GERMANIC BARBARIANS

The Barbarians were made up of people that were part of different Germanic Tribes. These tribes consisted of semi-nomadic farmers and herders who migrated from Scandinavia. (Present day Norway, Sweden & Denmark.)

An elected king led each tribe and he ruled the tribe with the aid of a council of chiefs. Each chief led a band of warriors and in exchange for their service, the chief gave them: (1) shield, (2) javelin, (3) food, (4) shelter.

By the 3^rd century A.D., a growing population forced the Germanic tribe to look elsewhere for a place to live. As a result, they headed for Southern Europe. At this time, the Germanic tribes collided with the Huns. Because the Huns were very good at fighting, the Germanic Barbarians were badly beaten and asked for refuge in Rome. In return for Rome's protection, the Germanic Tribes hired on as mercenaries and agreed to defend Rome. These groups of people were the largest groups to come into Roman territory. From this time forward, things became very different. More and more tribes and nations started to move into Rome. Some were paid to defend Rome. Others were to build the city.

HUNS

The Huns were from Asia; superb riders and warriors. They conquered Eastern Europe (Romania, Hungary, Poland and Czechoslovakia). The leader of the Huns was Attila. Although they brought terror, destruction and death wherever they went, they didn't conquer Rome.

VISIGOTHS

The Visigoths were the West Goths. They had been attacked by the Huns and went to Rome to seek help (protection). They were allowed to live in Rome if they provided protection for the Romans. The Visigoths lived in peace with the Romans, but eventually the peace was broken and the Visigoths turned on the Romans. In 410 A.D. they invaded Italy and sacked Rome.

VANDALS

The Vandals raided Italy in 455 A.D. Their actions gave their name to the crime of vandalism (senseless destruction of property without gain). Eventually, the Vandals settled in North Africa and Spain.

The worst of these tribes was the Huns. The Huns led by Attila were bribed by the Eastern Roman Emperor to keep moving west. Because they were weak from disease and hunger when they reached Italy, Pope Leo came out of the city (Rome) and was able to convince them to leave Rome alone. The Huns disappeared through intermarriage; the area now called Hungary.

As the Barbarians pushed further and further into Roman Territory, it became more difficult for the Romans to hold them back. As the border legions were gradually withdrawn to defend the heart of the empire, Germanic Barbarians easily occupied the abandoned provinces. As a result, many Romans started to leave. The Angles and Saxons sailed across the North Sea to conquer Britain. The Franks crossed the Rhine River to conquer northern Gaul. These were the only Germanic tribes to establish lasting kingdoms.

By 476 A.D. the Western Roman Empire had ended. In that year, a Germanic king (who was leading the Barbarian mercenaries hired to defend Rome) seized power and declared himself ruler of Western part of the Empire.

BYZANTINE EMPIRE

The Eastern Roman Empire soon became known as the Byzantine Empire. It did not completely disappear until about 1000 years later when it was conquered by the expanding Turkish Empire. Obviously, it had several advantages over the west for survival. (1) Mountains and water gave it geographical protection. (2) Loyal citizen armies provided military protection. (3) The strong fortress city of Constantinople could not be taken. (4) This area was also richer in resources, therefore, the Byzantine Empire was able to bribe or drive away the barbarians, looking for an easier target. It was left to preserve Greco-Roman learning during the Dark Ages.