Monthly Archives: September 2018

Laonikos Chalkokondyles

PublishedSeptember 17, 2018 Post authortorino

Laonikos Chalkokondyles (circa 1430 – circa 1470) was a Byzantine Greek historian. His 10 volume history (The Histories) contains the following passages (dealing with the events of the Byzantine Civil war in 1350-1356) which give several potential sources for the origin of the Serbs:

“Süleyman [Pasha, son of Orhan Gazi] then attacked the Mysians [Moesians?]* and the Triballi.** This tribe – the oldest and largest of all of the world’s nations – took these lands either (1) by separating from the Illyrians*** or (2), as some people believe, from peoples on the other side of the Danube, at the ends of Europe, [by separating] from the Croats and Prussians on the Northern Ocean, or (3) it arrived from Sarmatia, which is now called Ruthenia. By reason of the insufferable cold they left those lands and, having crossed the Danube, they arrived in the country on the Ionian Gulf [Sea] and, having conquered them, took abode in the lands that belong to the Veneti. Perhaps it is better said that (4) they arrived from there in the land on the Ionian Sea and after crossing the Danube they found themselves on the other side of the oecumene, but we do not assert this with full certainty. But I do know that these tribes differ from one another by names but not by customs and using the same language they can understand each other even now. They spread out throughout Europe, lived in different places even in the Peloponessus, Laconia, in the mountains of the Taygetus, and on the Tainaron [Cape Matapan]. Here too lived a nation which stretched from Dacia to Pindos in Thessaly. Both of these are called the Vrachi.*** I cannot say which of these, were I to speak of them, [was the native and which] came to the other. In any event, I believe that the Triballi,** Mysians [Moesians?],* Illyrians,*** Croats, Polans and Sarmatians [that is Ruthenians as noted above] speak the same language. Were anything worthwhile to be added to this, it is only that this is one tribe.”

* Bulgarians
** Serbs
*** Western Slavs or Slovenes.
*** Wallachians

A Priori

PublishedSeptember 14, 2018 Post authortorino

Lentia was a river or a place in what is today’s Germany. The name is supposedly Celtic. The Teutons changed it to Linz and hence we now have Linzgau. Linzgau is just north of the Bodensee (Lacus Venetus). When the Teutons powered into those lands they took over portions of Noricum and portions of what used to be Suevia. The Suevia name remained – now as Suavia – later Swabia. But the inhabitants now became the Alemanni – a Teuton name. So what does this have to with Lentia?

There is the always very interesting Ammianus Marcellinus who mentions the Alamannic tribe of the Lentienses and their king Priarius (in Book XV, chapter 4 and Book XXXI, chapters 10 and 12):

Lentienses Alamanni a Constantio Aug. pars caesi, pars fugati.
Et Lentiensibus, Alamannicis pagis indictum est bellum conlimitia saepe Romana latius inrumpentibus…
et iam Lentiensis Alamannicus populus, tractibus Raetiarum confinis…
quibus avide Lentienses acceptis…
inter complures alios audaces et fortes rege quoque Priario interfecto, exitialium concitore pugnarum…
hocque urgentibus aliis super alios nuntiis cognito, Lentienses aerumnis populi sui ad internecionem paene deleti…
Isdemque diebus exagitatus ratione gemina Valens, quod Lentienses conpererat superatos…

The above references are the only mentions that we know of such a tribe. They appear in 355 A.D. and disappear by 378 A.D.

And yet…

almost 500 years later, in the Bavarian Geographer, we have the following statement Lendizi habent ciuitates XCVIII. This is commonly understood as a reference to a Suavic tribe of the Lendians (Lędzianie). This tribe also appears in Josippon (Lz’njn), De administrando imperio (Λενζανηνοί) and Masudi (L’ndz’n’h).

Further, if Lentia really refers to a river (Linzer Aach) and it was the river that gave the name to the Lentienses, this itself would be unusual for a Teutonic tribe. For a Suavic tribe not so much though…

Lędzianie‘s name supposedly comes from lęda meaning, in Suavic, a fallow piece of land. For the Linzgau see here.

For Prior, well for every Prior there is the Posterior or, should we say, Pazterior.

Suavic Greece

PublishedSeptember 13, 2018 Post authortorino

Gergely (Gregory) Dankovski (a professor in Bratislava) was one of the first people to notice the number of Slavic place names in Greece and this was picked up by Fallmerayer, Mickiewicz (!), Safarik and others who listed places such as Platza, Stratza, Lutzena, Chlumitza, Lewetzowa, Sitzowa, Warsowa* and Polonitza. Vasmer did a very detailed study in 1941. There are, literally, hundreds of such places in Greece.

Mickiewicz

The following is from Fallmerayer (generally with German spelling of place names). Falmerayer was a bit of an ass but he was right to bring up the interesting point about Slavic place names in Greece (even if he did it in order to put down Greeks).

Note that:

some of the names that apparently are Slavic but that appear also in certain other parts of Europe.

Fallmerayer claims that Slavic was still spoken in Greece in the 15th century (anyone who has read the Chronicle of Morea will not find that surprising) citing Laonikos Chalkokondyles

there are two Varsovas in Greece and Fallmerayer also notes that in the area of Kabourolimni in Aetolia between Lepanto (Nafpaktos) and the shore of the Fidari (Evinos?) there is a mountain/hill with a destroyed village that too was called Varsova – that is Varsova number three – “how I myself heard from a person born in Kabourolimni”*

* Note too that while Fallmerayer is correct as to the Slavic provenance of the Varsova one should not stop there. For example, even more interestingly a Versova exists in Mumbai, India (supposedly from “Vesave”) and there are a number of place names in Europe that begin with Wars. There is too a Werschau northwest (!) of Frankfurt am Main, Warsow near Schwerin, a Warsow near Demmin, Warszews in Poland and a number of other similar names. That is before we even get to Versailles (first mentioned as Versalliis).

If you look at the map you also can’t help notice the numerous “Skalas”. Skala supposedly refers to the Greek word for “stairs” but the word also means “rock” in Slavic and various Skalas litter the Greek landscape from Aetolia to Laconia where they are surrounded by lots of Slavic names. (Not sure who names a town after “stairs” but, hey, anything is possible. The connection, however is, I think deeper and may have go back to stairs in a rock (think Monemvasia)).

“The series begins on the southernmost tip of the mountains by Cape Matapan, und runs in a rising line all the way to the plain at Sinano (Σινάνο): Tschimova, Skutari, Tschekona, Skaltostianika, Lukadika, Pakianika, Mondanisteka, Damaristika, Tschikalia, Vardia, Alika, Mazara, Vipovo, Kipula, Kalava, Vardonitza, Tschopaka, Kotschifa, Kukura, Vambakia, Keratza, Vako, Leitza, Chelefa, Lutzena (Lützen), Selitza, Platza, Nomitza, Suina, Sowaliana, Polyana, Arachova, Kastanitza, Politzaravo, Vardunia, Stratza, Palova, Limbirdon, Pilala, Kutuka, Passava, Sela, Malevri, Kribenova, Panitza, Skamnitza, Maltzina, Desphina, Chlumitza, Kosova, Levetzova, Kurtaki, Tarapsa, Kurtzunia, Pritza, Selina, Kutzandika, Andruvista, Gurnitza, Saidova, Liesinova, Gaitza, Brinda, Orova, Malevrianika, Malta, Sandava, Varusta, Scherenitza, Selitza, Selitzianika, Trikotzova, Janitza, Kutzava, Janitzianika, Tzernitza, Sitzova, Anastasova, Malevo, Mistra, Pelovitza, Doritza, Potiana, Kumusta, Varsova, Vardunia, Kastania, Kotitza, Tritzela, Riviotisa, Tukozi, Katzaru, Polovitza, Liandina, Lukovuno, Sklabochori and Godena.”

