Saturday 7 February 2009

Gotland in Sweden

Map from the works of Ptolemy in the 2nd Century CE, published in Nicolai Doni's edition (1482). Source: Project Gutenberg The Voyage of the Vega round Asia and Europe, Volume I and Volume II, by Nordenskiöld, A. E.

As can be seen from the map in the Goths were dominant in the Nordic areas. Besides the Goths there were Lappelanth (in 2 places), Dacia (in southern Sweden and the areas of present Denmark) and then Suetia. It seems like the Goths were spread over a large area from South to North.

Picture Stones from Länsmuseet in Gotland, Sweden.

Goth design in Swedish Iron Age


Source: Project Gutenberg The Voyage of the Vega round Asia and Europe, Volume I and Volume II, by Nordenskiöld, A. E.

About the Goths arrival to Scandza:

As soon as they disembarked from their ships and set foot on the land, they straightway gave their name to the place. And even to-day it is said to be called Gothiscandza. (26) Soon they moved from here to the abodes of the Ulmerugi, who then dwelt on the shores of Ocean, where they pitched camp, joined battle with them and drove them from their homes. Then they subdued their neighbors, the Vandals, and thus added to their victories. But when the number of the people increased greatly and Filimer, son of Gadaric, reigned as king--about the fifth since Berig--he decided that the army of the Goths with their families should move from that region. (27) In search of suitable homes and pleasant places they came to the land of Scythia, called Oium in that tongue.

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