Germanic Names in early Byzantine Inscriptions. Personal Names and Collective Identity

Abstract

Early byzantine inscriptions show that germanic people assimilate their identity to the environment in Constantinople and Asia Minor: They use Greek language, Christian symbols, and imperial titles to present their position in society. Generally, the only hints of a Germanic identity we find in their personal names. Aitherichos, bishop of Smyrna about 450, has a name that can be assigned to Germanic origins only with some doubts. Ourfilas (= Wulfila), documented in a newfound inscription of Pessinous, wears the title of a primicerius. The family of a Germanic sergeant living in Dorylaion has been accustomed to Greek and Latin name-traditions. They got some prominence in their hometowns as euergets of the Christian community. Among the Germanic soldiers in Constantinople the rank in the army plays a major role than ethnic origin. One of the Constantinopolitan epitaphs remained almost completely unnoticed till now, as it is exhibited in the „Germanic National Museum“, Nürnberg.