Gothicism

thumb|Table of tribes originating from Scandinavia according to Johannes Magnus|Johannes and [[Olaus Magnus, with references to [Jordanes, Paulus Diaconus, etc].]]thumb|A 16th century perception of a Goth, illustrated in the manuscript "Théâtre de tous les peuples et nations de la terre avec leurs habits et ornemens divers, tant anciens que modernes, diligemment depeints au naturel". Painted by Lucas de Heere|Lucas d'Heere in the 2nd half of the 16th century. Preserved in the [[Ghent University Library.]] right|thumb|Olof Rudbeck, a 17th-century spokesman for Gothicismus. thumb|Erik Gustaf Geijer was a member of the 19th-century Gothic League (or the [[Geatish Society), which propagated the now-familiar image of the Viking as a heroic Norseman.|alt=|left]]

Gothicism or Gothism ( ; ) was an ethno-cultural ideology and cultural movement in Sweden, which took honor in being a Swede, for being purportedly related to the Goths. This was a result of a resolute decades long effort from Swedish writers, scholars and historical revisionists alike dedicated towards proving that the Goths had originated from Götaland and wherefrom their name was etymologically derived. This premise, however, has been heavily contested and met with scepticism by a number of eminent historians such as Carlo Troya who is esteemed as a leading figure on Italian history during the early middle ages. The founders of the movement were Nicolaus Ragvaldi and the brothers Johannes and Olaus Magnus. The belief continued to hold power in the 17th century, when Sweden was a great power following the Thirty Years' War, but lost most of its sway in the 18th. It was renewed by the Viking revival and Romantic nationalism in the early 19th century, this time with the Vikings as heroic figures.