The Bavarii were a large and powerful tribe which emerged late in Teutonic tribal times, in what's now the Czech Republic (Bohemia). They replaced, or perhaps are simply another phase of, the previous inhabitants - the Rugians. They swiftly expanded their influence southward, and occupied Austria and the area which still bears their name: Bavaria. There's some argument as to the origins of the Bavarii. Until recently, modern day Bavarians were thought to be descendants of the Bavarii, who themse… (More on Bavarii)