Book 2: Chapter 5, The Fifth and Sixth Centuries Summary and Analysis

In the fifth century, the barbarian invasion affected the Western Empire. Following the death of Augustine in 430, philosophy declined. The destruction determined the direction in which Europe developed. The English invaded Britain, Franks Gauls, and the Vandals conquered Spain. Saint Patrick converted Ireland to Christianity. Wars made life local while reducing commerce. Only the Church preserved some centralized authority.

The most important tribes that invaded the Germanic tribes were the Goths, who were pushed by the Huns. The Goths were employed as Roman mercenaries and learnt the art of war, sacking Rome in 410. Odovaker, King of Ostrogoths destroyed the Western Empire in 476 and was murdered by Theodoric, another Ostrogoth, King of Italy until 526. The Vandals went to Africa, the Visigoths to South France, and the Franks to the north...