What Germanic Tribes Invaded Rome?
The fall of the Roman Empire was marked by numerous invasions from various Germanic tribes. These barbarian groups, hailing from the regions of modern-day Germany and Scandinavia, played a significant role in shaping the course of history. In this article, we will explore some of the prominent Germanic tribes that invaded Rome and contributed to its decline.
The Visigoths
The Visigoths, also known as the Western Goths, were one of the first Germanic tribes to invade Rome. In 376 AD, they sought refuge within the borders of the Roman Empire due to pressure from invading Huns.
However, tensions arose between the Visigoths and the Romans which eventually led to conflicts. Under their leader Alaric I, they sacked Rome in 410 AD, marking a significant turning point in Roman history.
The Ostrogoths
The Ostrogoths, or Eastern Goths, rose to prominence under their famous king Theodoric the Great. After being defeated by Attila the Hun in 454 AD, Theodoric established his kingdom in Italy with Ravenna as its capital. The Ostrogoths ruled Italy for several decades until they were overthrown by Byzantine forces led by general Belisarius in 552 AD.
The Vandals
The Vandals were another Germanic tribe that invaded Rome. Led by their king Genseric, they crossed into North Africa from Spain and established a powerful kingdom with Carthage as their capital.
In 455 AD, they sacked Rome and looted its treasures before returning to North Africa. The Vandal Kingdom lasted until it was conquered by Byzantine forces in 534 AD.
The Lombards
The Lombards, also known as the Longobards, invaded Italy in the 6th century AD. They established a kingdom in northern Italy with Pavia as their capital. The Lombards ruled over a significant part of Italy until they were eventually conquered by Charlemagne, the King of the Franks, in 774 AD.
The Angles, Saxons, and Jutes
The Angles, Saxons, and Jutes were Germanic tribes from what is now Denmark and Germany. They played a crucial role in the fall of the Western Roman Empire by invading and settling in Britain during the 5th and 6th centuries AD. The Anglo-Saxons, as they came to be known collectively, established several kingdoms on British soil.
In Conclusion
These Germanic tribes played a significant role in the decline and fall of the Roman Empire. Their invasions and subsequent settlement reshaped Europe’s political landscape and influenced the course of history for centuries to come. Understanding their impact is crucial to comprehending this critical period in Western civilization.