What's in a Name?

The Black Forest, a low mountain range in the southwest corner of Germany, today a popular tourist destination. But where did the dark and rather uninviting name come from? Of course, it had to be the Romans!

Actually a few hundred years before the Romans stopped by, the outskirts of the Black Forest were (rather reluctantly) populated by the superstitious Celts, who called the region Abnoba Mons (mountain range of the goddess Abnoba, protector of forest, springs and wildlife). They respected the area, and pretty much remained in the flood plains by the river Rhine.

Back in the old ages those mountainous grounds were heavily forested with dark trees such as conifers and beeches of thick growth, thus making it difficult for the Roman armies to pass through. They did not bother too much, went around, dubbed this area with the rather unflattering name Silva Nigra (forest black), and moved on to Baden-Baden where they found easy maneuverable terrain and a more inviting climate. Of course feeling right at home up there they made good use of the famous thermal springs in the region, and began cultivating vineyards. Ah, those Romans.

The Romans left the woodland without a trace, but the name got stuck.

Two hundred years fast forward into the new millennium the mountain range got conquered by the Allemandes, some rather wild and predatory folks, who destroyed everything in their way, and ruled the territory with brute force. 

Although in the fifth century AD beaten by the Franconians, the Allemandes stayed in the region, and in the end were 'tamed' by Scottish and Irish missionaries... But despite the efforts of Christianity the old stories and myths rooted in this dark forested mountain range are still very much alive... But that shall be a different story for another day.