In England, also, the centuries of warfare among the Britons and the various antagonistic Teutonic tribes seemed drawing to an end.  Egbert established the “heptarchy";[17] that is, became overlord of all the lesser kings.  Truly for a moment civilization seemed reestablished.  The arts returned to prominence.  England could send so noteworthy a scholar as Alcuin to the aid of the great Emperor.  Charlemagne encouraged learning; Alcuin established schools.  Once more men sowed and reaped in security.  The “Roman peace” seemed come again.

[For the next Section of this general survey see volume V.]

FOOTNOTES: 

[1] See Visigoths Pillage Rome, page 1.

[2] See The English Conquest of Britain, page 55.

[3] See Huns Invade the Eastern Roman Empire, page 28.

[4] See Attila Invades Western Europe, page 72.

[5] See Foundation of Venice, page 95.

[6] See Clovis Founds the Kingdom of the Franks, page 113.

[7] See Publication of the Justinian Code, page 138.

[8] See Augustine’s Missionary Work in England, page 182.

[9] See The Hegira, page 198.

[10] See The Saracen Conquest of Syria, page 247.

[11] See Saracens Conquer Egypt, page 278.

[12] See Saracens in Spain, page 301.

[13] See Battle of Tours, page 313.

[14] See Evolution of the Dogeship in Venice, page 292.

[15] See Founding of the Carlovingian Dynasty, page 324.

[16] See Career of Charlemagne, page 334.

[17] See Egbert Becomes King of the Anglo-Saxon Heptarchy, page 372.

VISIGOTHS PILLAGE ROME

A.D. 410

EDWARD GIBBON

Of the two great historical divisions of the Gothic race the Visigoths or West Goths were admitted into the Roman Empire in A.D. 376, when they sought protection from the pursuing Huns, and were transported across the Danube to the Moesian shore.  The story of their gradual progress in civilization and growth in military power, which at last enabled them to descend with overwhelming force upon Rome itself, forms one of the romances of history.

From their first reception into Lower Moesia the Visigoths were subjected to the most contemptuous and oppressive treatment by the Romans who had admitted them into their domains.  At last the outraged colonists were provoked to revolt, and a stubborn war ensued, which was ended at Adrianople, August 9, A.D. 378, by the defeat of the emperor Valens and the destruction of his army, two-thirds of his soldiers perishing with Valens