Juthungi

The Juthungi were a Germanic people who emerged in the mid-3rd century AD in the region north of the Danube River, in what is now southwestern Germany. Their name appears in Roman historical sources, and they are known primarily for their incursions into Roman territory, particularly Raetia and Italy.

History:

The Juthungi's origins are somewhat obscure, and it is believed they were likely a composite group formed from remnants of other Germanic tribes who had been displaced or defeated by Roman forces or other Germanic groups. Their early raids focused on the Roman provinces along the Danube frontier.

A significant Juthungian incursion occurred in 259-260 AD, when they penetrated deep into Italy. They were eventually defeated near Augusta Vindelicorum (modern Augsburg) by Roman forces. This event is often linked to the crisis of the Third Century within the Roman Empire.

The Juthungi continued to be a threat to the Roman frontier throughout the late Roman period. Roman emperors frequently launched campaigns against them to maintain security in the region.

Location:

The Juthungi inhabited areas north of the Danube, primarily in what is now Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg in Germany. Their territory bordered the Roman provinces of Raetia and Noricum.

Legacy:

The Juthungi are primarily known through Roman historical accounts and archaeological evidence from their interactions with the Roman Empire. They represent one of the many Germanic groups that contributed to the pressures and eventual collapse of the Western Roman Empire. Their name largely disappears from historical records after the fall of the Western Roman Empire.