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ALAMANNI, or ALLEMANNI, a [[Germanic peoples|German]] tribe, first mentioned
ALAMANNI, or ALLEMANNI, a [[Germanic peoples|German]] tribe, first mentioned by [[Dio Cassius]], under the year 213. They apparently dwelt in the basin of the Main River, to the south of the [[Chatti]].
by [[Dio Cassius]], under the year 213. They apparently dwelt in
the basin of the Main River, to the south of the [[Chatti]].


According to [[Asinius Quadratus]] their name indicates that they were a conglomeration of various tribes. There can be little doubt, however, that the ancient [[Hermunduri]] formed the bulk of the nation. Other groups included the Juthungi, Bucinobantes, Lentienses, and perhaps the Armalausi. From the 4th century onwards we hear also of the Suebi, Suevi or Suabi. The Hermunduri had apparently belonged to the Suebi, but it is likely enough that reinforcements from new Suebic tribes had now moved westward. In later times the names Alamanni and Suebi seem to be synonymous.
According to [[Asinius Quadratus]] their name indicates that they were a
conglomeration of various tribes. There can be little doubt,
however, that the ancient [[Hermunduri]] formed the preponderating
element in the nation. Among the other elements may be
mentioned the Juthungi, Bucinobantes, Lentienses, and perhaps the
Armalausi. From the 4th century onwards we hear also of the
Suebi, Suevi or Suabi. The Hermunduri had apparently belonged to the
Suebi, but it is likely enough that reinforcements from new
Suebic tribes had now moved westward. In later times the
names Alamanni and Suebi seem to be synonymous.


The tribe was continually engaged in conflicts with the [[Roman Empire]]. Their most famous battle took place in [[Strasbourg]], in [[357]] AD. They were defeated by [[Julian]], later to be Emperor, and their king Chonodomarius was taken prisoner. Early in the 5th century the Alamanni appear to have crossed the [[Rhine]] and conquered and settled in what is today [[Alsace]] and a large part of [[Switzerland]]. Their kingdom lasted until the year 405, when they were conquered by [[Clovis I]], from which time they formed part of the [[Franks|Frankish]] dominions. In a strange twist, the word "Frankish" eventually gave its name to the Romance language [[French language|French]], while the Alamanni gave their name to the French word for "German."
The tribe was continually engaged in conflicts with the [[Roman Empire|Romans]], the
most famous encounter being that at [[Strasbourg]], in which
they were defeated by [[Julian]], afterwards emperor, in the year
357, when their king Chonodomarius was taken prisoner. Early
in the 5th century the Alamanni appear to have crossed the
[[Rhine]] and conquered and settled in what is today [[Alsace]] and a large part of
[[Switzerland]]. Their kingdom lasted until the year 405, when
they were conquered by [[Clovis I]], from which time they formed part of the [[Franks|Frankish]] dominions. In a strange twist, the word "Frankish" eventually gave its name to the Romance language [[French language|French]], while the Alamanni gave their name to the French word for "German."


The Alamannic and Swabian dialects are now spoken in German-speaking [[Swiss_German | Switzerland]], the southern parts of Baden and Alsace, Württemberg and a small portion of [[Bavaria]].
The Alamannic and Swabian dialects are now spoken in German-speaking [[Swiss_German | Switzerland]], the southern parts of Baden and Alsace, Württemberg and a small portion of [[Bavaria]].

Revision as of 12:32, 4 March 2002

ALAMANNI, or ALLEMANNI, a German tribe, first mentioned by Dio Cassius, under the year 213. They apparently dwelt in the basin of the Main River, to the south of the Chatti.

According to Asinius Quadratus their name indicates that they were a conglomeration of various tribes. There can be little doubt, however, that the ancient Hermunduri formed the bulk of the nation. Other groups included the Juthungi, Bucinobantes, Lentienses, and perhaps the Armalausi. From the 4th century onwards we hear also of the Suebi, Suevi or Suabi. The Hermunduri had apparently belonged to the Suebi, but it is likely enough that reinforcements from new Suebic tribes had now moved westward. In later times the names Alamanni and Suebi seem to be synonymous.

The tribe was continually engaged in conflicts with the Roman Empire. Their most famous battle took place in Strasbourg, in 357 AD. They were defeated by Julian, later to be Emperor, and their king Chonodomarius was taken prisoner. Early in the 5th century the Alamanni appear to have crossed the Rhine and conquered and settled in what is today Alsace and a large part of Switzerland. Their kingdom lasted until the year 405, when they were conquered by Clovis I, from which time they formed part of the Frankish dominions. In a strange twist, the word "Frankish" eventually gave its name to the Romance language French, while the Alamanni gave their name to the French word for "German."

The Alamannic and Swabian dialects are now spoken in German-speaking Switzerland, the southern parts of Baden and Alsace, Württemberg and a small portion of Bavaria.


Initial text from 1911 encyclopedia