Human Heritage: A World History

"The Germanic Tribes"

Introduction
As you read in this chapter, the downfall of the Roman Empire in the West was due in large part to the migrations of the Germanic tribes. The Goths, a Germanic tribe from the Balkan Peninsula of Europe, managed to overrun the Romans and establish vast territories. Eventually, Germanic kings ruled these territories, which led to the creation of Europe. To learn more about Germanic tribes and why they were successful in seizing Roman land, go to the “European Middle Ages: The Germans” Web site.

Destination Title: European Middle Ages: The Germans

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Directions
Start at the European Middle Ages: The Germans Web site.

• Browse through the site, taking notes as you go.
• Answer the following questions.

1			What was a comitatus?
2			What is the standard reason given for why the Goths migrated?
3			What is the first complete text in a Germanic language? Why is it important?
4			What event under the Merovingians is considered one of the most significant and historic moves in Europe?Why?
5			Imagine you are a Roman citizen living in the year 400 on a visit to France. Write a letter to a friend back in Rome describing the Germanic peoples you encounter.