Gothic History and Origins

Gothic History and Origins The term Gothic was used in the Renaissance to describe certain types of art and architecture in the Middle Ages. This art was considered inferior, just as the Romans had held themselves superior to the barbarians. In the 18th century, the term Gothic morphed into a genre of literature that had elements of horror. In the late 20th century it morphed again into a style and subculture characterized by heavy eyeliner and all-black clothing. Originally, the Goths were one of the barbarian horseback riding groups that caused trouble for the Roman Empire. Ancient Source on the Goths The ancient Greeks considered the Goths to be Scythians. The name Scythian was used by the ancient historian, Herodotus (440 B.C.), to describe barbarians who lived on their horses north of the Black Sea and were likely not Goths. When the Goths came to live in the same area, they were considered Scythians because of their barbarian way of living. It is hard to know when the people we call Goths began to intrude on the Roman Empire. According to Michael Kulikowski, in Romes Gothic Wars, the first securely attested Gothic raid took place in 238 A.D. when Goths sacked Histria. In 249 they attacked Marcianople. A year later, under their king Cniva, they sacked several Balkan cities. In 251, Cniva routed Emperor Decius at Abrittus. The raids continued and moved from the Black Sea to the Aegean where the historian Dexippus successfully defended a besieged Athens against them. He later wrote about the Gothic Wars in his Scythica. Although most of Dexippus is lost, the historian Zosimus had access to his historical writing. By the end of the 260s, the Roman Empire was winning against the Goths. Medieval Source on the Goths The story of the Goths generally begins in Scandinavia, as is told by the historian, Jordanes, in his The Origin and Deeds of the Goths, chapter 4: IV (25) Now from this island of Scandza, as from a hive of races or a womb of nations, the Goths are said to have come forth long ago under their king, Berig by name. As soon as they disembarked from their ships and set foot on the land, they straightway gave their name to the place. And even to-day it is said to be called Gothiscandza. (26) Soon they moved from here to the abodes of the Ulmerugi, who then dwelt on the shores of Ocean, where they pitched camp, joined battle with them and drove them from their homes. Then they subdued their neighbors, the Vandals, and thus added to their victories. But when the number of the people increased greatly and Filimer, son of Gadaric, reigned as kingabout the fifth since Berighe decided that the army of the Goths with their families should move from that region. (27) In search of suitable homes and pleasant places they came to the land of Scythia, called Oium in that tongue. Here they were delighted with the great richness of the country, a nd it is said that when half the army had been brought over, the bridge whereby they had crossed the river fell in utter ruin, nor could anyone thereafter pass to or fro. For the place is said to be surrounded by quaking bogs and an encircling abyss, so that by this double obstacle nature has made it inaccessible. And even to-day one may hear in that neighborhood the lowing of cattle and may find traces of men, if we are to believe the stories of travellers, although we must grant that they hear these things from afar. Germans and Goths Kulikowski says the idea that the Goths were associated with the Scandinavians and therefore Germans had great appeal in the 19th century and were supported by the discovery of a linguistic relationship between the languages of the Goths and Germans. The idea that a language relationship implies an ethnic relationship was popular but doesnt bear out in practice. Kulikowski says the only evidence of a Gothic people from before the third century comes from Jordanes, whose word is suspect. Kulikowski on the Problems of Using Jordanes Jordanes wrote in the second half of the sixth century. He based his history on the no longer extant writing of a Roman nobleman named Cassiodorus whose work he had been asked to abridge. Jordanes did not have the history in front of him when he wrote, so how much was his own invention cant be ascertained. Much of Jordanes writing has been rejected as too fanciful, but the Scandinavian origin has been accepted. Kulikowski points to some of the far-fetched passages in Jordanes history to say that Jordanes is unreliable. Where some his reports are corroborated elsewhere, they can be used. Where there is no supporting evidence, we need other reasons for accepting. In the case of the so-called origins of the Goths, any supporting evidence comes from people using Jordanes as a source. Kulikowski also objects to using archaeological evidence as support because artifacts moved around and were traded. In addition, archaeologists have based their attribution of Gothic artifacts to Jordanes. If Kulikowski is right, we dont know where the Goths came from or where they were before their third-century excursions into the Roman Empire.

How to Write a Sick Day Email

How to Write a Sick Day Email You woke up feeling wretched. You just can’t go to work. But you also don’t want your boss or coworkers to think you’re slacking off with your feet up, watching The View. The accepted way to communicate the message that you’re staying home is to send an email to your boss. But what to say? First of all, you want to make sure to send your email well advance of your start time, lest it look like you just overslept and could not be bothered coming in late.Then, just follow these 3 simple guidelines.Keep it ShortKeep it lean and mean. And resist the urge to overshare. Your boss does not want to hear the details of your phlegmy cough or stomach flu. A simple â€Å"flu† or â€Å"food poisoning† or even â€Å"migraine headache† will suffice. If you’re taking a mental health or personal day, and your company has a policy allowing for that, you can say, â€Å"I’m taking a sick day to attend to a personal matter.† And leave it at that.Be Clear on Your AvailabilityIt’s important to let your boss know whether she can expect you to check emails while you’re out of the office. If you’re too sick, just add a line making it clear that you will be totally offline (though, do give a phone number at which you can be reached if any emergencies arise). If working remotely is an option for you, just say, â€Å"I’m staying home today, but will be available by email (or will be working remotely).†Make Sure You Have an In-Office CoverIf you have any pressing projects or deadlines, or you serve a crucial role, make sure to name a qualified colleague who clients or coworkers can turn to for guidance instead. Bonus points if you reach out to that person before you give their name to your boss! If you’re working on a team project, consider shooting an email to your other team members, as well, in addition to your supervisor; it’s always nice for them to get the heads up di rectly from you.Finally, If you have it in you and want to avoid the guilt of idleness, spend a half an hour shoring up any loose ends, referring people to other parties, and setting yourself an out-of-office message so people know not to expect a prompt response. Then go right back to bed and get better already!