Migration Period

Invasions of the Roman Empire 1

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World 820

Bracteate from Funen, Denmark (DR BR42)

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The origin and dispersion of Slavs in the 5-10th centuries

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Old Great Bulgaria and migration of Bulgarians

Migration Period refers to a phase in the history of Europe that lasted from the late 4th century to the early 9th century. This era was marked by widespread migrations of various peoples, which had a profound impact on the social, political, and cultural landscape of the continent. The period is often considered to have begun with the movement of the Huns into Europe from the east, which in turn triggered the migration of other peoples, leading to significant changes in the territorial and political map of Europe.

Background

The Migration Period was preceded by the Roman Empire's crisis of the third century, a period of military, political, and economic turmoil. The weakening of the Roman Empire, combined with increasing pressure from peoples outside its borders, set the stage for the migrations. The entry of the Huns into Europe from the east pushed Germanic tribes such as the Visigoths, Ostrogoths, Vandals, and Franks to move into territories controlled by the Roman Empire, seeking refuge and new lands to settle.

Major Migrations

The Visigoths, under King Alaric I, sacked Rome in 410, marking a significant event in the decline of the Western Roman Empire. The Vandals, crossing into Roman North Africa, established a kingdom there and sacked Rome in 455. The Ostrogoths, led by Theodoric the Great, later established a kingdom in Italy. Meanwhile, the Franks, under leaders like Clovis I, expanded their territory in what is now France and Western Germany, laying the foundation for the medieval Kingdom of the Franks.

Impact

The migrations led to the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the late 5th century, when the last Roman emperor, Romulus Augustulus, was deposed by the Germanic chieftain Odoacer. The period saw the formation of new kingdoms and the reshaping of Europe's political and ethnic map. The cultural and social landscape of Europe also changed significantly, with the introduction of Germanic languages, customs, and legal traditions into the Roman world.

The Migration Period also had a lasting impact on the Byzantine Empire (the Eastern Roman Empire), which managed to survive the migrations and the fall of its western counterpart. The Byzantine Empire became a center of Christian culture and learning, preserving much of the Roman heritage and playing a crucial role in the subsequent history of Europe.

Legacy

The Migration Period is often seen as the transition between the ancient world and the medieval ages. It set the stage for the development of modern European nations and influenced the spread of Christianity, as many of the migrating peoples converted to Christianity in their new homelands. The period is also noted for its contributions to the art and culture of Europe, with the development of distinct styles such as Migration Period art, characterized by intricate metalwork and the use of symbolic motifs.