“Among these there are Malevri, Malevo and Kubenova designations for mountains and mountain regions; but Sandova is the name of a small stream. All these are found in the Taygetus [range], and on its eastern incline against the right shore of the Eurotas [principal river in Laconia].”

“Varsova, that is Warsaw, is a small village near Mistral and the ruins of ancient Sparta; though Sklabochori is, as is well known the New Greek name designation for the most well-known Slavic place in the valley [of Selassia by the former Amykles (Αμύκλες) in the district of Sklabochoria.”

“On the left shore of the Europas one can find moreover Konititza, Vasara, Vrestena, Borbitza, Arachova, the mountains Malevo, Mazaraki and Berkia, Tzintzina, Karitza, Sacona, Cniotzali, Vurlia, Servianitza; thereafter, Chelesina, Perzeni, Goritza, Kravata, Zupena, Pavleika, Granitza, Vlachioti, Virniko, Phloka, Kukuri and Zagano, that is Sagan [Zagan].”

“West of the Taygetus in Messenia there lie Valtuka, Kaplani, Zaitzi, Saratza, Kryvitza, Agalziki, Ripena, Metarena, Dara, Drauga, Militza, Miska, Vlachopoulo, Kasteni, Madena, Tzitzori, Teznika, Draina, Buga, Valta, Phloka, Planitza, Gardiki, Katzikovo, with the streams Pirnatscha, Buzi, Kalka and Zumena and the Susdalian Myntra.”

“One should judge on his own what can be said of a population of a country which calls its villages: Varsova, Mistra, Sitzova, Goritza, Kryvitza and Zagen.”

“One can find a second Varsova in the mountains between Arkadia and Achaea where one also finds Krakova or Krokova (Cracow) which is to this day is still populated.* In the inner parts of Arkadia, around the sources of the former Ladon (Λάδωνας) and then towards Elis (Ηλεία or Ilia) and Achaea we run into the villages of Glogova, that is Glogow; Tzelechova, that is Zöllichau, Englenova, and with Kandsoi and Kaminitza, Arachova three times more, so that a traveller believes he’s been transported to Russia, Poland or the Slavic lands on the Oder. One should also not forget that the Messenian streams Buzi, Kalka and Zumena have their namesakes in Podolia and Southern Russia.”

Thomas Tuscus’ Gesta imperatorum et pontificum

PublishedSeptember 11, 2018 Post authortorino

An allusion to Slavic religious practices is made in the 13th century Franciscan’s Thomas Tuscus‘ Gesta imperatorum et pontificum. The description is probably based on general assumptions about paganism held by the then Christian priests but, given the paucity of Slavic religious material, we’ll take it. The book was modeled on Martin of Opava’s chronicle of the same type (which, itself, is interesting for the antiquity it gives the Slavs) but this reference is seemingly original to Tuscus.

“The Lombards by then had become Christian, yet they still worshipped idols and ancient and great trees and honored pictures of snakes; and to this day, the Slavs, who were a type of a Lombard, as seen with my own eyes, revere ancient trees and when they behold them, worship solitary baby goats.”

Longobardi vero licet facti essent iam christiani, tamen ydola adorabant et arbores antiquas et magnas atque simulacrum vipere excolebant, unde usque hodie Sclavi, qui fuerunt genere Longobardi, sicut ipse oculis meis vidi, antiquas arbores reverentur et cum eas vident, detractis capellis adorant.

Thomas (aka Thomas of Pavia) claims to have travelled throughout Europe, though what he “saw with his own eyes” and where he saw it (Slovenia because Pavia would be closest?) is, of course, debatable. Certainly the pagan goat imagery would have been stereotypical for a Christian viewer. On the other hand, a lone, baby goat seems a bit specific as a cult animal to be entirely made up – and not exactly threatening but rather, perhaps, cutely pathetic.

Slavs’ moment of truth

Polish Gods Part V – Erquickendes Morgenrot or Zarze Zarycze Trzy Szyestrycze Polonice

PublishedSeptember 8, 2018 Post authortorino

Aleksander Brueckner, for all his faults, did a tremendous job in preserving aspects of Polish culture. As one example, we have the following brief incantations/spells which he discovered lettered in on an otherwise empty page in an old 15th century manuscript. For a recent study of these and other medieval Polish incantations see Mariusz Leńczuk’s article.

The first piece is a mention of the three sisters who are the morning “stars” or auroras (jutrzenki or zorze). Zorza (though in Old Polish below spelled with an “a” as a zarza) could also refer to the planet Venus. Obviously, Orion’s Belt could stand in for the number three though not for the concept of dawn presumably? Or could it? In late summer, Orion’s Belt can be visible at dawn. (For an interesting potential connection to the bright snow patches of the Saami see here). Notice too that someone (the original writer?) seems to have added a rhyming Polonice in reference, perhaps, to the three sisters.

The second is a poem or story of the mother – theoretically the Christian Mother of God – who goes over (or onto, or by) the sea in search for a cure for her son. While so walking she encounters Jan – referred to as Saint John – but perhaps instead this is the traverling Jas who may well be cognate with Janus.

Finally we have an incantation regarding… butter which Brueckner interpreted as some sort of a love spell/charm.

In stellas una no[n] una… [?]

[?]

Zarze zarycze trzy szyestrycze Polonice

Item Poszla mathka boza po morzu szbyrayacz zlothe pyanky
podkal ya szwanthy yan
a gdze gydzesz mathuchno
yda szynaczka swego leczycz

[?]

Item Pwszkyego masla yako przesz thego livdzye bycz nyemoga thako aby thy nyebyl przesz mnye

In stellas una no[n] una… [?]

[?]

Zorze, the little Zorze, the three [Polish?] sisters
And the mother of God went over the sea to collect golden foam [and] she met Saint John
And where are you going [good] mother [he asked]
I am going to treat my son

[?]

And

[P?]russian butter, for because of it people cannot be, so too, you, by reason of me, should not be

A Royal Visit to Bald Mountain A.D. 1468

PublishedSeptember 6, 2018 Post authortorino

A visit by King Casimir Jagiellonian to the Benedictine Abbey at Bald Mountain sheds interesting light on quasi-pagan practices that took place there as late as the 15th century. A royal edict describes how the abbey’s Benedictine monks were ticked off by the fact that during the Green Week, that is the Pentecost, local villagers would throw a party right by the abbey. The sounds of trumpets, drums and pipes would create a tremendous noise while the locals engaged in shameful entertainments and, as the party got going, even formed dance circles. In the evening, the villagers would build fires. The local abbot Michael complained that alongside of these suspect jovialities there frequently occurred all kinds evil deeds including theft and murder and, of course, everyone’s all time favorite – debauchery. The monks’ daily and nighttime prayers were naturally greatly disturbed by all this commotion. The villagers did not, of course, possess any official permits complained the abbot. He then asked the visiting king to curtail these sinful practices. The king did so and established official – royally sanctioned – market festivities during Pentecost as well as on Saint Lawrence’s Feast Day – that is the 10th of August. These, however, would take place not near the abbey but at the foot of Bald Mountain in the town of Nowa Słupia. Further, the king granted the monks the right to tax such festivals as well as gave them a monopoly on liquor sales (save only wine) during such days “so as to provide for the welfare of the abbey such that it should ever more fervently pray to the Lord for the well being of King and Country.” It is noteworthy that the Sun is about the same altitude in the sky both during Pentecost (beginning of May) and on Saint Lawrence’s Day. The midpoint between these days falls on summer solstice. No doubt that it was such festivities that gave rise to later stories of witches’ “sabbaths” taking place at Bald Mountain.

