Talk:Sorbs (tribe)/Sorbs in the early Middle Ages
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The Lusatian Serbs, also known as the Sorbs, were a Slavic ethnic group that played a significant role in the Early Middle Ages. They were a West Slavic tribe that inhabited the region of Lusatia, located in present-day eastern Germany and western Poland. The Early Middle Ages, spanning from the 5th to the 10th century, witnessed the emergence and consolidation of the Lusatian Serb community, contributing to the rich tapestry of Central European history.
Introduction[edit]
Background and origin[edit]
Migration and settlement[edit]
During this period, the Lusatian Serbs experienced a series of migrations and settlements in the region. Historical records indicate that they originally hailed from the Carpathian Mountains and migrated westward into the Lusatian region, where they gradually established their presence. Their migration was likely driven by various factors, including the search for new fertile lands for agriculture, as well as pressure from neighboring tribes and invasions.
Thier in Lusatia saw the formation of various settlements and the emergence of a distinct tribal structure. The tribe was organized into clans, with kinship playing a crucial role in their social fabric. The clans were headed by chieftains who held authority and governed the community. These early forms of governance laid the foundation for the development of more complex political structures in later centuries.
Early migrations[edit]
Establishment in Lusatia[edit]
Socio-political organization[edit]
Tribal structure[edit]
Clans and kinship[edit]
Leadership and governance[edit]
Interactions with neighboring groups[edit]
Germanic tribes[edit]
These Germanic tribes had significant interactions with the Lusatian Serbs during the Early Middle Ages, influencing trade, diplomacy, and occasional conflicts in the region.
- Saxons
- Bavarians
- Thuringians
- Franks
- Alemanni
Slavic tribes[edit]
- Polabian Slavs
- Veleti (also known as Wilzi)
- Obotrites (or Abodrites)
- Sorbs (another name for Lusatian Serbs)
- Czechs (Bohemians)
Relations with the Holy Roman Empire[edit]
Trade and diplomacy[edit]
Conflicts and wars[edit]
Cultural and religious aspects[edit]
Language and literature[edit]
Dialects[edit]
Oral tradition[edit]
Religion and mythology[edit]
Initially, Lusatian Serbs adhered to Slavic paganism, worshipping natural deities and spirits. However, with the spread of Christianity in the region, they underwent a process of Christianization. This transformation had a profound impact on their cultural and religious beliefs, leading to the integration of Christian practices alongside some remnants of their pagan heritage.