Interesting Facts

• The children of Gomer, including Askinaz, were among the families of Japheth whose numbers were about four hundred and sixty men in those days.
• The children of Gomer, including Askinaz, spread and rested in the north and built themselves cities.
• The city built by the children of Gomer, where the Francum dwelt, was located in the land of Franza by the river Franza and the river Senah.

Genealogy

• Ashkenaz (referred to as Askinaz in one instance) was a son of Gomer.
• Gomer was a son of Japheth, who was one of the three sons of Noah.

Historical Context

Ashkenaz lived in the generations after the flood, specifically within the second generation born after this cataclysmic event, which is estimated to have occurred between the years 1688-1722 A.M.. Following the confusion of languages at the Tower of Babel and the subsequent scattering of mankind, the descendants of Noah dispersed to various regions of the earth. Japheth and his sons, including Gomer and his children like Ashkenaz, went towards the sea and dwelt in their allotted portion in the north. The sons of Japheth built cities and named them after themselves and particular occurrences.

Narrative

The narrative concerning Ashkenaz, as presented in the sources, is primarily focused on the dispersal and settlement of the descendants of Japheth after the confounding of languages at the Tower of Babel. Ashkenaz, being a son of Gomer, was part of the group that journeyed to the north. The descendants of Gomer, identified as the Francum, established themselves in the land of Franza, near the rivers Franza and Senah, where they built cities. The texts indicate that these settlements were named by the families after themselves. Therefore, Ashkenaz’s narrative is one of migration, settlement, and the establishment of a distinct familial group in the northern regions following the major event of the dispersal of nations.