Jordanes

About the Author

Jordanes, a 6th-century Roman historian of Gothic descent, is renowned for his pivotal role in preserving the history of the Gothic peoples during the turbulent era of the late Roman Empire. Born around 500 CE, he served as a secretary to the Gothic king Gunthigis Baza before converting to Christianity and dedicating himself to scholarly pursuits. Drawing from earlier sources like the lost work of Cassiodorus, Jordanes crafted a concise yet vivid chronicle that blends oral traditions, biblical allusions, and classical historiography to narrate the migrations, battles, and cultural achievements of the Goths from their mythical origins to their encounters with Rome. His writing, though fragmentary, offers invaluable insights into the barbarian kingdoms that reshaped Europe, influencing medieval understandings of ethnic identity and imperial decline.