Barbarian

Visigoths sack Rome

Invasions of the Roman Empire 1

Genghis Khan empire-en

Barbarian prisoner MAN Napoli Inv6116

Germaniae antiquae libri tres, Plate 17, Clüver

Barbarian is a term used since ancient times, originally by the Greeks, to refer to people who were seen as uncivilized, foreign, or non-Greek. The word itself is derived from the Greek barbaros, meaning "babbler", to denote the incomprehensible speech of foreigners which sounded to the Greeks like "bar-bar-bar". Over time, the term has been utilized in various contexts, often carrying a pejorative connotation, to describe individuals or groups considered by a certain culture or society as uncivilized, primitive, or savage.

Etymology and Historical Usage

The origin of the term barbarian traces back to ancient Greece, where it was used to describe people who did not speak Greek and therefore were considered outsiders or foreigners. This distinction was not initially based on cultural or ethical differences but rather on linguistic ones. However, as Greek interaction with other cultures increased, especially during the conquests of Alexander the Great, the term began to acquire broader implications, encompassing cultural and societal differences.

In Rome, the concept of the barbarian evolved further, primarily used to refer to tribes and peoples beyond the Roman Empire's borders, such as the Germanic tribes, Celts, and Persians. The Romans distinguished between civitas (civilization) and barbaritas (barbarism), often using the latter to justify military and cultural expansion into territories inhabited by those they considered barbarians.

During the Middle Ages, the term was employed in the context of the Christian Crusades, referring to the Muslim Saracens and, later, to the Mongols who threatened the European Christian world. The notion of barbarism was often used to contrast the perceived civility and superiority of Christian Europe against its enemies.

Modern Usage and Perspectives

In modern times, the use of the term barbarian has largely fallen out of favor due to its ethnocentric and pejorative implications. Contemporary historians and anthropologists tend to avoid the term, preferring more neutral and specific descriptors for peoples and cultures. However, the concept of the barbarian still holds a place in popular culture, often romanticized or vilified in literature, film, and video games, where it evokes images of fierce warriors, noble savages, or primitive outsiders.

The term also finds a place in discussions around cultural relativism and ethnocentrism, serving as a reminder of the dangers of judging other cultures by one's own standards. In this context, the history of the term barbarian reflects broader themes in human history, including the clash of civilizations, the construction of "the other", and the processes of cultural interaction and assimilation.

In Popular Culture

In popular culture, barbarians are often depicted in a romanticized fashion, drawing heavily from 19th and 20th-century interpretations of historical peoples, such as the Vikings, Celts, and various nomadic tribes. This portrayal is common in fantasy literature and role-playing games, where barbarians are characterized by their physical strength, martial prowess, and connection to nature, standing in contrast to the corrupting influences of civilization.

See Also

• Civilization
• Ethnocentrism
• Cultural relativism
• Vikings
• Celts
• Nomadic peoples