Ostrogoths vs. Pharisees

Attribute	Ostrogoths	Pharisees
Historical Period	Migration Period	Second Temple Period
Origin	Germanic tribe from Scandinavia	Jewish religious group
Beliefs	Polytheistic	Monotheistic
Leadership	King	Rabbis
Geographical Location	Eastern Europe	Israel

History and Background

The Ostrogoths were a branch of the Goths, a Germanic tribe that played a significant role in the fall of the Western Roman Empire. They emerged as a distinct group in the 4th century and eventually established a kingdom in Italy under the rule of Theodoric the Great in the 5th century. The Ostrogoths were known for their military prowess and their ability to adapt to Roman culture. On the other hand, the Pharisees were a Jewish sect that emerged during the Second Temple period. They were known for their strict adherence to Jewish law and their emphasis on oral tradition. The Pharisees were influential in shaping Jewish religious practices and beliefs.

Religious Beliefs

The Ostrogoths were pagans who practiced a form of Germanic polytheism before converting to Arian Christianity under Theodoric the Great. Arianism was a Christian sect that believed Jesus was a created being and not equal to God the Father. This belief set the Ostrogoths apart from the Catholic Church and led to tensions with the Roman authorities. In contrast, the Pharisees were a Jewish sect that adhered to the Torah and believed in the resurrection of the dead and the existence of angels. They placed a strong emphasis on the oral tradition of the elders and the interpretation of Jewish law.

Social Structure

The Ostrogoths were a warrior society with a hierarchical social structure. They were led by a king who was supported by a council of nobles and military leaders. The Ostrogoths also had a class of freemen who were responsible for farming and other non-military activities. Slavery was common among the Ostrogoths, with captured enemies often being enslaved. On the other hand, the Pharisees were a religious sect that held significant influence within Jewish society. They were seen as experts in Jewish law and were respected for their knowledge and piety. The Pharisees were not a political or military group but rather focused on religious matters.

Interaction with Other Groups

The Ostrogoths had a complex relationship with the Roman Empire. While they initially invaded Roman territories and sacked cities, they eventually established a kingdom in Italy and sought to maintain good relations with the Roman authorities. Theodoric the Great, in particular, tried to balance Ostrogothic and Roman interests in his rule. The Ostrogoths also interacted with other Germanic tribes and the Byzantine Empire. In contrast, the Pharisees had a contentious relationship with the Roman authorities, particularly during the time of Jesus. They clashed with the Roman rulers over religious and political matters, leading to tensions and conflicts. The Pharisees also had disagreements with other Jewish sects, such as the Sadducees, over theological and legal issues.

Legacy

The Ostrogoths left a lasting impact on European history through their role in the fall of the Western Roman Empire and their establishment of a kingdom in Italy. Theodoric the Great is remembered as a wise and capable ruler who tried to bridge the gap between Roman and Ostrogothic cultures. The Ostrogoths also influenced the development of medieval Europe through their interactions with other Germanic tribes and the Byzantine Empire. On the other hand, the Pharisees had a significant influence on the development of Rabbinic Judaism and Jewish religious practices. Their emphasis on the oral tradition and interpretation of Jewish law shaped the religious landscape of Judaism for centuries to come.