A source-book of ancient history - The Search For Mecca

CHAPTER XLIV
THE NORTHERN BARBARIANS
I. The Germans: People and Country
Physique-
Tacitus,
Germania, 4.
Country.
lb. 5.
Ancient
World, 524 f.
They have fierce blue eyes, red hair, and large frames,
capable only of sudden effort. They endure labor and
service less patiently than we, and cannot support thirst
and heat. But their climate and soil have accustomed
them to cold and hunger.
The country, although very varied in appearance, generally
consists of rough forests or foul swamps. . . .
Though fertile in crops, it bears no fruit trees; it is rich
in herds but they are generally stunted. Even their
cattle do not attain their natural beauty or the full growth
of their horns. They take pleasure in the size of their
herds; these are their sole form of wealth, and they are
very proud of them.
Whether it is in mercy or anger that
the gods have denied them silver or gold I do not know;
nor could I definitely assert that Germany produces no
But they
vein of gold or silver; for no one has explored.
are not affected in the same way that we are by its possession
and use. You may see there silver vases which
have been given as presents to their ambassadors and
chiefs; but they hold them as cheap as earthenware pots.
However, the tribes nearest to us have learnt through
familiarity with trade to value gold and silver; they can
recognize and pick out certain pieces of our money. The
people of the interior use the more simple and ancient
method of barter. They hke best the old coinage with
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