WHO WERE THE BARBARIANS? IMPORTANCE AND FACTS IN ROME - HISTORY - 2025

The barbarians were different European ethnic groups characterized by having agricultural customs, different from those of the Roman Empire or Ancient Greece, and by and being "uncivilized."

The term barbarian was coined in ancient Greece to refer in a pejorative way to any foreign person who did not speak Greek or Latin. The word barbarian comes from the Greek and literally means "the one who babbles."

Within the historical context of the Roman Empire, not only a foreigner was considered a barbarian, but anyone with primitive customs or little education.

The use of this word is not limited to Europe, from the historical point of view several civilizations in America or Africa had their own barbarians.

The barbarian peoples

Several historians agree that the Romans branded peoples with customs different from their own as barbarians, for the mere fact of exalting their own figure and considering themselves a superior civilization.

This phenomenon has been observed in other parts of the world. Ancient empires often discredited peoples with less economic, feudal, or military power to maintain superior status.

The entry of the barbarians into the Roman Empire did not occur quickly, but gradually over several years.

With the exception of the case of the Huns, who arrived as invading hordes directly seeking to plunder and destroy, many other barbarian tribes such as the Gauls, the Germans and the Iberians, entered Rome seeking better living conditions.

These towns even had specific permits and privileges for being foreigners. The case of the Germans stands out, who were granted the privilege of fighting the Huns.

Characteristics of the barbarians

Although they formed different tribes throughout Europe and part of Asia, the barbarians were characterized by sharing certain common aspects that distinguished them from the Romans.

They were nomadic peoples who were in constant movement seeking to improve their living conditions, they worked a lot in agriculture and livestock.

On a cultural and religious level, they were unaware of reading and writing, which is why they were seen by Rome as "lacking in education." They were also polytheists, which was a clear difference from the Christianity practiced by the Roman Empire.

The barbarian migration to Rome was mainly due to the climatic conditions of northern Europe (where these tribes lived) and the increase in its population.

Although at first they entered peacefully, differences arose that led to looting and clashes by individuals who were once loyal to Rome, such as the Germans.

Looting and vandalism by the barbarians

Rome was severely affected by the looting carried out by the barbarians. She went almost a millennium without falling to any enemy.

However, in 410 and 455 AD, Germanic hordes led by Alaric I and Genseric, razed many cities, leaving destruction and chaos in their wake.

Impact on the Roman Empire

The first of the great looting (in 410) lasted 3 days, but the second carried out in 455 lasted 2 weeks, which generated a strong impact on Roman society.

It is believed that these events severely affected the morale and the military forces of the empire, which ended up generating its decline and total disappearance.

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