Migration Period
The Migration Period, also known as the Barbarian Invasions, refers to a time in European history characterized by the large-scale migrations and invasions of various Germanic peoples, Huns, Slavs, and others from Central and Eastern Europe into the Roman Empire. This period is traditionally dated from the late 4th century to the 6th century AD.
Historical Context
The Migration Period was influenced by several key events and factors:
- Roman Decline: The weakening of the Western Roman Empire due to political instability, economic troubles, and military overextension.
- Climate Changes: Some historians suggest that climate change might have played a role in the movements of peoples, though this is still debated.
- Pressure from the East: The arrival of the Huns in Eastern Europe pushed many tribes westward, seeking refuge within the Roman borders or fighting for territory.
Key Events and Groups
- Gothic Wars: The Visigoths and Ostrogoths played significant roles. The Visigoths, after being allowed to settle in Roman territory, revolted leading to the Battle of Adrianople in 378 AD, where they defeated the Romans.
- Vandal Migration: The Vandals crossed into Roman territory, eventually settling in North Africa and establishing their kingdom which would later sack Rome in 455 AD.
- Hunnic Invasions: Under the leadership of Attila the Hun, the Huns terrorized much of Europe, although their empire disintegrated shortly after Attila's death in 453 AD.
- Anglo-Saxon Settlement of Britain: The departure of Roman legions from Britain led to the arrival of Anglo-Saxons, who began to settle and form kingdoms there.
Impact
The Migration Period had profound effects:
- Collapse of Western Rome: The sustained pressure from these migrations and invasions significantly contributed to the eventual collapse of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD when the last emperor was deposed.
- Cultural and Linguistic Changes: The movements of people led to the spread of Germanic languages across Europe and the influence of Germanic culture on Roman traditions.
- Formation of New Kingdoms: Various Germanic and other groups established kingdoms within the former Roman territories, like the Kingdom of the Visigoths in Spain, the Kingdom of the Ostrogoths in Italy, and the Franks in Gaul.
Sources
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