Sometimes these parties got slightly out of hand

The following text comes from the Codex diplomaticus Poloniae quo continentur privilegia regum Poloniae but supplemented by the writings of the Polish priest-historian Józef Gacki.

For more on Bald Mountain see here.

Słupiae—die 4 menais Decembris 1468 anno.

Nundinas, quae superioribus singulis annis in Monte Calvo exercentur, ordinis tranquillitatisque publicae causa, Rex Casimirus Jagellonides in oppidum Słupie transfert (1).

In nomine domini amen. Cum gestorum inimica obliuio singulaque volvuntur sub tempore e memoria plerumque excutit ac detergit, si non fuerint stili artificio et testium annotacione perennata: proinde nos Cazimirus dei gracia Rex Polonie nec non terrarum Graccouie Sandomirie, Siradie, Lancicie, Cuiauie, Magnus dux Lithuanie, Russie, Prussieque, nec non Culmensis, Elbingensis, et Pomeranie dominus et heres, ad perpetuam rei memoriam significamus tenore presencium quibus expedit vniuersis presentibus et futuris; quomodo venerabilis ac relligiosus Michael Abbas sancte crucis montis calui, deuotus noster dilectus, sua nobis narracione monstrauit, quod singulis annis superiori tempore transactis, in monte caluo monasterii sui pro festo pentecosthes ad tenendas nundinas seu forum annale, nulla priuilegiorum firmitate roboratum, populi multitudo sexus utriusque assolet de consuetudine confluere, ubi tubarum, timpanorum. fistularum, aliorumque musicorum generum exercicia adhibentur, Chorearum ceterorumque jocorum plausus exercentur, multa insuper furta, homicidia, alieque enormitates et deordinaciones plerumque committuntur, que cultus diuini obsequis diurnis et nocturnis sepenumero magno sunt impedimento unde deordinata et enormia huius modi scandala ab illo loco in quo nomen domini assidue inuocatur tollere ас prouida prospectione summouere (?) cupientes, quatenus et locus ipse honestate debita prosequatur et fratres illius monasterii optata quiete in suis oracionibus quibusuis summotis impedimentis paciantur, prefatas nundinas seu forum annale in dicto monte caluo amplius et de cetero exercendum inhibemus prefato abbati et suis pro tempore successoribus mandato nostro Regio committimus, ut taies enormes deordinaciones scandalososque Conventus (sic) pro dictis diebus, in quibus spiritus sancti gracia pocius est imploranda fieri prohibeant ducturas, propinacionesue cereuisiarum aliorumque potagiorum non admittant, tuguria insuper pro premissis exercendis in dicto monte caluo construere nulla racione permittat, sola dumtaxat taberna excepta que illic antiquitus est locata aut erecta, quam in primeuo statu et condicione uolumus permanere. Ne autem hominibus dictas nundinas exercere uolentibus negociandi aut mercandi, uendendi uel emendi facultas adimi uideatur, ipsas siue forum annale in oppido Słup sub monte caluo ante dicto sito, bis in anno, uidelicet pro diebus festi Pentecostes et pro festo beati Laurencii martiris nec non per totam octauam festorum predictorum singulis annis indiximus, statuimus, et posuimus, indicimusque, ponimus et statuimus perpetuo et in euvm tenore preeencium mediante, ab omnibus mercatoribus, uectoribus et populis cuiuscumque status condicionis, sexus, aut preeminencie existant, more ciuitatum et aliorum oppidorum Regni nostri celebrandi et realiter exercendi, decernentes presentis scripti patrocinio, ut quicumque homines, ad huiusmodi nundinas seu annalia fora pro festiuitatibus Pentecosthes et Laurencii predictis, ad sepedictum oppidum Słup gracia emendi, uendendi, et res pro rebus commutandi accesserint in accedendo et recedendo securitate nostra plenaria et nostrorum successorum pociantur, nisi tales sint quos iura non tueutur et quibus merito fidedignorum consorcia denegantur. Volentes insuper dicti monasterii montis calui condicionem facere meliorem, ut inde uberioribus fratres eiusdem gracie nostre presidiis subportati, altissimum pro nobis ac statu reipublice feruencius studeant exorare, prefato Michaeli abbati et suis pro tempore successoribus racione foralium a quolibet curru panni onerato per unum grossum, ab aliis uero curribus institorum siue mercimoniorum per medium grossum tollendi ac recipiendi tempore huiusmodi nundinarum plenam et omnimodam concedimus facultatem ciuitatum tamen et oppidorum nostrorum Regalium mercatoribus, vectoribus, ac negociatoribus duntaxat exceptis quos ad dictorum foralium solucionem nullatenus uolumus obligari. Interea autem forensium extranearumue cerrevisiarum (sic) ducturam ac propinacionem, uino duntaxat excepto in ipso oppido Słup pro temporibus prescriptarum nundinarum prohibendi ac tuendi memorato abbati ac suis successoribus plenam potestatem impartimur, ita tamen, ut de hiis et aliis necessariis pro hominibus forum annale huiusmodi celebrantibus et exercentibus prouidere eademque abs defectu ministrare teneantur ac debebunt. Harum quibus sigillum nostrum est subappensum testimonio litterarum.

Actum in Słup dominico die ipso sancta Barbare uirginis, anno domini millesimo quadringentesimo sexagesimo octauo; presentibus Generosis, strenuis, ac nobilibus Nicolao de Chransthow Vexillifero Cracoviensi, Petro Donyn de Prawcovicze succamerario (2) Paulo Jasszensky subdapifero Sandomiriensi, Nicolao Dzialinskij et Nicolao Cosczielieckij curiensibus nostris, ceterisque ad premissa fidedignis. Datum per manus Venerabilis Alberti de Zichlin custodis Sandomiriensis, nec non Gneznensis, Graccouiensis, Vladislaviensisque, et Posnaniensis Ecclesiarum Canonici, ас Regni Polonie uicecancellarii, sincere nobis dilecti.

Relacio eiusdem Venerabilis Alberti.

(1) Ex eodem libro manuscrípto, qui jam sub a. 1351 descriptus erat, tabula a Leone Rzysczewscio deprompta. De oppido Słupie monasterii in Monte Calvo locati proprio, ibidem.

(2) Sandomiriensis sub, camerarius fuit.

Of Sneaky, Creeping, Thieving Little Creatures

PublishedSeptember 1, 2018 Post authortorino

Sometimes when I look at the moronic stuff that is written in Slavic academic literature, I begin to wonder whether low-IQ folks somehow unable to find employment end up synecured at Slavic universities.

Take the word skrzat which means as much as a little woodland elf or a little hidden household creature, in the sense of a hearth protector. The word, attested, in all Slavic languages is, derived, from the German Schratt, traced to the Old High German scrato (also, schrat, schrate, schretel(in)). Trouble is that the word is not present in most Slavic languages but it is not present in other Germanic languages. So how is a word present in all Slavic languages derived from a word present in some Germanic languages? I mean, if the reverse were true, then our professors would have (usually correctly) concluded that the word is of Germanic origin. But, as already discussed, there is no parallelism here at all. The reason that Slavic scholars are willing to adopt these ridiculous positions is because they have extremely low self-esteem (which, in turn, might have something to do with their low IQs).

But, they say, there are Germanic words that are cognate! Really? Let’s see:

Well, there is skratti – this Icelandic word that means a “demon”. Ok, what kind of a demon? Big, little, appearing at nighttime? We do not know because the word expresses no meaning whatsoever. It itself is derived from Old Norse skratti (same) which means? No one knows but it is derived from the Proto-Germanic *skrattuz which is supposed to mean: “to shrink, wither, dry out, crinkle, wimple.” That might make sense if you think of a skrzat as an old, wrinkly face but the trouble is that *skrattuz is just made up. No such word, much less its meaning, has ever been attested. The word is just made up (hence the “*” symbol).

