Heruli

The Heruli were a group of people who lived during a time called Late Antiquity, between the third and sixth centuries AD. They were one of the smaller groups of people known as Germanic tribes. One of the best-known groups of Heruli created a small kingdom near the Middle Danube River, close to where Lower Austria is today. This kingdom formed after the empire of Attila the Hun ended, and it was later taken over by the Lombards around the years 493 to 511.

Many Heruli moved to other places after this, such as Scandinavia and the area around Belgrade. Some historians think the Heruli might have started out near the Sea of Azov much earlier, in the third century, and joined big raids into Roman lands. Others believe they began in Scandinavia. Whatever their beginnings, the Heruli were known for being strong soldiers and fought in many battles across Europe, from the Balkans to Gaul and even in Italy. Over time, the Heruli slowly disappeared from history as they mixed into other groups and new powers, like the Pannonian Avars, took control of their lands.

Classification

The Heruli were first mentioned by Roman writers in the 3rd century AD, and they were called "Scythians," just like the Goths and other tribes. By the 5th century, many groups including the Goths had moved west and lived near the Roman empire. In the 6th century, Roman writers grouped some peoples together as "Gothic," and the Heruli were often included in this group. Today, historians usually think the Heruli were a Germanic people, possibly speaking an East Germanic language similar to Gothic.

Name

The Heruli can also be called Eruli, Heruls, Herules, or Herulians. Their name might come from a Greek word for swamps, or it could be linked to an old Germanic word meaning a military leader. Some thinkers have guessed that the Heruli were special warrior groups, but this idea is not proven.

Language

We think the Heruli spoke a Germanic language, but we only know this from the names of their leaders, which can be hard to understand. Some names sound Germanic, while others do not. Because of this, scholars debate whether they spoke an East Germanic language like Gothic, or maybe a North Germanic language from Scandinavia.

History

Possible Scandinavian origins

Although records from the third to sixth centuries AD place the Heruli near the Sea of Azov and later along the Middle Danube, they are often thought to have originated in Scandinavia. Some believe they moved from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea before the third century. Their neighbors, the Goths and Rugii, are also thought to have come from the southern Baltic coast, and some suggest the Heruli may have too.

The historian Jordanes, writing in the sixth century, claimed the Goths and Gepids came from Scandinavia, calling it a "workshop of nations." He also mentioned the Heruli, saying they had been driven out of Scandinavia by the Danes. This could mean the Heruli came from Denmark or southern Sweden centuries ago, or that they were recent immigrants to Scandinavia when Jordanes wrote. The historian Procopius mentioned that after their kingdom was destroyed, some Heruli moved to Scandinavia and became neighbors of the Gauts.

On the Pontic-Caspian steppe

In the late 260s and early 270s, Heruli and other groups raided the Balkans and Aegean Sea. They took control of cities along the Black Sea, including Byzantion (near modern Istanbul), and went as far as Greece and Asia Minor. They sacked cities like Athens, Corinth, and Olympia.

In 268, the Roman general Gallienus defeated Heruli at the river Nestos. One Heruli leader, Naulobatus, became the first known barbarian to receive Roman imperial honors. Later, large groups of Heruli and other peoples raided the eastern Mediterranean. Some returned safely to the Crimea, while others continued raiding until 276.

4th century

Heruli appeared in western Europe before the time of Attila the Hun, both as raiders and as soldiers for the Romans. They were already in the Western Roman Empire by the late fourth century, possibly settled between Passau and Vienna. Records show Heruli fighting for Rome against various enemies, including the Alamanni near the Rhine.

5th century

By 400, the Heruli and other peoples had moved into the Middle Danube region under the Hunnic empire of Attila. After Attila’s death in 453, the Heruli established a kingdom north of the Danube. They were defeated by the Lombards between 493 and 511, and many Heruli moved to Scandinavia or the region near modern Belgrade.

6th century

After their kingdom was destroyed, the Heruli moved to areas near the Gepids and later into the Eastern Roman Empire. Some settled near Belgrade, where they were welcomed by Emperor Anastasius. Others went to Scandinavia. Heruli soldiers served in Roman armies, fighting in places like Georgia, Carthage, and Italy. By the mid-540s, the Heruli in the Balkans rebelled against Roman rule but were eventually defeated. The last known Heruli leader, Sinduald, was executed in 567.

Representations in classical and early literature

Roman and Greek writers described the Heruli as a strong and tough people who were not very disciplined. They were known for their physical strength and were often mentioned in stories about battles and wars.

One writer, Mamertinus, talked about the Heruli attacking a place called Gaul and said they were very powerful. Another writer, Jordanes, said that the Heruli were once the tallest people in a place called Scandinavia. He also mentioned that they were known for being fast runners and were used as light-armed soldiers in battles.

A writer named Procopius, who met the Heruli, said they had many unusual customs. He described them as pagans and noted that they were not very friendly to their neighbors. Over time, the Heruli converted to Christianity and became a bit gentler, but they still had a reputation for being tricky and not always trustworthy.