Jordanes
Early Life and Background
Jordanes, also spelled Jornandes, was a 6th-century Roman bureaucrat of Gothic descent who later turned into a historian. He is primarily known for his works "De origine actibusque Getarum" (The Origin and Deeds of the Goths) and "Romana" (The History of Rome). Jordanes' exact birth date is not known, but he is believed to have lived during the early to mid-6th century. His family was of Gothic origin, and he was likely born in the Eastern Roman Empire.
Career and Works
Jordanes' career began in the Roman bureaucracy, where he served as a notarius, a high-ranking secretary or clerk. His position gave him access to various official documents and records, which later proved invaluable for his historical writings. Jordanes' most significant contributions to history are his two extant works: "De origine actibusque Getarum" and "Romana."
De origine actibusque Getarum
"De origine actibusque Getarum," commonly referred to as "Getica," is Jordanes' most famous work. It is a history of the Goths, tracing their origins from the mythical island of Scandza to their settlement in the Roman Empire. The work is divided into four main parts:
1. **Origins and Early History**: This section covers the mythical origins of the Goths, their migration from Scandza, and their early encounters with other tribes. 2. **Gothic Kings and Leaders**: Jordanes provides detailed accounts of various Gothic kings and leaders, including Ermanaric, Alaric I, and Theodoric the Great. 3. **Gothic Wars**: This part focuses on the various wars and conflicts involving the Goths, particularly their battles against the Roman Empire. 4. **Gothic Culture and Society**: Jordanes also delves into the customs, traditions, and societal structure of the Gothic people.
Romana
"Romana" is Jordanes' second major work, a concise history of Rome from its legendary founding by Romulus and Remus to the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. Unlike "Getica," which focuses on a specific ethnic group, "Romana" covers a broader spectrum of Roman history. The work is divided into several sections:
1. **Early Rome**: This section covers the legendary origins of Rome, including the stories of Romulus and Remus, the establishment of the Roman Kingdom, and the transition to the Roman Republic. 2. **Republican Rome**: Jordanes provides an overview of the major events and figures of the Roman Republic, including the Punic Wars, the rise of Julius Caesar, and the transition to the Roman Empire. 3. **Imperial Rome**: This part focuses on the Roman Empire, from the reign of Augustus to the decline of the Western Roman Empire. 4. **Byzantine Rome**: The final section covers the Eastern Roman Empire, particularly the reign of Justinian I and his efforts to reconquer the lost territories of the Western Roman Empire.
Historical Significance
Jordanes' works are invaluable for the study of both Gothic and Roman history. "Getica" is one of the few surviving sources that provide a detailed account of the Goths, their origins, and their interactions with the Roman Empire. It is particularly significant because it offers insights into the Gothic perspective, which is often missing from other contemporary sources.
"Romana," while not as detailed as other Roman histories, is still an important work for its concise overview of Roman history. It provides a unique perspective on the Roman Empire from a Gothic historian, offering a different viewpoint from the traditionally Roman-centric narratives.
Methodology and Sources
Jordanes' methodology as a historian has been a subject of debate among scholars. He relied heavily on earlier works, particularly those of Cassiodorus, a Roman statesman and scholar. Cassiodorus' now-lost "Gothic History" served as a primary source for "Getica." Jordanes himself acknowledges this reliance, stating that he condensed and summarized Cassiodorus' work.
In addition to Cassiodorus, Jordanes also used other sources, including oral traditions, official records, and his own observations. However, his works are not without errors and biases. Jordanes' Gothic heritage and his position within the Roman bureaucracy likely influenced his portrayal of events and figures.
Legacy and Influence
Jordanes' works have had a lasting impact on the study of both Gothic and Roman history. "Getica" has been particularly influential in shaping modern understanding of the Goths and their role in the late Roman Empire. It has been cited by numerous historians and scholars over the centuries and remains a key source for the study of the Migration Period.
"Romana" has also contributed to the broader field of Roman history, providing a concise and accessible overview of Rome's history from its legendary origins to the Byzantine period. While not as detailed as other Roman histories, it offers a unique perspective that complements other contemporary sources.