seafaring.[46] From a very early time, Germanic tribes are thought to have interacted with and possibly
settled in the Baltic states, in which they would leave a profound influence, particularly on the ancient
Estonians.[25]
One proposed theory for approximate distribution of the
primary Germanic dialect groups in Europe around the year 1 AD:
North Germanic
North Sea Germanic (Ingvaeonic)
Weser-Rhine Germanic, (Istvaeonic)
Elbe Germanic (Irminonic)
East Germanic
During the Iron Age various Germanic tribes migrated from Scandinavia to East-Central Europe. This
included the Rugii, Goths, Gepids, Vandals, Burgundians and others.[42][47][48] The Rugii might have
originated in Western Norway (Rogaland).[49] The migrations of most of these tribes is thought to have
occurred around 200 BC, though the Vandals might have migrated earlier.[48] According to the
historian Procopius, these tribes were distinguished by their height, fair complexion, physical
attractiveness and common cultural characteristics, suggesting a common origin.[50] Because of the large
number of Germanic tribes that traced their origin to Scandinavia, the region became known by Early
Medieval historians as the Factory of Nations (Latin: Officina Gentium ) or Womb of
Nations (Latin: Vagina Nationum ).[48][51] The early Germanic tribes that migrated from Scandinavia
became speakers of East Germanic dialects. Though these tribes were probably indistinguishable from
later North Germanic tribes at the time of their migration, the culture and language of North and East
Germanic tribes would thereafter take divergent lines of development.[23] Another Germanic tribe which
claimed Scandinavian origins were the Lombards.[52]
The region of the north, in proportion as it is removed from the heat of the sun and is chilled with snow
and frost, is so much the more healthful to the bodies of men and fitted for the propagation of nations,
just as, on the other hand, every southern region, the nearer it is to the heat of the sun, the more it
abounds in diseases and is less fitted for the bringing up of the human race.[53]
— Paul the Deacon