The Triboci – Germani on the Upper Rhine around Strasbourg

History & Finds The Triboci: Rhine Germani in Alsace

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The Triboci were a Germanic tribe on the left Upper Rhine, in the area of today's Alsace around Strasbourg. Tacitus names them together with the Nemetes and Vangiones as Germanic Rhine peoples.

Part of the Roman Rhine frontier

Like their neighbours the Triboci were bound into the Roman border order and formed a civitas. Strasbourg (Argentorate) became an important legionary camp and civil centre on the Rhine.

Between the worlds

The Triboci complete the picture of a Rhine frontier that was no wall: Germanic tribes on the "Gaulish" side, Romanised but aware of their origin – just like the Ubii and Treveri.

"The Vangiones, Triboci and Nemetes, without doubt Germani, inhabit the bank of the Rhine."after Tacitus, Germania 28 (public domain, own translation)

What is documented: Triboci as a Germanic Rhine tribe (Tacitus, Germania 28; Caesar), their civitas on the Upper Rhine and Argentorate/Strasbourg as a Roman centre (inscriptions, archaeology).

What is interpretation: The degree of their "Germanic-ness" is a modern question of categories – the Rhine frontier was permeable. About their pre-Roman culture little is known directly.

The Triboci belong to the Rhine-Germani trio. Continue with the Nemetes and Vangiones.

Glanz & Gravur — From our workshop: Germanic motifs on natural slate, laser-engraved. To the shop →

Sources & literature

Tacitus, Germania 28; Caesar, The Gallic War; inscriptions; quote public domain (own translation).

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The Triboci: Rhine Germani in Alsace

Part of the Roman Rhine frontier

Between the worlds

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Sources & literature

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