Commentary

The gradual if at times explosive migrations of a myriad of Germanic tribes into Roman domains began in the mid-second century CE, ending the placidity of the early part of Marcus Aurelius' reign (r. 161-180). These barbarian incursions have come to be known as the volkerwanderung, 'wanderings of the peoples.'

What set off this very unfortunate demographic avalanche was not Barbarian anti- Roman animosity. Rather, to a certain extent, the incursions were predetermined: a defining aspect of ancient and Medieval history was the inability of settled, sedentary peoples to avoid encroachment by neighboring nomadic groups. Beyond that, the sheer demographic pressure of the piling up of different Barbarian tribes served to encourage expansion: unsettled, roving societies do not well tolerate population pressure. Thus, in the fundamental division of antiquity between an urbanized, agrarian-based, Latin civilization whose core was the Mediterranean basin, and a rural, pastoral, nomadic, non- literate Barbarian world emerging from the steppe lands, these tribes represented the citadel of Barbarism ready to move.

In a more immediate sense, Barbarian entry into Roman lands, aside from their pathological tendency to plunder, was less motivated by a clear intent to destroy than by a hope to enjoy Roman civilization combined with the frantic urgency of avoiding annihilation by the Huns. As an example, the Visigothic king Fritigern was able to ascend to his position of power based simply on a commitment to flee the Huns. That the Barbarians on the whole wanted to fit into the Roman system is indicated by their attempts to secure recognition as Roman soldiers, officers, and officials. This effort was not simply a matter of expediency, it was a legitimate desire. Thus, it would help to look upon the Barbarian entrants, and especially the Visigoths, with some sympathy.

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