The Late Barbarians

The term barbarian, originating from Indo-European languages barbaras and the Greek term barbaros, was initially used to describe those whose speech sounded harsh or unintelligible, like the noise of animals.
The Greeks used this label for people who did not speak their language or whose speech seemed unintelligible. For instance, in Homer's works, the Carians were described as barbarophonoi, indicating a harsh and unrefined language. This early use of the term did not imply a distinction based on race or culture but was merely a linguistic classification. The Greeks started to identify themselves as Hellenes, united by their shared language, traditions, and heritage. In contrast, all non-Greeks were considered barbarians, not just because of their speech but because they were outside the cultural and social norms of Hellenic society. While historians like Herodotus portrayed some barbarians positively, emphasizing their wisdom and culture, others like Aeschylus and Sophocles characterized them as the antithesis of Greek values. The cultural pride of the Greeks was heightened during this period, and the concept of barbarians evolved to denote not only those who did not speak Greek but also those who were seen as political and moral adversaries to Greek civilization.
Over the centuries, as cultures clashed and civilizations interacted, the word came to represent a broader and more complex set of ideas, often used to define the contrast between the "civilized" and the "uncivilized." This concept shifted from a linguistic distinction to a cultural, political, and even moral judgment, reflecting the changing attitudes of Greek and Roman societies toward the peoples outside their cultural sphere.
As the Roman Empire expanded and encountered various cultures, the Romans adopted the Greek notion of barbarians but adapted it to fit their own context. Initially, they viewed barbarians as foreign tribes beyond their borders who did not adhere to Roman customs and language. However, unlike the Greeks, the Romans were more explicit in associating the term with savagery and lack of civilization. For the Romans, the term barbarian took on a distinctly negative connotation, implying a fierce and uncivilized nature, especially as they came into conflict with various tribes in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. The Romans classified these groups not only as linguistic outsiders but as politically and morally inferior, viewing them as a threat to the order and stability of the Roman state.

Persian warrior, dating from the beginning of the II century CE. Marble statue, Roman copy of one of the four groups sculptural, probably in bronze, commissioned in the II century BCE by Attalus II king of Pergamon, powerful Greek city-state. The sovereign conceived these sculptural groups as ex-voto in favor of the Gods, thanking them for having brought numerous military victories in favor of the Greeks. - Gallery of Candelabros at the Vatican Museums in Rome

The term late barbarians refers to a diverse group of tribes and peoples that invaded Europe during the decline of the Western Roman Empire. Their invasions in the fourth to seventh centuries CE significantly altered the political, cultural, and military landscape of Europe, contributing to the collapse of Roman authority and laying the groundwork for future European nations. This article delves into the various groups that made up the late barbarian invasions, their origins, key events, and their lasting impact on European history.

The Invasion Waves

The late barbarians included various tribes from different regions, each contributing to the dismantling of the Western Roman Empire:

Huns, Alans, and Goths were the first wave, penetrating the empire from the Asiatic steppes in the fourth and fifth centuries.
Vandals, Suevi, and Burgundians attacked from the west.
In the fifth and sixth centuries, Franks, Alamans, and Bavarians joined the fray.
The Lombards and Avars were among the final groups to invade in the sixth and seventh centuries.
Angles, Saxons, and Jutes represented the maritime invaders who crossed the seas to settle in Britain.

The Huns: Masters of the Steppes

Originating from present-day Mongolia, the Huns were a nomadic group of skilled horsemen known for their deadly archery. Their invasion of southeastern Europe around 371 CE triggered a domino effect, prompting migrations from various tribes. They defeated the Alans and Ostrogoths, significantly altering the power dynamics in Europe. The Huns initially formed an alliance with the Roman general Flavius Aëtius, who had been a hostage in the Hunnic court, but the alliance dissolved after the death of King Rua in 434 CE.
Under the leadership of Attila, the Huns expanded their territory aggressively, launching successful campaigns against the Romans, culminating in an invasion of Italy and Greece. Their military prowess was showcased in battles like the Battle of Chalons in 451 CE, where they were ultimately defeated by Aëtius and his coalition of forces. The Huns' influence waned after Attila's death in 453 CE, leading to internal conflicts and their eventual disintegration as a tribe.

The Goths: A Divided People

The Goths, initially from Scandinavia, migrated to areas between the Vistula and Oder Rivers in modern-day Poland. They first clashed with the Roman Empire under Emperor Gordian III in 238 CE. After forming an alliance in 332 CE, internal strife led to a split in the Gothic tribes around 369 CE, giving rise to the Visigoths (Western Goths) and Ostrogoths (Eastern Goths).
Visigoth King Alaric, who rose to prominence under Emperor Theodosius I, led the Visigoths in their plundering of the Balkans and Italy. His most notable act was the sacking of Rome in 410 CE, a symbolic blow that underscored the decline of Roman power.

The Vandals: Pillagers of the Empire

The Vandals, a Germanic tribe, began raiding the Roman Empire around 275 CE. After fleeing from the Huns, they migrated through Gaul and Spain before ultimately conquering North Africa, including cities like Carthage. Their notorious raids included the sacking of Rome in 455 CE, which contributed to the empire's downfall. The Vandals became synonymous with destruction and chaos, leading to their eventual defeat by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in 533 CE.

The Suevi and Other Germanic Tribes

The Suevi were another Germanic tribe forced to relocate by the Huns. Crossing the Rhine in 407 CE, they established a kingdom in Galicia (present-day Spain) but were defeated by the Visigoths in 456 CE.
The Burgundians, originally from Poland, migrated west and settled near present-day Geneva, eventually forming an alliance with Rome. Their conversion to Catholicism and submission to the Merovingian dynasty in the sixth century marked their integration into the new European order.

The Franks: Builders of a New Kingdom

The Franks, a confederation of Germanic tribes, began their significant incursions into what is now Belgium around 357 CE. Their conversion to Christianity in 360 CE helped them forge strong alliances with the Church. They eventually defeated the Romans in 486 CE, establishing a powerful kingdom in France. Their leaders, particularly Clovis, became key figures in the transition from Roman rule to emerging medieval kingdoms.

The Lombards and Avars: Last Invaders

The Lombards, migrating from present-day Germany, moved into northern Italy in the sixth century, where they were eventually conquered by Charlemagne in 773 CE. The Avars, another nomadic group, attempted to invade Constantinople in 626 CE and fought against the Merovingians. However, their decline came after Charlemagne destroyed their capital in 796 CE.

The Angles, Saxons, and Jutes: The Maritime Invaders

From the regions that now comprise the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark, the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes invaded Britain in the fifth century following the Roman withdrawal. They established several kingdoms, such as Wessex and Mercia, and laid the foundation for English culture. Their settlements marked the beginning of significant cultural changes in Britain, ultimately culminating in the Norman conquest in 1066 CE.

Last update: October 17, 2024

DONATE

Go to definitions: A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z