There is also scrat – an English which means as much as “to scratch” or “rake”. I suppose you can tray to rationalize an old wrinkly face as having been scratched but that is a bit of a stretch. Moreover, that English word is, supposedly, related to the Swedish kratt which does not mean a goblin or any creature but simply, again, a “rake”. The only thing that is interesting here is that the English version – if it is really derived from the Swedish – suggests that adding an “s” or “z” to a verb was a Germanic, as well as Slavic, phenomenon (compare grac > zgrac or pieprzyc > spieprzyc). (But we will go back to this kratt momentarily in its Estonian version).

What else? How about the Gothic skreitan? Except that that means “to shred,” “to tear.” There is no evident connection to any goblins. Swedish skräda? That means “to mince.” In other words, much the same as to shred.

What about Slavic languages?

Well, we have skřítek which, in Czech, means a small, hidden, creature. Unlike the Germanic words, the name is completely explainable from Slavic as someone who is “hidden” from the Slavic kryty and hence > skryty. A “little” hidden person is, therefore, endowed with the -ek suffix and, thereby, becomes a noun.

But if “i” does not work, how about the “a” versions? Well, there is the Polish kraść meaning “to steal”. He stole is written skradł. Here I would like to take a detour and return to kratt from above. It turns out that kratt means “a creature which steals various items” for its owner… in Estonian. Crazy? Well, how about, a connection to the Scrittifini – (hidden Finni/Veni?) a people that keeps showing up in the area of Poland in almost every ancient geographical description of the area.

But there is another candidate with explanatory power – skradać się – which means “to sneak”, “to creep”, “to slink.”

The point is that any one of these etymologies is sufficient to explain precisely the meaning of skrzat:

hidden
stealing
sneaking

little creature. (Note too that in both Germanic and Slavic languages the creature is little such that the word is synonymous with that concept).

This too makes much more sense. When the Scandinavians came down from, well, Scandinavia, they were – likely – largely young warriors without women. The Venetic women they captured would tell their children about the little skrzats.

The Slavs of Origo Gentis Langobardorum (?)

Published Post authortorino

The Slavs of Origo Gentis Langobardorum may seem a rather strange title considering that, on its face, that short work does seem to contain any references to Slavs. And yet… we have:

Winnili – Slavs conquered by the disembarking Lombards?
Anthaib – the country of the Antes?
Bainaib – Bohemia?
Lethuc – Leszek?
Lalamicho, Tato, Zuchilo – Zuch?
Suavians – Slavs?
Wisigarda – think Visegrád

The Origo is a seventh century work (oldest manuscript is Modena from the ninth century) that served as a source for the beginnings of Lombard History later found in Paul the Deacon’s work (see here and here). Further, the Origo was later reworked in the Gotha Codex which, though later, contains references to such Lombard rulers as Godoin, Peron and Winsilan (see here), not to mention the reference to Bohemian Slavs, that is Czechs as the Beowinidi. Perhaps later there will be time for the Gotha Codex. For now, the basic version of the Origo is below. Since it is so short, I include the full document.

Gotha Codex

The English translation is by William Dudley Foulkes. The Latin text comes from the Georg Waitz edition for the Monumenta Germaniae Historica (Hanover, 1878). The manuscript is the Codex 413 from the Biblioteca Nacionale in Madrid.

Part I
English

There is an island [1] that is called Scadanan,[2] which is interpreted “destruction,” [3] in the regions of the north, where many people dwell. Among these there was a small people that was called the Winniles. And with them was a woman, Gambara by name, and she had two sons. Ybor was the name of one and Agio the name of the other. They, with their mother, Gambara by name, held the sovereignty over the Winniles. Then the leaders of the Wandals, that is, Ambri and Assi, moved with their army, and said to the Winniles: “Either pay us tributes or prepare yourselves for battle and fight with us.” Then answered Ybor and Agio, with their mother Gambara: “It is better for us to make ready the battle than to pay tributes to the Wandals.” Then Ambri and Assi, that is, the leaders of the Wandals, asked Godan that he should give them the victory over the Winniles. Godan answered, saying: “Whom I shall first see when at sunrise, to them will I give the victory.” At that time Gambara with her two sons, that is, Ybor and Agio, who were chiefs over the Winniles, besought Frea, the wife of Godan, to be propitious to the Winnilis. Then Frea gave counsel that at sunrise the Winniles should come, and that their women, with their hair let down around the face in the likeness of a beard, should also come with their husbands. Then when it became bright, while tlie sun was rising, Frea, the wife of Godan, turned around the bed where her husband was lying and put his face toward the east and awakened him. And he, looking at them, saw the Winniles and their women having their hair let down around the face. And he says, “Who are those Long-beards?” And Frea said to Godan, “As you have given them a name, give them also the victory.” And he gave them the victory, so that they should defend themselves according to bis counsel and obtain the victory. From that time the Winniles were called Langobards.

[1] The Madrid and La Cava manuscripts in place of “There is an island” have ”That is under the consul” which is evidently a corruption (see Mommscn, p. 60, note 2). [2] “Scadan” says the Modena MS., “Scandanan,” the La Cava MS.
[3] Exscidia (Modena MSS.). A derivation pointing to the Gothic word ‘skattigan’, to injure, German Schaden, English scathe (Hodg., VI, 90). Mommsen considers this a later interpolation to be rejected (p. 60, note 3).

Part I
Latin

Est(b) insula qui(c) dicitur Scadanan(d), quod interpretatur excidia(e), in partibus(f) aquilonis, ubi multae gentes(g) habitant(h); inter quos(i) erat gens parva quae Winnilis(k) vocabatur. Et erat cum eis mulier nomine Gambara, habebatque(l) duos filios, nomen uni Ybor et nomen alteri Agio(m); ipsi cum matre sua(n) nomine Gambara(o) principatum tenebant(p) super Winniles(q). Moverunt se ergo(r) duces Wandalorum(s), id est Ambri(t) et Assi(u), cum exercitu suo(v), et dicebant ad Winniles(w): ‘Aut solvite(x)nobis(v) tributa, aut praeparate vos ad pugnain et pugnate nobiscum’. Tunc responderunt Ybor et Agio cum matre sua Gambara(z) : ‘Melius est nobis pugnam praeparare(a), quam Wandalis(b) tributa persolvere’. Tunc Ambri(c) et Assi, hoc(d) est duces Wandalorum, rogaverunt Godan(e) (*) ut daret(f) eis super Winniles victoriam(g). Respondit Godan dicens(h): ‘Quos sol(i) surgente antea videro, ipsis dabo victoriam’. Eo(k) tempore Gambara cum duobus filiis suis, id es(l) Ybor et Agio(m), qui principes(n) erant super Winniles, rogaverunt(o) Fream, [uxorem(p) Godam], ut ad Winniles(q) esset propitia. Tunc Frea dedit consilium, ut(r) sol surgente venirent Winniles et mulieres eorum crines solutae circa faciem in similitudinem barbae et cum viris suis venirent. Tunc luciscente(s) sol dum surgeret, giravit Frea, uxor

(*) 2 add. in margine: Godam gentes deum Mercurium colebant.

