The Bastarnae: Germani on the Edge of the Steppe

The Bastarnae were a Germanic people in the east, between the Carpathians and the Black Sea. They are among the earliest Germani to appear, as early as the 3rd–2nd century BC, in Greek and Roman sources.

Mercenaries and neighbours of the steppe

As feared warriors they served Hellenistic kings and repeatedly clashed with Rome. Tacitus describes them as Germani in language and way of life – but mixed with Sarmatian neighbours.

In the current of the Migration Period

For centuries the Bastarnae held on in the border region; later parts were resettled into the Roman Empire. They show how far the Germanic world and the steppe world touched – long before the Goths.

"The Bastarnae show in language and way of life the manner of the Germani."after Tacitus, Germania 46 (public domain, own translation)

The Bastarnae lead to the Germanic east. Continue with the Goths and Gutones.

Read more with us

The Goths · The Sciri · The Gepids · Cimbri & Teutones · The Heruli.

Sources & literature

Polybius; Livy; Tacitus, Germania 46; quote public domain (own translation).

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