The Germanic Tribes During the 5th century, the Germans left the forests and marshes of northern Europe in search of warmer climates and better grazing land for their livestock. They drifted into Roman territory hoping to live peacefully within its borders. For many years the Romans, however, looked at them as barbarians and fought to keep them out. As the empire began to decline, it could no longer turn back the Germanic tribes and they migrated to the Danube River valley. The Germans kept much of their own culture. They lived in villages surrounded by farmlands and pastures. Most of their homes were long thatched-roofed huts. The family lived in one end of the dwelling and divided the other into animal stalls. The body heat of the animals helped to warm the hut during the winter months. Most huts only had wooden tables and benches along the walls. Wealthy villagers added wall hangings to the decoration. Villagers made their living herding cattle, which provided food and clothing. They also traded livestock for Roman items. They grew barley, rye, wheat, beans and peas on their farms. Of which most work was done by women, children and slaves. Their dress was simple. Women spun wool and wove one-piece, long sack-like dresses. They sometimes wore scarves or shawls fastened by brooches. The men wore short woolen tunics and trousers. The Germans enjoyed the pastimes of feasting, drinking and dancing. They gambled with dice to pass the time, as well as taking part in boxing and a form of wrestling called glima. In winter everybody skated on frozen ponds using flat-bone skates. German men were warriors. They spent the bulk of their time fighting, hunting or making weapons. Bands of warriors usually elected their greatest military leader as chieftain of their clan. Clans were groups based on family ties. Chieftains gave their men leadership, weapons, a chance for wealth and adventure, and in some cases, food and shelter. In return, warriors gave chieftains complete

loyalty, including credit for all brave deeds they accomplished. They did not use fixed plans of fighting. The bands made surprise raids against their enemies, charging on foot or horseback yelling wildly. Their love of battle was closely tied to their religion. Many of their gods liked to fight and hunt. They believed that those who were killed in battle were taken to the afterlife in Valhalla, where they would feast and fight forever. The Germans believed their laws came from the people. They based they laws on the customs and traditions of their ancestors. They were meant to keep the peace. Courts were set up to keep the peace and prevent blood feuds among families. Innocence or guilt was decided in different ways. One way was by oathtaking. In this method, an oath-helper would swear that the accused was telling the truth. A more grueling system was the severe trial, or the ordeal. Accused persons were required to perform a dangerous undertaking and were judged innocent if they survived the test. Ordeals usually involved fire or water. Courts would impose fines called wergild on those ruled guilty. The Goths were the Germanic people who had the most contact with the Romans. The Roman emperor allowed them to settle inside the empire’s frontier in return for their loyalty. He also thought that they would provide a buffer between Romans and the fearsome Huns. However, trouble broke out and the Visigoths rebelled against Roman rule. Led by their leader Alaric, they sacked and looted Rome in 410.