The Hermunduri: Trade, Salt and a Sacred River

The Hermunduri were a Germanic tribe of the interior, roughly in the region of the upper Elbe, in today's Thuringia/Franconia. Tacitus singles them out: they were reckoned so loyal and reliable that they alone among the Germanic peoples were allowed to trade in the Roman provinces without supervision – a unique privilege.

"To them alone among the Germanic peoples is trade permitted, not only on the bank but deep within."after Tacitus, Germania 41 (public domain, own translation)

The war over salt

Tacitus also reports a memorable conflict: around 58 AD the Hermunduri fought the Chatti over a sacred river rich in salt. Both sides vowed the enemy army to the gods (Mars and Mercury) in advance – a vow that meant the destruction of the opponent. The Hermunduri won. The passage shows how closely economy, war and religion were interwoven among the Germanic peoples: salt was vital – and sacred.

From the Hermunduri to the Thuringians

After the Migration Period the Hermunduri fade from the sources. Much suggests they merged into the new confederation from which the people of the Thuringians emerged – here too an ancient tribe became a later region.

A Suebian tribe in the middle

The Hermunduri were a Germanic tribe of Suebian origin who settled in the area of today's Thuringia, Franconia and Bohemia. They were regarded as loyal allies of Rome – and for this enjoyed a unique privilege.

Free trade with Rome

Tacitus reports something astonishing: the Hermunduri were the only Germanic people allowed to trade without guard, even deep in the Roman provinces. They were trusted – a sign of their special position.

The salt war with the Chatti

Famous is their war against the Chatti over a sacred salt river. Both sides, according to legend, dedicated the enemy army to the gods – a harrowing image of Germanic war religion. The Hermunduri won.

Root of the Thuringians?

Many researchers see in the Hermunduri a forerunner of the later Thuringians. The name Thuringia may go back to them – thus from an ancient Suebian tribe perhaps came a medieval kingdom.

The Hermunduri show the other side of the Germanic peoples: not only warriors but traders – and a people for whom a salty river was sacred enough to vow a whole army to the gods for it. They are related to the Suebi and neighbours of the Chatti.

Read more with us

The Chatti · The Suebi · The Cherusci & Arminius · Germanic Religion · Tiwaz.

Sources & literature

Tacitus, Germania (41) & Annals (XIII.57); standard literature on the Hermunduri/Thuringians; quote public domain or own translation.

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