new thread
I am currently doing a research essay on Theoderic the Ostrogoth. As such I have been consulting (the english translation of!) "The Variae" of Cassiodorus.
There is a letter where he adresses the "long-haired men". The following is the footnote to that letter.
Thanks!
FN364Capillatis. The only passage which throws a light on this name—and that is a doubtful one—is Jordanes, De Rebus Geticis xi. After describing the pileati, the tiara-wearing priests of the Getae, he says: 'Reliquam vero gentem capillatos dicere jussit [Diceneus] quod nomen Gothi pro magno suscipientes adhuc hodie suis cantionibus reminiscuntur.'
'Reliquam vero gentem capillatos dicere jussit [Diceneus] quod nomen Gothi pro magno suscipientes adhuc hodie suis cantionibus reminiscuntur.'
Here's my guess:
Diceneus ordered the remaining people to be called "Capillati" (long haired). The Goths consider this name to be very important and remember it in their songs.
Robert, what do you think? I've never translated from Latin into English before.... (English is not my first language)
I'll take a shot too I guess!
“Reliquam vero gentem capillatos dicere jussit [Diceneus] quod nomen Gothi pro magno suscipientes adhuc hodie suis cantionibus reminiscuntur.”
In truth Diceneus ordered that the rest of the clan be called longhairs because of the name that the Goths received, and today they are best remembered by their singing for the most part.
Well, maybe three times is the charm! Both of the previous translations do a fine job at getting to the meaning well enough. A few minor adjustments:
But, Dicenus ordered (them)to call the remaining clan long-haired ones, and the Goths who took on this name as a proud boast still to this day are remembered by their songs.
Robert