary boundary between Germanic and Roman territory after the defeat of the Suevian tribe by Julius Caesar about 70 B.C.

The threatening presence of warlike tribes beyond the Rhine prompted the Romans to pursue a campaign of expansion into Germanic territory. However, the defeat of the provincial governor Varus by Arminius at the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest in A.D. 9 halted Roman expansion; Arminius had learned the enemy’s strategies during his military training in the Roman armies. This battle brought about the liberation of the greater part of Germany from Roman domination. The Rhine River was once again the boundary line until the Romans reoccupied territory on its eastern bank and built the Limes, a fortification 300 kilometers long, in the first century A.D.

The second through the sixth centuries was a period of change and destruction in which eastern and western Germanic tribes left their native lands and settled in newly acquired territories. This period of Germanic history, which later supplied material for heroic epics, included the downfall of the Roman Empire and resulted in a considerable expansion of habitable area for the Germanic peoples. However, with the exception of those kingdoms established by Franks and Anglo-Saxons, Germanic kingdoms founded in such other parts of Europe as Italy and Spain were of relatively short duration because they were assimilated by the native populations. The conquest of Roman Gaul by Frankish tribes in the late fifth century became a milestone of European history; it was the Franks who were to become the founders of a civilized German state.



Related articles:
The Battle of the Teutoburg Forest
German History Timeline

You might also like:

  • Unraveling the Mystery: The Battle of the Teutoburg Forest
    Unraveling the Mystery: The Battle of the Teutoburg Forest
  • German Language: A Journey Through Linguistic Heritage, Structure, and Influence
    German Language: A Journey Through Linguistic Heritage,…
  • The History of German Bread: A Crusty Chronicle
    The History of German Bread: A Crusty Chronicle
  • The Holy Roman Empire: An Epoch of European History
    The Holy Roman Empire: An Epoch of European History
  • The Rich History  of Sauerkraut in German Cuisine: A Culinary Journey
    The Rich History of Sauerkraut in German Cuisine: A Culinary…
  • All Facts About Germany: A Comprehensive Guide to the Country
    All Facts About Germany: A Comprehensive Guide to the…
  • Knecht Ruprecht: Exploring the Enigmatic Figure of German Christmas Tradition
    Knecht Ruprecht: Exploring the Enigmatic Figure of German…
  • German History: From the Holy Roman Empire to the Modern Era
    German History: From the Holy Roman Empire to the Modern Era

Recent Posts

Spekulatius German Spiced Biscuits

Spekulatius (German Spiced Biscuits): A Traditional Delight

Haselnussmakronen - German Hazelnut Macaroons

Haselnussmakronen (German Hazelnut Macaroons): A Delightful Treat from Germany

German Sauerkraut

The Rich History of Sauerkraut in German Cuisine: A Culinary Journey

German Sauerkraut with Apples Recipe

German Sauerkraut with Apples Recipe

German Knackwurst

German Knackwurst Recipe: A Delightful Culinary Journey

Copyright © 2023 · German Culture

Go to mobile version