History The Roman Origins of the Viking Age

[Tautalus]

This news story from the Museum of Cultural History of the University of Oslo is about a new book that looks at the path to kingship in Scandinavia between 180 and 550 AD. It establishes a link between the Roman Empire and the emergence of the first Scandinavian kingdoms. The book argues that tribal Scandinavia was put on the path to kingship with the arrival in 180 AD of warrior groups who were discharged from the Roman army. These Scandinavian warriors, who served in the Roman army as mercenaries, played a significant role in the exchange of cultural and military practices between the Roman Empire and the Scandinavian regions. The experience of serving in the Roman army had a profound impact on these warriors, who were exposed to new cultures, ideas and technologies. After their discharge, these warriors brought back new military tactics, technologies and ideas, which they introduced into their communities, influencing the development of Scandinavian warfare and society.
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The Roman Origins of the Viking Age - Museum of Cultural History

The earliest Scandinavian kingdoms emerged in the late 5th century, inspired by the Roman polity type. The reasons why this happened, and why these developments played a significant role in the rise of the Viking Age three centuries later, are explored by Professor Dagfinn Skre in his new book...

www.khm.uio.no

The Northern Routes to Kingship | A History of Scandinavia AD 180–550

This book argues that tribal Scandinavia was set on the route to kingship by the arrival in the AD 180s–90s of warrior groups that were dismissed from the Roman

www.taylorfrancis.com

 

[bicicleur 2]

An interesting theory. However it seems the Germanic tribes were also already organised as warrior tribes like the Suebi. One of their chieftains was Ariovistus described by Caesar as a warrior who tried to gain influence and power in Gaul.
Furthermore the organisation and warrior tactics of the Vikings were completely different from the very disciplined Roman legions.

 

[Ivorix]

Fascinating theory!! Thanks for sharing it!!

 

[Maciamo]

The Romans also influenced Germanic tribes for their weapons and military tactics. For example the Viking shield wall is inspired by the Roman legions' shield wall.

 

[MOESAN]

"On ne prête qu'aux riches".
Always these theories where a well established culture is credited of any progress among other cultures, whatever the time that separates them!
It recall me this mainstream (todate) opinion which see so numerous different families of languages emerging all of them from South the Caucasus. Sometimes I doubt, even if I cannot rpove the contrary, but who has the charge of the proof, the affirmative one or the negative on?. Maybe Finno-Ugric came straight away from Sout Caucasus too? LOL

 

[bicicleur 2]

The Romans also influenced Germanic tribes for their weapons and military tactics. For example the Viking shield wall is inspired by the Roman legions' shield wall.

The Roman legions kept their shield wall formation as long as possible during battle while the Vikings formed a makeshift shield wall on rare occasions.