Who Were the Barbarians in Rome?

By Anna Duncan

Who Were the Barbarians in Rome?

The term “barbarian” is commonly used to describe the various Germanic tribes and other non-Roman peoples that clashed with the Roman Empire during its decline. These groups were often portrayed as uncivilized and savage, but who were they really?

The Germanic Tribes

The Germanic tribes were a collection of various tribes that originated from what is now modern-day Germany, Denmark, and Scandinavia. They had a distinct culture and language, and their society was organized into small communities led by chieftains.

These tribes included:

  • The Visigoths
  • The Ostrogoths
  • The Vandals
  • The Franks
  • The Burgundians
  • The Lombards

Visigoths

The Visigoths were one of the most significant Germanic tribes. They played a crucial role in the downfall of the Western Roman Empire when their king, Alaric I, sacked Rome in 410 AD. Afterward, they settled in Gaul and eventually established their kingdom in Hispania.

Ostrogoths

The Ostrogoths emerged as another prominent Germanic tribe. Under their ruler Theodoric the Great, they established a powerful kingdom in Italy after defeating Odoacer, who had previously overthrown the last Western Roman Emperor.

Vandals

The Vandals, known for their destructive raids and plundering, crossed into North Africa from Spain in the early 5th century. They established a kingdom and became infamous for their sacking of Rome in 455 AD.

Franks

The Franks were a Germanic tribe that settled in ancient Gaul. They eventually formed the Carolingian Empire under Charlemagne, which played a significant role in the subsequent medieval history of Europe.

Burgundians

The Burgundians settled in the region known as Burgundy, which is now part of modern-day France. They established their own kingdom before ultimately being absorbed by the expanding Frankish Empire.

Lombards

The Lombards were another Germanic tribe that invaded Italy and established the Lombard Kingdom. Their rule lasted for over two centuries before they were overthrown by the Franks.

Other Non-Roman Peoples

In addition to the Germanic tribes, there were other non-Roman peoples who played a significant role during this period:

  • The Huns: Led by Attila, the Huns were a nomadic Central Asian people who posed a significant threat to both the Roman Empire and various Germanic tribes.
  • The Sarmatians: The Sarmatians were an Iranian people who lived in Eastern Europe and frequently clashed with both Rome and the Germanic tribes.
  • The Alans: The Alans were another Iranian nomadic group who often joined forces with both Rome and its enemies depending on their interests.

In conclusion, the term “barbarian” is often used to describe the various non-Roman peoples who clashed with Rome during its decline. These groups, including the Germanic tribes and other non-Roman peoples like the Huns, Sarmatians, and Alans, played a significant role in shaping the history of the Roman Empire and its eventual fall.