From Ancient Goths to Modern Rights: How Sweden Won the Battle for Rest

"These Romans are crazy!" —Asterix

Jun 20, 2025

Picture this: It's Midsummer Eve in Sweden. The sun refuses to set. Ancient Goths once called this land home before migrating south to battle Romans. Today, their modern "descendants" in Gothenburg are celebrating something those warriors could never imagine—a legally guaranteed right to rest.

The Ancient Connection

The Goths weren't just comic book villains. They were real Germanic people who, according to 6th- century historian Jordanes, originated from Scandinavia—specifically what we now call Sweden. Archaeological evidence backs this up. These ancient Swedes "swarmed like bees" southward, establishing kingdoms and fighting everyone from Romans to Byzantines.

King Rodulf, one Gothic leader Jordanes mentions, traveled from Scandinavia to Italy. Imagine him time-traveling to modern Sweden during Midsummer. He'd be baffled: "You mean you can demand time off... and still get paid? These modern Swedes are crazy!"

The Battle for Rest (No Swords Required)

Unlike the Goths' military conquests, Sweden's victory over endless work happened through legislation: 1938: Sweden's first holiday law granted workers 2 weeks of paid leave annually. Revolutionary at the time. Today: Swedish workers get 25 vacation days per year. Start a job after August 31st? You still get 5 days that year.

The Fine Print:

• Weekends don't count as vacation days

• You earn holiday pay while you're actually on holiday

• Change jobs? Your vacation entitlement follows specific rules to prevent double-dipping

Why This Matters

Sweden didn't stumble into these rights. They were fought for, legislated, and protected because someone recognized a simple truth: rest isn't laziness—it's necessary for human health and productivity.

The ancient Goths spent their lives migrating, fighting, surviving. They had no choice but constant movement and conflict. Modern workers do have a choice, thanks to laws that recognize our humanity.

The Asterix Twist

Just like Asterix's village holding out against Roman occupation, Swedish workers held out against the Roman idea that endless labor equals virtue. The magic potion? Collective bargaining and smart legislation. While Obelix delivers menhirs and Asterix fights Romans, Swedish workers today can enjoy 25 days of actual rest. No magic required—just the hard-won understanding that sustainable work requires sustainable rest.

The Real Victory

The ancient Goths conquered territories. Modern Sweden conquered something harder: the notion that human worth equals hours worked. On Midsummer Eve, as twilight stretches endlessly across Sweden, remember this isn't just about vacation days. It's proof that societies can choose humanity over hustle, rest over relentless productivity.

The Goths may have left Scandinavia 1,500 years ago, but they left behind something valuable: a people who eventually figured out that true strength comes not from endless battle, but from knowing when to lay down your sword and simply... rest. These Romans (and their descendants) really were crazy—crazy enough to think humans were machines.

Sweden proved otherwise.

As today is Midsummer Eve, I wish you all the greatest of times!

//Peace and Happy Midsummer!

World Heritage Rock carvings in Tanum

The reason Tanum was included on the World Heritage List in 1994 is the large number of rock carvings from the Bronze Age (1700-500 BC) found in the area. The entire region of Bohuslän is rich in rock carvings, with the majority located in the northern part. Tanum has the highest concentration of rock carvings and offers an unusually diverse range of imagery. Within the approximately 41 square kilometre World Heritage Site, there are currently over 600 known rock carving sites, a number that continues to grow as more panels are discovered.

https://www.tanumworldheritage.se/world-heritage-tanum-rock-carvings/?lang=en