Romuva (temple)

Romowe was a cult center of the Baltic Old Prussians. He lay in the field of Nadrauer, but could not locate the place until now.

• 2.1 Name

Description

Romowe first mentioned by Peter von Dusburg 1326. He noted that it was around a central sanctuary of the Prussians. The place was named after Rome and the chief priest, called Criwe will, revered as the Pope, because he obeyed not only the Prussians, but also the Lithuanians and peoples from Livonia.

Simon Grunau describes a sacred always green oak in place Rickoyot where the three gods Patollo, Patrimpo and Perkuno were worshiped. This was - was donated in 523 of Bruteno, the alleged first priest ( Crywo Cyrwaito ) at the Old Prussians - so confused by Grunau's history speculation. Although Grunau's description is embellished fanciful speculation about whether Rickoyot is identical with the central sanctuary Romowe.

Source Criticism

While Peter of Dusburg is deemed reliable source, the explanations of Grunau be heavily criticized. So, please refer to the similarity of the description of the sanctuary with the in Uppsala, as described by Adam of Bremen in Hamburg Church History and revealed that he had been based on it. The saga of the brothers Bruteno and Widowuto is a creation of the 16th century, which has no historical or real background and handed down no local legend.

Interpretation

The research rejects the statements of Dusburg that the Prussians have possessed a central cultural center. It is assumed that the random name similarity with Rome would have led to exaggerated compared with the Pope. Rather, it is assumed that there had been several local sanctuaries, and seie been one of them the Romowe.

Name

Romowe compares with other Baltic place names that begin with Rome - Ram or Rams and altprußisch " modestly "; Lithuanian ramus » tranquil, quiet " can be made.

This also includes the sacred mountain Rambynas to the Memel, which is opposite of Ragnit and on which a large sacrificial stone was found. In addition, in Lithuania is still a holy village ( "villa sacra " ) called Romene witnessed. This does not mean that all places with this word may be considered as old shrines, though the meaning " quiet, tranquil; is sittig " fit.

The traditional Simon Grunau name Rickoyot is associated with Old Prussian Rikis "Lord".

Others

After the name of the place of worship, a neo-pagan, government approved and other religions called equivalent denomination in Lithuania Romuva.