a) IN N. D. NOSTRI JHESU CHRISTI I. HORIGO G. NOSTRE L. 1b; in codice 2 paucae, tantum litterae legi possunt. b) Erat 2; id est sub consule qui 1a; id est consuli qui 1b. c) quae superscr. quadam 2. d) Scadan 2, ubi in margine: id est scan…dan. e) deest 1a. b; exindia superscr. al. excidia 2. Excidia est interpretatio vocis Langobardicae scadan, nostrum schaden. BETHM. f) partis 1b. g) multa gens 1b. h) inhabitabant 2. i) quibus 1b; quas 2. k) Guinnilis 1a;, Winnolis 1b; Winili 2. l) quae habebat 2. m) Aio 1a const.; Agyo 2. n) dees 1a, litteris tribus vel quatuor abscisis. o) qui in margine add. 2. p) tenebat 1a. q) Vinnolis 1b; Winilis 2. r) ergo se 2. s) Guand. 1a const. t) Imbriü 2. u) Tassit 1b const. v) exercitibus suis 1a. w) Winnilos 2. x) per superscr. 2. y) deest 1a. z) deest 1a.; G. superscr. nomine 2; dicentes add. 1b. a) parare 1a. b) Guandalis 1a. b const.; Wandali 2. c) Imbriü 2. d) h. e. des. 2. e) Godam 2 semper. f) diceret Knust in 1b legit. g) posthaec in 1b foliumn excidit, in quo erant sequentia usque regem non habu. h) et dixit 2. i) sole 2. k) Eodem 2. l) i. e. desunt 2. m) Abyo 2. n) er. pr. 2. o) rogaberunt 1a; iterum ierunt et superscr. 2. p) des. 1a; Godā 2. q) tut Winili 2. r) ut cum sol surgeret, Winili cum uxoribus suis solutis crinibus circa facies suas in similitudinem barbe (cum viros suos superscr.) venirent 2. s) l. caelo dum sol 2.

1) habebatque: quae habebat; sol surgente: cum sol surgeret; ad Winniles esset propitia: Winnili(s) esset propitia; ad partem orienti: ad p. orientalem; a parte: ex parte. Et multa ejusmodi

Godan, lectum ubi recumbebat vir eius, et fecit faciem eius contra orientem, et excitavit eum. Et(a) ille aspiciens vidit Winniles et mulieres ipsorum(b) habentes crines solutas circa faciem; et ait(c): ‘Qui sunt isti longibarbae'(d) (*)? Et(e) dixit Frea ad Godan: ‘Sicut(f) dedisti nomen, da illis(g) et victoriam’. Et(h)dedit eis victoriam, ut ubi visum esset vindicarent se et victoriam haberent. Ab illo tempore Winnilis Langobardi(i) vocati sunt.

a) At 2. b) eorum crinibus solutis circa facis suas (superscr.imodum barbe) 2. c) dixit 2. d) longobarbii 2. e) deest 2. f) domine superscr. postquam 2. g) eis 2. h) et d. e. v. desunt 2, qui pergit: ubi illorum est vindicare et v. i) Longob. 1a saepius; facti sunt Langobardi 2, ubi in margine: vocati sunt.

*) 2 add. in margine: [lan]g id est lon[gus],bard id est [ba]rbam, a quo [vo]cati Bunt Lan[go]bardi.

Part II
English

And the Langobards moved thence and came to Golaida and afterwards they occupied the aldionates of Anthaib and Bainaib and also Burgundaib. And it is said that they made for themselves a king, Agilmund by name, the son of Agio, of the race of Gugingus. And after him reigned Laiamicho of the race of Gugingus.[1] And after him reigned Lethuc and it is said that he reigned about forty years. And after him reigned Aldihoc the son of Lethuc. And after him reigned Godehoc.

[1] The words “Of the race of Gugingus” are omitted in the Modena MSS. and Mommsen regards them (p. 68) as an interpolation (see also Bruckner Zeitschrift fur deutsches Alterthum, p. 56).

Part II
Latin

Et moverunt(k) se exhinde Langobardi, et venerunt in Golaidam(l), et postea possiderunt aldonus(m) (1) Anthaib(n)et Bainaib(o) seu(p) et Burgundaib(q); et(r) dicitur, quia fecerunt sibi regem nomine(s) Agilmund(t), filium Agioni(u), ex(v) genere Gugingus. Et post ipsum regnavit Laiamicho(w) (2)ex(x) genere Guginguns. Et post ipsum(y) regnavit Lethuc(z), et(a) dicitur, quia(b) regnasset annos plus minus quadraginta(c). Et post ipsum regnavit Aldihoc(d), filius Lethuc. Et post ipsum regnavit Godehoc(e).

k) m, s. e. L. et des. 2. l) Golaida 2; Golanda Paulus. m) aldones 2, qui in margy. add.: aldoin (id est aldoinus). n) Anthabus 1a; Anthaip 2; Anthaib et Anthab Pauli codd. o) Banayb corr. Baynaib 2; Bant(h)aib Paul. p) bet B. 1a. q) Burgathaibus 1a; Burgundaib et Vurg. P. codd. r) qui ibi fecerunt 2. s) deest 2. t) Agelmund 2. u) Aio 1a; Agyoni 2. v) ex genere Gugingus in marg. suppl. 2. w) Lamicho 2. x) ex g. G. des. 2. y) deinde r. 2. z) Leth 2; Lethu, Lethuc, Leth P. codd. a) unde 2. b) quia regnavit p. m. annis q. 2. c) et post ipsum regnavit Lethum add. 2; ubi sequentia post suppleta vix jam legi possunt. d) Ilde.. …. e… (ius) 2. e) Godeoc 2.

Part III
English

At that time king Audoachari went forth from Ravenna with the army of the Alani and came into Rugiland and fought with the Rugians and killed Theuvane king of the Rugians, and led many captives with him into Italy. Then the Langobards departed from their own territories and dwelt some years in Rugiland.

Part III
Latin

Illo(f) tempore exivit rex Audoachari(g) de Ravenna cum exercitu Alanorum(h), {anno 487} et venit in Rugilanda(i) et inpugnavit(k) Rugos, et occidit(l) Theuvane(d) (3), regem Rugorum, secumque(n)multos captivos duxit in Italiam. Tunc exierunt(o) Langobardi de suis regionibus, et habitaverunt in Rugilanda annos aliquantos.

f) In illo 2. g) Audacharus 2. h) ….norum 2. i) Rudilanda Goth. et ita postea; Rugianda corr. Rugilanda 2. k) et pugnavit cum Ruges 2. l) occisit 2. m) Thecuane 2; Fewane Goth. n) et secum d. m. c. 2. o) surrexerunt 2.

Part IV
English

Claffo, the son of Godehoc reigned after him. And after him reigned Tato the son of Claffo. The Langobards settled three years in the fields of Feld. Tato fought with Rodolf king of the Heruli and killed him and carried off his banner (vando) and helmet. After him the Heruli had no kingly office. And Wacho the son of Unichis killed king Tato his paternal uncle together with Zuchilo. And Wacho fought, and Ildichis the son of Tato fought, and Ildichis fled to the Gippidi where he died. And to avenge his wrong the Gypidis made war with the Langobards. At this time Wacho bent the Suavians under the dominion of the Langobards. Wacho had three wives: (first) Raicunda, daughter of Fisud king of the Turingi. After her he took as his wife Austrigusa a girl of the Gippidi. [1] And Wacho had from Austrigusa two daughters; the name of one was Wisigarda whom he gave in marriage to Theudipert king [2] of the Franks, and the name of the second was Walderada whom Scusuald king of the Franks had as his wife, but having her in hatred he transferred her to Garipald for a wife. He had as his third wife the daughter of the king of the Heruli, Silinga by name. From her he had a son, Waltari by name. Wacho died and his son Waltari reigned seven years without posterity.[3] These were all Lethinges.

