Where do we Germans come from, who were our ancestors

The question of the origins of the Germans and their ancestors is not only a historical, but also a cultural and identity-forming investigation. The roots of the German population reach far back into history and include a variety of peoples and cultures that lived in what is now Germany over the centuries, mixed together and contributed to the development of a common identity.

The earliest traces of human settlement in Central Europe can be traced back to the Paleolithic period. Neanderthals lived here around 600,000 years ago, and their bone finds tell us a lot about their way of life. With the end of the Ice Age around 12,000 years ago, a new era began: the Neolithic period. During this time, the first farming cultures developed, which were characterized by sedentary lifestyles, agriculture and livestock breeding. These early settlers included the Funnel Beaker culture and the Linear Pottery culture, whose traces are still visible today in numerous archaeological finds.

With the beginning of the Bronze Age around 2,200 BC, new influences came to Central Europe. People began to manufacture metal tools and establish extensive trade networks. During this period, important cultures such as the Unetice culture and the tumulus culture developed, leaving their mark in the form of impressive burial sites and artistic artifacts. These early cultures laid the foundation for the social and economic development of the region.

A decisive turning point in the history of Germany's ancestors was the arrival of the Celts in the 1st millennium BC. The Celts were a widespread people who settled from Ireland to Turkey and became known for their advanced metalworking and artistic jewelry. In Central Europe, the Celts left behind important archaeological sites, such as the oppidum of Heuneburg or the princely tombs of Hochdorf. Their culture and religion had a lasting impact on the region before they were finally pushed back by the expanding Romans.

The Romans played an essential role in the history of Germany. From the 1st century BC, they began to conquer and settle the area of present-day Germany. The Romans founded numerous cities, including Cologne (Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium), Trier (Augusta Treverorum) and Mainz (Mogontiacum), which became important centers of Roman culture and administration. Roman influence brought new technologies, infrastructure such as roads and aqueducts, and the spread of the Latin language and writing system, which formed the basis for the later Germanic languages.

With the collapse of the Roman Empire in the 5th century AD, the so-called migrations began, which set the Germanic tribes in motion. The Angles, Saxons, Jutes, Goths, Vandals and many other peoples crossed Europe in search of new settlement areas. During this time, the first Germanic kingdoms formed in the area of present-day Germany. The Merovingians and later the Carolingians established the first stable ruling structures, which became the basis of the medieval German Empire.

A particularly significant milestone was the coronation of Charlemagne as Holy Roman Emperor in 800. Charlemagne united a large area of central Europe under his rule and promoted Christianization and cultural development. His reign marks the beginning of the Middle Ages, an era characterized by the feudal structure, the influence of the church, and the emergence of German cities.

German culture and identity continued to develop through the medieval trading centers, the emergence of cities and universities, and the diverse regional traditions and dialects. The influence of the Hanseatic League, a powerful trading alliance, contributed to the economic and cultural interconnection of northern Europe. The cities of Lübeck, Hamburg, and Bremen became important trading metropolises that radiated far beyond the borders of the empire.

The Reformation in the 16th century was another decisive moment in German history. Martin Luther and other reformers challenged the Catholic Church and led to profound religious and social changes. The division into Catholic and Protestant territories had a lasting impact on German culture and identity and led to centuries of conflicts and wars, such as the Thirty Years' War.

With the Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries, Germany experienced profound changes. Philosophical and scientific achievements, industrial developments and political upheavals shaped modern German society.

The unification of Germany under Otto von Bismarck in 1871 and the establishment of the German Empire marked the beginning of a new chapter in German history.

The two world wars of the 20th century and the division of Germany into East and West had far-reaching effects on German identity and culture. Reunification in 1990 opened up new opportunities and challenges that shape modern Germany.

Today, German culture is a reflection of its diverse and complex history. It is shaped by regional traditions, international influence and continuous evolution. German identity is the result of a long and eventful process shaped by migration, cultural exchange and historical events.

This chapter provides only a brief overview of the multifaceted history and origins of Germans. Each section could fill books and is the subject of intensive academic research. However, it is clear that the roots of German culture run deep and are shaped by a variety of influences. Understanding this history is crucial to understanding German identity and culture today.

In the following sections of this book, we will delve deeper into the different eras and influences that have shaped German culture and identity. We will explore the stories and contributions of the various peoples and cultures that together form the fascinating mosaic we know as Germany today.

The question of the origin of the Germans and their ancestors requires a deep look into history and the various peoples and tribes that lived in the area of today's Germany and contributed to the development of a common identity. The diversity and complexity of these origins are reflected in Germany's rich cultural landscape.

The Paleolithic Age and the first humans

The earliest traces of human settlement in Central Europe date back to the Paleolithic Age. The Neanderthals lived here around 600,000 years ago, and their remains, such as those found in the Neandertal and Mauer sites, provide important clues about their way of life. These early humans were hunters and gatherers who adapted to the climatic conditions and made tools out of stone. With the end of the Ice Age and the beginning of the Neolithic Age around 12,000 years ago, a new era of settled life began. During this time, the first farming cultures developed, such as the Linear Pottery cultures, which are known for their characteristic ceramic vessels.

The Bronze Age and the first advanced civilizations

The beginning of the Bronze Age around 2,200 BC saw significant cultural and technological developments. People began to manufacture metal tools and establish extensive trade networks. The Unetice culture (ca. 2,300–1,600 BC) is considered one of the first advanced civilizations in Central Europe. It is known for its elaborate bronzes and rich graves, which indicate a complex social structure.

The Tumulus culture (ca. 1,600–1,300 BC) followed the Unetice culture and left behind numerous burial mounds, which often contained valuable grave goods. This period was characterized by social hierarchies and intensive exchange between the different regions of Europe. The trade routes reached as far as the Mediterranean and enabled the exchange of goods and cultural influences.

The Iron Age and the Celts

The Iron Age brought further profound changes. From around 800 BC onwards, the Iron Age began to develop into a cultural center. In the 1st century BC, the Celts spread across much of Europe and left behind important archaeological sites in Germany. The Celts were known for their advanced metalworking, artistic jewelry and complex settlement structures. Oppida, large fortified settlements, such as the Oppidum of Manching, testify to their highly developed culture.

The Celts were a diverse and widespread people who settled from Ireland to Turkey. In Germany they left important traces, such as the Oppidum of Heuneburg and the princely tombs of Hochdorf and Glauberg. These sites provide insight into the complex social structures and religious ideas of Celtic culture.

The Germanic tribes and the Romans

With the end of Celtic dominance and the expansion of the Roman Empire in the 1st century BC, the Germanic tribes came to the fore. The Romans began to conquer and settle the area of present-day Germany. The Romans founded numerous cities and brought with them new technologies, infrastructures and cultural influences.

The most important Germanic tribes included the Suebi, the Chatti, the Cherusci and the Marcomanni. These tribes lived in tribal associations and had a warlike way of life. The Battle of Varus in 9 AD, in which Germanic tribes led by Arminius defeated the Roman legions, marks a turning point in the history of the region and symbolizes the resistance of the Germanic tribes against Roman rule.

The Migration Period and the Emergence of Medieval Germany

The collapse of the Roman Empire in the 5th century AD marked the beginning of the Migration Period. Numerous Germanic tribes, including the Goths, Vandals, Burgundians and Lombards, moved through Europe and founded their own kingdoms. This period was marked by great upheavals and migrations that fundamentally changed the ethnic and cultural landscape of...