The Roman historian Tacitus, writing around AD 98, observed that the Germanic tribes appeared to maintain a distinct identity, untouched by intermarriage with other peoples. His perspective regarded them as a unique and pure nation, demonstrating an early view of ethnic integrity. Tacitus's accounts reflect an admiration for the Germans' perceived cultural and physical uniqueness, which contributed to the mythology surrounding their origins.

Martin Luther, in a similar vein, sought to establish German identity by tracing a genealogical lineage back to Adam, recognizing him as the ancestral figure for Christians. This idea of a direct lineage not only bolstered the national pride among Germans but also enhanced the perception of their cultural and religious significance in the context of European history. Sykes’s work delves into how such historical narratives shaped the understanding of ancestry and identity in Britain and Ireland.