[1] Jacobi, 20, note 4. [2] Read ‘regi’ with Modena MS. in place of ‘regis’. [3] “Farigaidus” (Bruckner, pp. 19, 203).

Part IV
Latin

Post eum(p) regnavit Claffo, filius Godehoc(q). Et post ipsum regnavit Tato(r), filius Claffoni(s). Sederunt Langobardi in campis(t) Feld annos(u) tres. Pugnavit(v) Tato cum Rodolfo rege Herulorum(w), et occidit eum, tulit(x) vando(y) (**) ipsius et capsidem. Post(z) {a. 506-510} eum Heruli(w) regnum(a) non habuerunt(b). Et occidit Wacho(c), filius Unichis(d), Tatonem regem barbanem(e) suum cum Zuchilone(f). Et pugnavit Wacho, et(g), pugnavit Ildichis(h), filius Tatoni(i), et fugit Ildichis(k) ad Gippidos(l), ubi(m)mortuus est. Iniuria(n) vindicanda {circa 530-540} Gippidi(o) scandalum commiserunt cum Langobardis. Eo tempore inclinavit(p) Wacho

**) 2 super bandos scr.: id est arma, et super capsides: quod nos elmos dicimus,

p) Et postea 2. q) Godeho 1a; Gedehoc 2. r) Tatto Goth. s) Claffonis 1a; Clafonis 2. t) campo Feldach 2; c. filda Goth. u) annis tribus 2. v) et p. 2. w) Her. 1a. x) et t, 2. y) bandos ipsius et capsides 2. z) et postea Eruli 2. a) regem 1b. c) Vacho 1a; Wacco 1b const. d) Hilmichis 1b; in 2 legi non potest. e) barbanum suum 1a; barbane suo 1b. f) Zuchilonem 1b; Zuchilone 2; Uinsilane Goth. g) W. cum Ildechis filium 2. h) Ilmichis 1b. i) Tatonis 1a. k) Ilmichis 1b; Ildechis 2; Heldechis Goth. l) Gypidas 1a; Gippidos 1b; Gyppidos 2; Gibidos Goth. m) et mortuus est ibi 2. n) iniuriam eius vindicanda. 1a; est iniuria vindicanda. G. 1b; in iniuria vindicanda. et G. 2. o) Gypidis 1a; Gyppidi 1b; Gypidi 2; Gibites Goth. p) s. l. gavit 2.

Suavos(a) sub regno Langobardorum(b). Wacho habuit uxores tres(c): Raicundam(d), filia(e) Fisud(f) regis Turingorum(g); et(h) postea accepit(i) uxorem Austrigusa(k), filiam Gippidorum(l); et habuit Wacho de Austrigusa filias duas, nomen unae(m) Wisigarda(n), quam(o) tradidit in matrimonium(p) Theudiperti(q)regis Francorum; et nomen secundae Walderada(r), quam(s) habuit uxorem Scusuald(t) (1) rex Francorum, quam(u) odio habens, tradidit eam Garipald(v) in uxorem*. Filia(w) regis Herulorum tertiam(x)uxorem habuit nomen Silinga(y); de ipsa habuit filium nomine Waltari(z). Mortuus(a) est Wacho(b), et(c)regnavit filius(d) ipsius Waltari(e) {circa 540} annos septem; farigaidus(f): isti omnes Lethinges(g)fuerunt.

*) 2 add.: principem Baioariorum.

a) Suavor’ 1b; Suabos 2. b) Long. 1a. c) t. u. 2. d) Raicumdam 1a; Rathecunda 1b; una nomine Red..unda 2; Ranigunda Goth.; Ranicuuda, Radicunda, Radegunda, P. codd. e) filiam 1a, f) Fisut 1b; sud 2? Pisen Goth. g) Thur. 1b. h) deest 2; et post eam 1b. i) aliam duxit uxorem nomine A. 2. k) Austrigosam 1b; Austrecusa Goth.; Hostrigosa et Austrigosa P. codd. l) Gypidorum 1a; Gyppidorum 1b. 2; Gibedorum Goth. m) uni 2. n) Guiselgarda 1a; Guisecarda 1b; uiuiscarda 2; Wisicharda Goth. o) quem 1b. p) matrimonio 2. q) Teudiperti 1b; Teodeperti regi 2. r) Gualderada 1a. b; Walderata Goth. s) quem 1b; quam – Francorum des. 2. t) Excusobald 1b; Chusubald Goth.; Cusupald Paul. u) quem 1b. v) Garispald 1a? Gairepaldi u. 1b; Garibaldi ad u. 2. w) filio 1a. x) Et tertia filias r. Erul. n. 1b; Et postea accepit Wacho tertiam uxorem filiam regis Erulorum 2; ad quam Goth. prope accedit. y) Esilinga 1a; Sigelenda 1b; Silinda 2; Silenga Goth.; Salingam Paul. z) Gualtari 1b; Walterenem Goth. a) Et mortuus 2. b) Guacco 1b. c) deest 1b. d) filium eius post ipsum 1b. e) Gualtari 1a. b. f) et fairagaldus 1b; deest 2; fargaetum Goth.; quod est linguae Germaniae inferioris vergeten, nobis vergessen, ut primus Pertz vidit. Est enim parenthesis auctoris, id quod supra ponere oblitus erat hic supplentis. BETHM. g) Letbingis 1b; Letiguimi 2 (leti vel letig a prima manu; altera addiditiiimi vel gitimi, scribcre volens ut videtur legitimi. BETHM.); adelingi Goth. et aliquot Pauli codd.

Part V
English

And after Waltari, reigned Auduin.[1] He led the Langobards into Pannonia. And there reigned after him Albuin, his son, whose mother is Rodelenda. At that time Albuin fought with the king of the Gippidi, Cunimund by name, and Cunimund died in that battle and the Gippidi were subjugated. Albuin took as his wife Cunimund’s daughter Rosemund, whom he had captured as booty, since his wife Flutsuinda, who was the daughter of Flothar, king of the Franks, had already died. From her he had a daughter by name Albsuinda. And the Langobards dwelt forty-two years [2] in Pannonia. This Albuin led into Italy the Langobards who were invited by Narses (chief) of the secretaries. And Albuin, king of the Langobards, moved out of Pannonia in the month of April after [3] Easter in the first indiction. In the second indiction, indeed, they began to plunder in Italy, but in the third indiction he became master of Italy. Albuin reigned in Italy three years, and was killed in Verona in the palace by Rosemund his wife and Hilmichis upon the advice of Peritheo. Hilmichis wished to be king and could not because the Langobards wanted to slay him. Then Rosemund sent word to the prefect Longinus that he should receive her in Ravenna. When Longinus presently heard this he rejoiced; he sent a ship of the public service and they brought Rosemund and Hilmichis and Albsuinda, king Albuin’s daughter, and conducted all the treasures of the Langobards with them to Ravenna. Then the prefect Longinus began to persuade Rosemund to kill Hilmichis and become the wife of Longinus. Having given ear to his counsel, she mixed poison and, after the bath, gave it to him (Hilmichis) to drink in a goblet.[4] But when Hilmichis had drunk, he knew that he had drunk something pernicious. He commanded that Rosemund herself should drink, although unwilling, and they both died. Then the prefect Longinus took the treasure of the Langobards and commanded Albsuinda, the daughter of king Albuin, to be put in a ship, and sent her over to Constantinople to the emperor.

[1] “Of the stock of Gausus” says the list of kings in Rothari’s Prologue (Mon. Germ. Hist. Leges, IV, 2). [2] The Modena MS. says twelve. Neither number is correct. They probably remained there about twenty-two years. [3] ‘A Pascha’, (Waitz, p. II, 7, note.) [4] Thus Abel translates ‘in caldo’ (p. 6), or perhaps it is “In a hot potion.”

