Lecture: The 6th Century and the Migration Period

Introduction

• Overview of the 6th century
• Discussion about people and events that continue to shape today
• Introduction to the Germanic tribes and the climatic changes of the time

Migration Period

• End of the transformation period through the Migration Period
  • Reorganization of Germanic and Roman populations
• Origin of the Migration Period in the 4th century
  • Huns as a trigger (375 AD)
  • Goths flee from the Huns and seek refuge in the Roman Empire
  • Romans integrate foreign settlers for border security

Movement of Germanic Tribes

• Various Germanic tribes move to Western and Southern Europe
  • Angles, Saxons, Lombards, Vandals, etc.
  • Focus on families and warrior groups rather than entire peoples
• Misleading term "Migration Period"
• Regional examples:
  • Bavarians in the Alpine foothills
  • Frisians on the coast
  • Thuringians and Chatti (later Hesse)
  • Growth of the Frankish Empire under King Clovis

Reasons for the Migration

• Huns as a possible trigger
• Attraction of the Roman Empire (prosperity, security)
• Climate changes in the 6th century
  • Three volcanic eruptions led to a "little ice age"
  • Consequences: crop failures, hunger, diseases

Impact on the Roman Empire

• Overcoming the integration of new peoples
• Decline of the Western Roman Empire due to the settlement of Germanic tribes

Lombards

• Known for their fighting strength
• Conquering large parts of Italy (568 AD)
• The name "Lombards" and its legends

Other Events in the 6th Century

• Introduction of the Christian calendar by Dionysius Exiguus (525 AD)
• Justinianic Plague in the Mediterranean
• Missionary work by wandering monk Columban
• Birth of Muhammad (circa 570 AD)

Conclusion

• Migration Period as a significant upheaval in European history
• Speculations on alternative historical courses
• Invitation to further engage with history through the provided resources