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