Part V
Latin

Et post Waltari regnavit Auduin(h) {circa 546} ipse(i) adduxit Langobardos(k) in Pannonia. Et(l)regnavit Albuin(m) {circa 560}, filius ipsius, post eum, cui mater est(n) Rodelenda(o). Eo tempore pugnavit Albuin(p) cum rege Gippidorum(q) {anno 567} nomine Cunimund(r), et mortuus est Cunimund in(s) ipsa pugna, et debellati sunt Gippidis(t). Tulit Albuin uxore(u) Rosemunda, filia Cunimundi, quae(v)praedaverat(2), quia iam mortua fuerat(w) uxor ipsius Flutsuinda(x), quae(y) fuit filia Flothario(z) regis Francorum; de qua habuit filia(a) nomine Albsuinda(b). Et habitaverunt Langobardi in Pannonia annis guadraginta duo(c) (3). Ipse Albuin adduxit Langobardos in Italia(d), invitatos(e) a Narsete(f) scribarum(g); et movit(h) Albuin rex Langobardorum(i) de Pannonia mense(k) Aprilis(l) {anno 568} a pascha indictione prima(m). Secunda(n) vero indictione(o) coeperunt(p) praedare in(q) Italia. Tertia autem indictione factus est dominus Italiae. {569-570} Regnavit(r) Albuin in Italia annos tres, et occisus est in Verona in palatio ab

h) Audohin 1b; Audoinus 2. i) et ipse 1a. k) Longobardis 1a. l) Et post Audoinum r. filius eius A., cui 2. m) Albohin 1b; Alboinus 2. n) fuit 2. Goth. o) Rodelinda 2. p) Alboin 1b; Alboinus 2. q} Gebedorum Goth. r) Cunimundum 1b. s) i. i. p. post suppl. 2. t) Gyppidi 1b. 2; Gebeti Goth. u) uxorem 1b. Et accepit Alboinus in uxorem ….mund. filiam 2; Rosemoniam Goth. v) quem 1b; quam 2. w) erat 2. x) Floasuinda 1b; Flotsinda 2; Ludusenda Goth. y) qui 1b, z) Flodthario 1b; Lotharii 2; Flothari Goth. a) filiam 2. b) Absoinda 1b; A….nda 2. c) annos quadraginta 1b; XIIdecim 2. d) Italiam 2. e) invitatus 1b. f) Narsi 1a. g) patricio 1b; deest 2. h) mobuit 1a. i)deest 2. k) in m. 2. l) Aprelis 1b. m) in prima ind. 2. n) In secunda 2. o) i. incipiente Goth. p) c. p. in It. Tertia a. des. 2. q) deest 1b. r) Et regnavit 2. 5

1) i. e. Theudobald; cf Gregor. Tur. IV, 9. 2) Cf. Theophylact, VI, 10. BETHM. 3) Neque hic neque numerus 12 recte se habet. Si enim 42 annis in Pannonia habitassent, non Auduini sed Waltari temporibus in Pannoniam venissent. Quos vero quam Procopius III, 33 jam a. 548. in Pannonia sedisse noverit, numerus quoque 12 stare non potest. Goth. correxit: 22. BETHM,

Hilmichis(a) et Rosemunda(b) uxore(c) sua per consilium Peritheo(d). Voluit(e) regnare Hilmichis, et non potuit, quia volebant eum Langobardi occidere. Tunc mandavit Rosemunda ad Longinum praefectum, ut eam(f) reciperet Ravenna(e). Mox(h) ut audivit Longinus, gavisus est, misit(i) navem angarialem, et tulerunt Rosemunda et Hilmichis(k) et Albsuindam(l), filia(m) Albuin(n) regis, et omnes thesauros Langobardorum secum duxerunt(o) in(p) Ravenna. Tunc ortare(q) coepit Longinus praefectus(r)Rosemunda(s), ut occideret Hilmichis(t) et esset uxor Longini(u). Audito(v) consilium(w) ipsius, temperavit venenum, et post valneum(x) dedit ei(y) in caldo(z) bibere. Cumque bibisset(a) Hilmichis(b), intellexit(c), quod malignum(d) bibisset(a); praecepit, ut ipsa(e) Rosemunda biberet invita(f); et(g) mortui sunt ambo. Tunc Longinus praefectus tulit thesauros(h) Langobardorum, et Albsuinda(i), filia(k), Albuin regis, iussit(l) ponere in navem et transmisit(m) eam Constantinopolim(n) ad imperatorem.

a) Ilmichis 1a; Elme corr. Elnechis 2. b) Rosimunda 2. c) uxorem suam 2. d) Peredeo 1a; Peredei Goth. e) Et voluit 2. f) eos 1a. g) Ravennam 1b; in Ravennam 2. h) Mox – est des. 1b. i) et misit in navem augariales 2; m. movere angarias Goth. k) Ilmichis 1b; Ermichis 2. l) Absuinda 1b; Elsuinda 2. m) filiam 1a. n) Alboini 2. o) adduxit 1b. p) deest 1a. q) ortari 2. r) Longinum prefectum 1a; quocum facit Goth. s) Rosimundam 2. t) Ilm. hoc loco 1b et postea etiam 1a. u) Longinis 1a. v) et audito 2. w) consilio 1b. 2. x) balneo 1b; balneum 2. y) ei post add. 2. z) callido 2. a) vivisset 1b. b) Ildichis 1b. c) mox i. 1b. d) ita 1a et Goth.; mortiferum potum 1b; malum 2. e) et i. 1b. f) invito 1a; invitus 2. g) cum autem bibisset ipsa 1b; qui cum bibisset 2. h) thesaurum 1b. 2. i) Absoinda 1b; Alsuinda 2. k) filiam Alboini et 2. l) deest 1a; i. earn 1b; i. e. p. in n. des. 2. m) deest 1b; eam post add. 2. n) in C. 2.

1) Quod falsum esse patet; regnavit a. fere 26. Excidit Adaloaldus sive Adelwaldus, injuria sive auctoris sive scriptoris, qui 10 annis Langobardis praefuit. Quod codex Cavensis (1b) corrigere voluit.

Part VI
English

The rest of the Langobards set over themselves a king named Cleph, of the stock of Beleos, and Cleph reigned two years and died. And the dukes of the Langobards administered justice for twelve years and after these things they set up over themselves a king named Autari, the son of Cleph. And Autari took as his wife Theudelenda, a daughter of Garipald and of Walderada from Bavaria. And with Theudelenda came her brother named Gundoald, and king Autari appointed him duke in the city of Asta. And Autari reigned seven years. And Acquo,[1] the Thuringian duke,[2] departed from Turin and united himself with queen Theudelenda and became king of the Langobards. And he killed his rebel dukes Zangrolf of Verona, Mimulf of the island of St. Julian and Gaidulf of Bergamo, and others who were rebels. And Acquo begot of Theudelenda a daughter, Gunperga [3] by name. And Acquo reigned six years, and after him Aroal reigned twelve years.[4] And after him reigned Rothari, of the race of Arodus, and he destroyed the city and fortresses of the Romans which were around the coasts from the neighborhood of Luna [5] up to the land of the Franks and in the east up to Ubitergium (Oderzo). And he fought near the river Scultenna, [6] and there fell on the side of the Romans the number of eight thousand.

[1] Aggo in Modena MSS. [2] ‘Turingus’. Perhaps this merely means that he was duke of Turin. “Of the stock of Anawas” adds the Prologue to Rothari’s Edict (Mon. Germ. Hist. Leges, Vol. IV, p. 2). [3] “And a son named Adwald” adds the Modena MSS. [4] In the Prologue, “Arioald of the race of Caupus.” The text here seems greatly corrupted. Paul and the Chronicon Gothanum give Agilulf’s reign at 25 years and that of his son Adalwald (here omitted) at 10 years. [5] Northwest of Lucca. [6] In Modena.

