Hans Ottomeyer

The discoveries of texts by Tacitus, „Germania“ and „Annales“, in monastic libraries in Germany in 1425 and 1505 respectively were crucial to the belief of Germans of their common origin and political coherence and in nation building. These works mark the beginning of German history with historic events, places, personalities and above all characteristics. First these remarks serve from 1457 in a quarrel of supremacy between German and Italian writers with implications of freedom and obedience, liberty and civilisation and in consequence the virtues and vices of the different nations. The interpretation of nation, of one origin, leads the political implications of modern time to put nation, state, race in one fatal unity.