This study explores the ethnic origins and identity of the Radagaisus’ army that invaded Italy in... more This study explores the ethnic origins and identity of the Radagaisus’ army that invaded Italy in the early fifth century. Despite the fact that his people were referred to by the Romans as the Goths, their true identity remains unclear. Analysis of archaeological and historical sources suggests that Radagaisus and his men came from the northeastern part of the Great Danube Plain. Thus, they most probably were part of the Sarmatians and the Victohali tribe. The study also examines how tribal identities were shaped and redefined in the sources in the context of political and cultural changes. This case contributes to the broader discussion of barbarian tribal ethnicity and identity in Late Antiquity
Alaric has often been seen as the leader of the Visigothic people, from 395 to his death in 410. ... more Alaric has often been seen as the leader of the Visigothic people, from 395 to his death in 410. Before his rebellion against the Roman Empire in 395, he served in the Roman military, participating in the campaign against Eugenius and Arbogast in 394. His early career is mentioned in the work of the historian Zosimus. But his background is shrouded in mystery. In the middle of the 6th century, Jordanes wrote about his noble origin and the Visigothic dynasty of Balthi. This has led some historians to look for Alaric's origins among the chieftains and nobility of the Gothic tribe of the Thervingi. Among contemporary authors, only the verses of the poet Claudian mention Alaric's birth. This article explores the possibilities of Alaric's origin and the internal policies of the Goths living in Roman territory. Most likely, the person of Alaric was more closely associated with the Roman army than is usually thought.
Prague Papers on the International Relations 2022-1, 2023
Throughout the whole existence of their Empire, the Romans used the divide et impera polity again... more Throughout the whole existence of their Empire, the Romans used the divide et impera polity against the European barbarians. The Romans tried to prevent the establishment of larger and more powerful political entities which could endanger them. Simultaneously, they supported rivalry amongst the tribal chieftains and provided the friendly ones with gold and goods. The arrival of the Huns into Europe did not initially bring any change to this international system. Since the 420s the Huns unified their own tribe and created close alliances with other tribes in Middle and Eastern Europe. This alliance had at last the military power to clash with the Romans and disrupt Roman international order across Europe. Because the Hunnic military power was not sufficient, their state was more of a tribal confederacy than a hierarchical and tightly controlled empire. The Hunnic Empire was also a short-termed affair limited to Attila's life.
This study explores the ethnic origins and identity of the Radagaisus’ army that invaded Italy in... more This study explores the ethnic origins and identity of the Radagaisus’ army that invaded Italy in the early fifth century. Despite the fact that his people were referred to by the Romans as the Goths, their true identity remains unclear. Analysis of archaeological and historical sources suggests that Radagaisus and his men came from the northeastern part of the Great Danube Plain. Thus, they most probably were part of the Sarmatians and the Victohali tribe. The study also examines how tribal identities were shaped and redefined in the sources in the context of political and cultural changes. This case contributes to the broader discussion of barbarian tribal ethnicity and identity in Late Antiquity
Alaric has often been seen as the leader of the Visigothic people, from 395 to his death in 410. ... more Alaric has often been seen as the leader of the Visigothic people, from 395 to his death in 410. Before his rebellion against the Roman Empire in 395, he served in the Roman military, participating in the campaign against Eugenius and Arbogast in 394. His early career is mentioned in the work of the historian Zosimus. But his background is shrouded in mystery. In the middle of the 6th century, Jordanes wrote about his noble origin and the Visigothic dynasty of Balthi. This has led some historians to look for Alaric's origins among the chieftains and nobility of the Gothic tribe of the Thervingi. Among contemporary authors, only the verses of the poet Claudian mention Alaric's birth. This article explores the possibilities of Alaric's origin and the internal policies of the Goths living in Roman territory. Most likely, the person of Alaric was more closely associated with the Roman army than is usually thought.
Prague Papers on the International Relations 2022-1, 2023
Throughout the whole existence of their Empire, the Romans used the divide et impera polity again... more Throughout the whole existence of their Empire, the Romans used the divide et impera polity against the European barbarians. The Romans tried to prevent the establishment of larger and more powerful political entities which could endanger them. Simultaneously, they supported rivalry amongst the tribal chieftains and provided the friendly ones with gold and goods. The arrival of the Huns into Europe did not initially bring any change to this international system. Since the 420s the Huns unified their own tribe and created close alliances with other tribes in Middle and Eastern Europe. This alliance had at last the military power to clash with the Romans and disrupt Roman international order across Europe. Because the Hunnic military power was not sufficient, their state was more of a tribal confederacy than a hierarchical and tightly controlled empire. The Hunnic Empire was also a short-termed affair limited to Attila's life.
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Papers by Oto Mestek