Goths

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Goths were a Germanic people who played a major role in the history of the Roman Empire and the establishment of various medieval kingdoms in Europe. They are most commonly divided into two main groups: the Visigoths and the Ostrogoths, each of which played significant roles in the late Antiquity and early Middle Ages.

Origins

The origins of the Goths are not entirely clear, but they are believed to have originated in Scandinavia, from where they migrated southwards around the 2nd century AD. Their migration is part of the larger movements of the Germanic tribes during the Migration Period, which saw many peoples move across and into Europe as the Roman Empire began to weaken.

History

Early History

The Goths first appear in historical records in the 3rd century, engaging in warfare with the Roman Empire. By the 4th century, they had split into two main groups: the Visigoths and the Ostrogoths.

Visigoths

The Visigoths are perhaps best known for their sack of Rome in 410 AD under their king, Alaric I. This event marked a significant moment in the decline of the Roman Empire. After Alaric's death, the Visigoths continued to establish themselves in what is now Spain and Portugal, forming the Visigothic Kingdom.

Ostrogoths

The Ostrogoths, led by Theodoric the Great, played a crucial role in the history of the Italian Peninsula. After defeating the Odoacer's Kingdom in 493 AD, Theodoric established the Ostrogothic Kingdom in Italy, which lasted until it was conquered by the Byzantine Empire in the 6th century.

Culture

Gothic culture was a blend of their original Germanic roots with the cultures of the peoples they came into contact with, including the Romans. They adopted the Arian form of Christianity, which put them at odds with the mainstream Chalcedonian Christianity of the Roman Empire.

Language

The Goths spoke Gothic, a now-extinct East Germanic language. The Bible was translated into Gothic by the bishop Ulfilas, which remains one of the few written records of the Gothic language.

Legacy

The legacy of the Goths is seen in the transformation of the Roman world and their role in the foundation of medieval European states. Their interactions with the Roman Empire, both as enemies and as federates, significantly influenced the political and cultural landscape of Europe.