The Goths - "Nasty Northern Nomads"
The Goths are from the Germanic peoples. The Gothic people are of the most powerful and organized groups of barbarians. They are divided into two major branches: the Visigoths and the Ostrogoths. It is reported that the Goths originated in southern Scandinavia and traveled to the southern shore of the Baltic Sea. This is where, after they defeat the Vandals and other Germanic people in this area, the Goths settle. Throughout the 3rd century Gothic begin to raid on the Roman provinces in Asia Minor and the Balkan peninsula. The Goths first attack occurs in 238 when they sack the city of Histria. Afterwards, they continue to attack a number of settlements and their waring relationship with Rome. However, during their invasion, the Goths manage to form their own unique culture.
Daily Life of the Goths:
People in this nomadic group speak Teutonic, a language that evolved from the Germanic language. In 600 BCE, small villages begin to emerge from the group. There no official leader, or king, of these villages. However, in times of danger like when going into attack, a central leader is elected through a tribal counsel. The people who are part of the Goths are very sophisticated and agriculturally based. Much of the Goths’ economy is based on the farming in their society. Although the Goths are a nomadic group, they do some trading with Rome, so you may be able to find some Roman goods in the Gothic society. These trade regulations form a sort of diplomatic agreement.
The Gothic troops that invade their neighboring
areas
Gothic Inventions:
In 500 BCE the Goths begin to work with iron when they have contact with the technology of the Greeks and Romans. Goths at this time are distinguished by their round shields and short swords Their use of iron sophisticates their tools and weaponry allowed them to develop the iron shield and spear, or short sword.These weapons are used when attacking neighboring civilizations and imperial borders.
Gothic spears and swords used
when attacking empires like Rome
Architecture and Art of the Goths
Architecture is the most important and original art form during the Gothic period. They develop their style of art and architecture to let sunlight shine through. This style can be seen especially in their magnificent churches. From roughly 1000 to 1400, several significant cathedrals and churches are built. Here early Gothic archs can be seen. Arcs made by Goths are different from Roman archs. The most fundamental element of the Gothic style of architecture is the pointed arch. The columns of the arch continue all the way to the roof and become part of vaulting of the roof. The beautiful stonework of the vaults also held the glass windows of the buildings. As the columns and vaulting develop, the windows begin to advance. They are made up of a display of decoration glass that can be seen in a Gothic church. These decorative glass windows lead to the invention of stained glass in Christian churches.
Gothic archs and decorative glass windows
that can be seen in European churches
Religion of the Goths:
When the Goths invade part of Rome, some Romans are brought back to Gothic territory as slaves. Many of these slaves were Christian and the religion began to spread among the Goths. However, before Christianity finds its way to the Goths, the Gothic people practice paganism. People in this group believe in a polytheistic religion based on nature-worshipping. There are many diverse deities in paganism, symbolizing the diversity found in nature. This is the main belief of the Goths before they convert to Christianity at around 380 CE.
Art made by the Goths showing the major influence Christianity had on the Gothic peoples way of life
When to go and when not to go:
The worst time to visit this nomadic group is 375 CE when they are attacked by the Huns from the east. The Goths have no way to defend themselves as the Huns come out of nowhere.