The Germanic Invasions of the Roman Empire 378-439 AD
This map shows the breakdown of the Roman Empire in the late
fourth and early fifth centuries CE. Great cities including Augusta Treverorum
(modern Trier) and Rome itself were sacked by invading barbarian forces.
Historians debate the reasons for what happened, but one of them was the rise of the Huns in Central Asia. As they moved westwards, they pushed against the various Germanic and Gothic tribes. These, in turn, looked for refuge and plunder inside the Roman Empire.
