Location: Before the Goths divided into the Visigoths and the Ostrogoths, their legend says that they originated from a land known as Gothiscandza. Archaeologists have not found any likely evidence to determine whether their statement is true. What seems more believable is that they were settled in what is now Ukraine. After the Visigoths and Ostrogoths parted, the Visigoths settled in Dacia (now in Romania).
History: In 376, the Huns attacked the Visigoths and pushed them deep into the south. The Visigoths were forced to cross the Danube River and join the Roman Empire. The treatment by the Romans was not much better than what they would have been dealing with if they had stayed in their homeland. The Romans heavily taxed the large majority of the things needed by the Visigoths for their daily lives. Even the rotten, diseased dog carcasses that were left for the Visigoths to consume had been taxed.
Even after the Visigoths slaughtered the Emperor of Rome, they had little power or land to claim as their own. Throughout the next 35 years, the Visigoths roamed about in search of land. Finally in 415, Ataulphus guided the Visigoths into the land of southern Gaul, and then to Spain.
At the battle of Vouille in 507, the Visigoths lost all of Gaul to the Franks except for the Septimania, a coastal section of land. Until the Muslims finally vanquished them in 711, the Visigoths controlled much of Spain and what they were left with in Gaul.
Daily Life: The Visigoths were agriculturists. They spent many hours a day tending to their livestock and crops. While living on the coasts of Spain, the Visigoths fished the seas.
Best Known Feature: The Visigoths were a barbaric tribe. They were known for their attempts to assassinate the king of the time. The bishops main endeavor was to ensure the safety of the king. The traditional ceremony was to anoint the king with a holy oil, thought to give the king a special protection by God.
References:
Visigoth. Encyclopedia Britannica http://www.brittanica.com/bcom/eb/article/0/0,5716,77510+1+75522,00.html?query=visigoth 18 Oct. 2000
The Goths.(17 Sept. 2000) http://www.btinternet.com/~mark.furnival/goths.htm 18 Oct. 2000
Author: Lindsay Franklin