The Role of Arianism in the Vandal Kingdom
By Emőke Horváth
Religion, Ritual and Mythology Aspects of Identity Formation in Europe, edited by Joaquim Carvalho (Pisa University Press, 2006)
Introduction: The word ‘Vandal’ has had a long ‘career’ over the centuries. Since being used initially to denominate a people, it has been degraded, and gained negative attributes that qualify a certain attitude. Behind the changes in meaning are topoi developed in the historical literature of Roman and Byzantine authors. Later, these topoi became widespread and common knowledge. Inevitably, on the basis of these beliefs, the image of senseless devastation has been interwoven with the Vandals for all time. Is it fair for succeeding generations to remember the Vandals in this way? To answer this question fully, the history of the Vandals would have to be investigated from many viewpoints. However, my study will focus on one point: what was the role of religion in the development of the above mentioned beliefs and in the preservation of the true identity of the Vandals? In searching for the answer to my question, I have relied on the historiographical works from the Early Middle Ages, because recent church historical studies do not cover the viewpoints sufficiently, and only emphasize the religious intolerance of the Vandals. In my opinion, the contrast between Arianism and Catholicism was a dominant factor in the development of the identity of gens vandalorum, and this subject requires a thorough examination.
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