Kimbrerne: Who are we?

THE CIMBRIANS

Who were they? Who are we?

“Kimbrer” is what I am. Or “Cimbrian” in English. What is that? Where did they come from? And where are they/we now? Listen:

A “Cymbrian” belongs to a very brave and energetic tribe in the north of Denmark. From the part of Jutland called Himmerland – or rather “Kimbrerland”. Our first appearance are traced back to several centuries before year 0. While the Romans grew stronger in the south of Europe we Cimbrians grew bigger and stronger up north. Our symbol was – and is – a BULL. A strong one!

One sunny day – about 105 B.C. – our chief Cimbrian declared: “Let’s conquer Rome!!” Off we went – thousands of us. Heading south. With men, warriors, women, children, animals, equipment – and a strong will. A colourful crowd, which got bigger and stronger and more determined as we approached the Romans. One Roman Legion after the other was beaten up and destroyed. In the Gallic area (now France), in the south of Germany and Austria. The Roman Empire was in panic! Also when they saw our Cimbrian warriors use their shields as huge sledges down the Alps! When the Cymbrian approached Rome from the north the last Roman legion under the command of Marius did nothing. It let the thousands and thousands of Cimbrians pass. And the Romans were especially uneasy, when the Cimbrian worriors shouted at the passive Roman soldiers: “We will say hello to your wives in Rome, when we get there”!

But victories without defeats: all of a sudden the mean Romans attack from the back – where all the women and the children were. Thousands were tortured and killed. The Cimbrians were in total panic, and on that day – 101 B.C. – the Cimbrians were totally defeated. Rome was saved.

Only a few thousand Cimbrians managed to escape. Up north into the Dolomites! And they are still there – or rather their descendants! About 70.000 of them – with fair hair, blue eyes and a language which certainly has direct links back to the language of the Cimbrians at the time. The place – about 50 km north of Verona – is called Ljetzan (or Giazza in Italian). I visited Ljetzan in April 2004. A beautiful place in a beautiful nature. And with a very nice Cimbri Museum – telling this story.

Have a look at this site: www.rcvr.org/cittaepr/cimbri/welcome

Living history. Visit Himmerland (see: www.europe-today.com/denmark/himmerl.html ) - and Ljetzan!

PS: A thousand years later many of the strongest VIKINGS sailed from Himmerland to conquer England and Normady. The descendants of the Cimbrians!

Niels Jørgen: a 21^st – February 19, 2004