The Tribe That Conquered Rome
The Original Vandals
Rome would never be the same again after the Vandals spent 14 days looting and pillaging the city. It's why the word "vandalism" exists today.
They reached their peak in the 6th century CE—before their culture collapsed and all but disappeared.
So who were the tribe that conquered the Eternal City? And what happened to them?
Where Did They Come From?
The Vandals were a Germanic people that probably originated somewhere in the Baltic Sea region. Archaeologists believe they were members of the Przeworsk culture of modern Poland. They were likely farmers who lived spread out in rather small towns.
But they couldn't stay.
The Vandals, like many neighboring tribes, were driven out of their homeland by an invading terror.
Their Lands Were Invaded
The period from 300 to 500 CE is known to historians as the Migration Period. Maybe you know it by another name: The Barbarian Invasions.
And you've probably heard of the invaders.
Attila The Hun Invaded
The Huns from Central Asia had arrived at the banks of the Volga River by 370 CE. When their infamous King Attila took control, they began a series of devastating invasions into Eastern Europe. No one was ready for them.
They Had To Run
The Vandals, and many other Germanic tribes, were sent packing for safer pastures. The only problem was: Everywhere was already taken.
