Jordanes
Jordanes was a 6th-century historian of Gothic descent, known primarily for his works Getica and Romana. He is a crucial source of information on the history of the Goths, an ancient Germanic people, and the transformation of the Roman Empire into the Byzantine Empire.
Early Life and Background
Jordanes, originally named Jordanis or Jornandes, is believed to have been of Gothic heritage. His paternal grandfather was Paria, and Jordanes himself was a notary or secretary before taking on the role of a historian. It is suggested that Jordanes was associated with the Amali, the ruling dynasty of the Ostrogoths. His conversion to Christianity marked a significant turn in his life, leading him to document the history of his people.
Works
Getica
The Getica, written around 551 AD, is Jordanes' most famous work. It provides a detailed account of the Gothic history from their origins, tracing their roots to the Getae, an ancient Thracian tribe as mentioned by Herodotus. Jordanes claims to have based his work on an earlier, now lost, history by Cassiodorus, although modern scholars question this connection. The Getica covers events like the migration of the Goths, their conflicts with the Roman Empire, and the rise and fall of their leaders, including King Ermanaric and Theodoric the Great.
Romana
The Romana, also known as De summa temporum vel origine actibusque gentis Romanorum, is another significant work by Jordanes. This text recounts the history of Rome from its foundation to the author's present time. It serves as a complementary piece to the Getica, providing a broader context of the Roman and Gothic interactions. Jordanes gives insight into the Roman world, discussing notable figures such as Julius Caesar, Augustus, and subsequent emperors, leading up to the Byzantine era.
Historical Context
Jordanes wrote during a time of great transformation in Europe. The fall of the Western Roman Empire and the rise of various Germanic kingdoms, including the Ostrogothic Kingdom in Italy, set the stage for his narratives. His accounts provide a Gothic perspective on events like the Battle of the Catalaunian Plains, where the Romans and Goths allied against Attila the Hun. While modern historians often critique the reliability of his works, they remain invaluable for understanding the era.
Legacy
Jordanes' contributions have had a lasting impact on the study of ancient history. His works are among the few sources that bridge the gap between classical antiquity and the early medieval period. Despite questions about their accuracy, the Getica and Romana continue to be referenced for their detailed descriptions of Gothic and Roman histories.