Part VI
Latin

Reliqui(o) Langobardi levaverunt sibi regem nomine Cleph(p) de Beleos {572-574}, et regnavit Cleph(q) annos duos, et mortuus est. Et(r) iudicaverunt duces Langobardorum annos duodecim(s) ; posthaec(t) levaverunt(u) sibi regem nomine Autarine(v), {circa 583} filio Claffoni(w); et accepit Autari(x)uxorem Theudelenda(y), filia Garipald(z) et Walderade(a) de Baiuaria(b). Et venit cum Theudelenda(c)frater(d) ipsius nomine Gundoald(e), et ordinavit eum Autari rex ducem in civitatem(f) Astense. Et regnavit Autari annos septem. {590} Et exivit Acquo(g) dux Turingus(h) de Thaurinis(i), et iunxit se Theudelendae(k) reginae, et factus est rex(l) Langobardorum: et occidit duces(m) revelles suos, Zangrolf(n) de Verona, Mimulf(o) de insula Sancti Juliani(p) et Gaidulf(q) de Bergamum(r), et(s) alios qui(t)revelles fuerunt; et genuit Acquo(u) de Theodelenda filiam nomine Gunperga(v). Et regnavit Acquo(w)annos 6(1) {626}. Et post ipso regnavit Aroal annos duodecim. Et post ipso(x) regnavit Rothari {636}ex(y) genere Arodus(z), et rupit civitatem(a) vel(b) castra Romanorum quae fuerunt circa litora(c)

o) R. vero 2. p) Leph 1a; Clep de Belleo erasa litera s 2. q) Clep 2. r) Et postea 2. s) regem non habentes add. 1b. t) et p. 1a; postea 2. u) s. l. 1a. v) Autarine 1a; Authari 1b. 2; Autarenem Goth. w) Clephoni 1b; Cleffonis Goth. x) Authari 1b. 2 const. y) Theodelenda 1b; Teodelinda 2. z) Garispald 1a; Gairipaldi 1b; Garibaldi 2. a) Alderade 1a; Gualderada 1b. b) Baioria 1b; de Baioaria post. add. 2. c) Teodelinda 2; ea 1b. d) fratrem 1a. e) Gunduald 2. f) civitate Astense 2. g) Aquo 1b. Aggo 2; Agilwald Goth. h) Thuringus 1a. i) Taurinis 2. k) Theodel. 1b; Teodelinde 2. l) dominus 2. m) duos (superscr. duces) rebelles (suos, hoc sunt superser.) 2. n) Zangrolfum 1b; Gangulf 2; o) Minulfu 1b; Mingulf 2; Mimolfo Goth. p) Iulii 2; Iuli Goth. q) Gaidolfum 1b. r) Pergamum 1b. Goth. s) seu et 2. t) q. eis 1b. u) Aggo de Teulinda filiam unam nom. Gumperga et filium unum nom. Adroald 2; et filio nomine Adelwald add. Goth. v) Gudepergam Goth. w) Et regnavit Adroald a. XII et post ipsum regn. Airoald a. VII. 1b. Et regnavit Adroald post mortem patris sui annis XII (corr. XIII) 2. x) ipsum 1b. 2. y) do ex 1a. z) Arodum 1a; Arodus superscr. al 2. a) civitates 2. b) suhél (suhec?) 1a. c) litoralia 1a; litoria 1b.

apriso(a) Lune usque in terra(b) Francorum quam Ubitergium(c) ad partem orienti(d), et pugnavit circa fluvium Scultenna, et ceciderunt a(e) parte Romanorum octo milia numerus(f).

a) apersolone 1b; a prope 2; est Italorum appresso. b) terram 2. c) Ubisergius 1b; Ubiterga (manu sec. add. vertit) 2; Opitergium Paul. d) orientis 1b; orientalem 2. e) ex 2. f) deest 2.

Part VII
English

And Rothari reigned seventeen years. And after him reigned Aripert nine years. And after him reigned Grimoald.[1] At this time the emperor Constantinc departed from Constantinople and came into the territories of Campania and turned back to Sicily and was killed by his own people. And Grimoald reigned nine years, and after him Berthari reigned.[2]

[1] The Modena MSS. adds “seventeen years.” [2] The Modena MSS. omits the sentence regarding Berthari.

Part VII
Latin

Et regnavit Rothari(g) annos decem et septem. {653} Et post ipsum regnavit Aripert(h) annos novem. {662} Et post ipsum(i) regnavit Grimoald. Eo tempore exivit Constantinus imperator de Constantinopolim, et venit in partes Campaniae, {663} et regressus(k) est in Sicilia, et occisus est a suis. {668}

[Et(l) regnavit Grimoald annos novem; {671} et post ipsum regnavit Berthari(m)].(*)

*) In 1a. b sequitur Rotharis regis prologus cum serie regum Langobardorum; in 2 catalogus maximam partem ex hac petitus, ita: Primus rex Langobardorum fuit Agelmud ex genere Guingus, secundus Lamicho; tertius Letb; quartus Fildehoc, filius Let; quintus Godehoc; sextus Claffo, filius Godeoc; septimus Tato, filius Claffoni; octavus Wacho, filius Unichis, nepus Tatoni; nonus Waltari; decimus Audoinus ex genere Gaugus; undecimus Alboinus, filius Audoin, qui exercitum in Italiam adduxit(n); duodecimus Clep; terciodecimus Authari, filio Claffoni; quartodecimus Agiluf Turingus ex genere Anawat; quintodecimus Adalwald, filius Agluf; sextodecimus Ariovald ex genere Caupus; septimodecimo Rothari rex, filius Nanding, ex genere Arodus. Nondingus, filius Noconi; Noco, filius Alamund; Alamund, filius Alamand; Alamand, filius Ilzoni; Ilzo, filius Veiloni; Veilo, filius Weoni; Weo, filius Fachoni; Faccho, filius Mammoni; Mammo, filius Utfora.

Post Grimuald, ut supra, regnavit Pertari annis 18. Postea Cunipert, filius eius, regnavit annis 13. Liutpert, filius Cunipert, regnavit annis 5. Aripert, filius Rachipert, regnavit annis 12. Asprand regnavit annis 3. Liudprand filius eius regnavit annis 23. Utprand regnavit menses 8. Post ipsum regnavit Achis(o), filius Pimoni, annis 5, Post ipsum regnavit Aistulfus, frater eius, annis 8, qui persecutus est a rex Francorum. Post ipsum regnavit Desiderius annis 17 et menses 3, et ductus est captivus in Francia, et postea regnavit Karolus annis 40.

Septem lineis vacuis relictis codex pergit:

SUCCESSIONES IMPERATORUM POST DOMINI NOSTRI JESU CHRISTI INCARNATIOMEM. Christus natus est 42. Octaviani imperatoris anno – – Decedente Justiniano, Pipinus primus regnare(p) cepit. Defuncto Pipino regnavit Karolus. Mortuo Karolo, regnaverunt Pipinus et Karlomannus. Post Pipinum Karolus imperator factus fuit. Post decessum Karoli imperavit Hlodovicus, eius filius.

g) Rothari rex 2. h) Ariperto 1b, i) postea regnavit Grimoald annis septem 2. k) egressus 2. l) Et – Berthari des. 2. m) Vertari rex 1b. n) abhinc manus sec. usque ad Karolus a. XL. Tunc redit prima c. o) ita pro Racbis. p) regna c.