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FIFTH CENTURY,

(400-500.)

THE migrations of the northern nations and the dissolution of the Western Roman Empire are the great movements of the fifth century. WESTERN ROMAN EMPIRE. The Western Empire begins to break up early in this century, and out of the forests of Northern Europe come the founders of new nations. The migrations of these northern nations, which began in the latter part of the preceding century, now affect the course of history to an important extent. By the invasions of the tribes of Goths, Franks, Vandals, etc., the Western emperors lose their power outside of Italy, and the empire itself ceases to exist in 476, when it is nominally joined to the Eastern Empire, but really passes into the bands first of the Visigoth Odoacer, and later (489) into the power of the Ostrogoth Theodoric.

TEUTONIC (GERMANIC) TRIBES. The following are the more important movements of these nations :

VISIGOTHS (WEST GOTHS). The Visigoths, under Alaric, sack Rome in 410, and overrun all Southern Italy. The Visigothic kingdom in Spain and Southern Gaul begins in 410. The real power of what is now left of the Western Roman Empire passes into the hands of the Visigoth Odoacer in 476, who is, however, overthrown by the Ostrogoth Theodoric in 489. - OSTROGOTHS (EAST GOTHS). In 489, Theodoric, king of the Ostrogoths, overthrows the Visigoth Odoacer, in Italy, and rules from 493 to 526 over a strong and independent territory reaching far beyond Italy. - VANDALS. The Vandals settle in Spain, and in 429 cross to Africa, where they found a kingdom. - FRANKS. The Franks come into power in Northern Gaul, under Clovis, who ruled from 481 to 511.- BURGUNDIANS. The Burgundians found a kingdom in Southeastern Gaul. - ANGLES, SAXONS, JUTES. These peoples cross over into Britain, which has been evacuated by the Romans about 410, and there lay the foundation of the English nation.

HUNS. The Huns play an important part during the fifth century. Under Attila, they threaten the whole of Europe in 451, but are defeated at Châlons by the united forces of the Romans, Goths, and Franks. The Huns also invade the Eastern Empire. After the death of Attila, in 453, the power of the

Huns declines.

EASTERN ROMAN EMPIRE. The Eastern Empire remains nearly the same as at the end of the last century.

PERSIA is engaged in contests with the Eastern Empire.

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Emperors. Arcadius, Theodosius II., Marcian, Leo I., Zeno, Anastasius I.

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Church Fathers, Ecclesiastical Writers, etc.—St. Augustine, Theodoret, Chrysostom, St. Jerome, Pelagius, St. Cyril (of Alexandria), St. Patrick.

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