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It has been written by other researchers, that the Celts and Germanic people originated in this general area. The Germanics split into Northern and Southern (Scandinavian and Continental).

If his version is correct in some ways, I think his dating is to late. These people of Europe came westward earlier than 97 AD.

Perhaps ironically, while the Vikings of Denmark and Norway mainly plundered around the west coast of Europe, the Swedes went east, down the Volga River, and became guards to the royals, in the eastern orthodox lands, Black Sea area, etc. These Norsemen figured quite heavily in the history of Russia. The largest hordes of Byzantine coins ever discovered are in Sweden. So these Swedes were just making a pilgrimage to their earlier homeland!

Side comment. Another thread about Kasey Casem trumpets the Arab Americans. I submit that Scandinavians have had a HUGE impact on culture, considering their small numbers.

Consider their certain discovery of North America. Add impact upon of of Britain and Ireland. The English, Scots and Irish have very much Viking blood. The English system of government drew heavily from the Norsemen, who first arrived in 793 at Lindesfarne, England.

The "Normans" (French speaking Danes) conquered northern France and later England. They also conquered southern Italy and parts of the middle east.

The largest fraction of the English language is drawn from Continental German, followed by Old Norse, French (more like Latin at the time) and a bit of Celtic.

Today the population of Norway is but 4 million. Sweden about 9 million. Denmark about 12 or 14 million-didn't look it up.

Good post! I believe the population of Denmark is less than that of Sweden, more like Norway. To supplement your comments on the CELTS, click on my Profile.

Perhaps ironically, while the Vikings of Denmark and Norway mainly plundered around the west coast of Europe, the Swedes went east, down the Volga River, and became guards to the royals, in the eastern orthodox lands, Black Sea area, etc. These Norsemen figured quite heavily in the history of Russia. The largest hordes of Byzantine coins ever discovered are in Sweden. So these Swedes were just making a pilgrimage to their earlier homeland!

The Goths originate on Gotland in the Baltic Sea which was populated as early as 6000 BC. From there they radiate outwards to continental Europe, including many who go up the rivers in Poland and White Russia, and down the rivers of the Ukraine to the Black Sea. This is all prior to the Roman Empire. Later, they are pushed westwards against the Roman Empire and figure in its fall. Lastly, the Heruls emigrate back to Sweden and introduce the Aesir religion into the region (Odin, et al).

For more on the story see "Reasons and prelude to the Viking age, the arrival of the Svear in the 6th century".

Also the second part of Sutton Hoo -- The Gothic-Gotlandic link