The Osi or Osii were an ancient tribe dwelling north of the Marcomanni and Quadi, in a woody and mountainous country. Their national customs, as well as their language, were those of the Aravisci, who Tacitus called Pannonians. They were tributaries to the Quadi and Sarmatae. The exact districts they inhabited cannot be determined, nor do we know whether they had migrated from Pannonia, or whether they were an ancient remnant of Pannonians in those districts.
Tacitus described the Osi as living "behind" ( Latin: retro) the Marcomanni, moving north from the river Danube. They were neighbours of the Marsigni, Gotini, and Buri. [1]
Tacitus described them as a Germanic "natio", using that term in a geographical sense.
In another passage, Tacitus explains that the Osi are nevertheless not really Germani according to Tacitus, who in this case uses language to distinguish them. [1]
This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Smith, William, ed. (1854–1857). "Osi". Dictionary of Greek and Roman Geography. London: John Murray.
The Osi or Osii were an ancient tribe dwelling north of the Marcomanni and Quadi, in a woody and mountainous country. Their national customs, as well as their language, were those of the Aravisci, who Tacitus called Pannonians. They were tributaries to the Quadi and Sarmatae. The exact districts they inhabited cannot be determined, nor do we know whether they had migrated from Pannonia, or whether they were an ancient remnant of Pannonians in those districts.
Tacitus described the Osi as living "behind" ( Latin: retro) the Marcomanni, moving north from the river Danube. They were neighbours of the Marsigni, Gotini, and Buri. [1]
Tacitus described them as a Germanic "natio", using that term in a geographical sense.
In another passage, Tacitus explains that the Osi are nevertheless not really Germani according to Tacitus, who in this case uses language to distinguish them. [1]
This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Smith, William, ed. (1854–1857). "Osi". Dictionary of Greek and Roman Geography. London: John Murray.