This exhibition in the special exhibition space of the James-Simon-Galerie presents recent research on the Germanic tribes and outlines the settlement history of the area on the right bank of the Rhine between the 1st century BC and the 4th century AD on the basis of numerous new finds and high-ranking loans.

The exhibition, whose concept was developed over several years as part of the Topoi Cluster of Excellence, contrasts the public image of the "Germanen" with the current state of research. This archaeological stocktaking allows a factually well-founded view of an important epoch in history, which is either only viewed in contrast to the development in the Roman Empire or is interpreted propagandistically with nationalistic intent.

A section of the exhibition in the "Vaterländischer Saal" of the Neues Museum critically shows the role of archaeological "Germanic research" in the museum's own history.

The exhibition is supported by the Kuratorium Preußischer Kulturbesitz.