Who Were the Visigoths? A Journey Through Their History

The history of the Visigoths is a rich and complex narrative that spans several centuries and involves significant interactions with the Roman Empire, the formation of a kingdom in Hispania, and their eventual decline. The Visigoths were part of the larger Gothic group, which was originally from the region around the Black Sea. The Goths are divided into two main branches: the Visigoths (Western Goths) and the Ostrogoths (Eastern Goths). In the 3rd century CE, the Visigoths began migrating westward from their homeland, driven by pressures from the Huns and other barbarian groups. They entered the Roman Empire's territory, initially as foederati (allied peoples) but soon came into conflict with Roman authorities. One of the most significant early conflicts involving the Visigoths was the Battle of Adrianople (378 CE). In this battle, the Visigoths, led by King Fritigern, defeated the Roman Emperor Valens. This victory exposed the vulnerability of the Roman Empire and highlighted the...