The Alemanni were a late classical-era people who succeeded in occupying southwestern Germany, Alsace, and northern Switzerland in the 3rd century (first mentioned in 213 CE). They were a confederation of various tribes (very likely the Hermanduri and Sennones as major constituents), the chieftaincy of which provided only minimal authority for their region, largely in terms of military leadership. Their name survives today as the base for most Romance language appelations of the German people (Allemagne, Alemannia, etc.)