active 6th century Jordanes
The Origin and Deeds of the Goths
"The Origin and Deeds of the Goths" by active 6th century Jordanes is a historical work written in 551 AD. Claiming to summarize a lost account by Cassiodorus, it traces Gothic history from their mythical Scandinavian origins through their migrations and conflicts with Rome, ending with their defeat by Byzantine general Belisarius. The only surviving extended account of Gothic history, it blends legendary tales—including encounters with Troy and Egyptian pharaohs—with more credible later events, sparking ongoing debate about where mythology ends and history begins.