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WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT THE EUROPEAN MIGRATION PERIOD?

The European Migration Period (c. AD 400–550) was characterised by political, social and economic instability. 

It saw the decline of the Western Roman Empire and the invasion of tribal groups.

Many Germanic, Hunnic and Slavic people migrated into the Roman Empire without accompanying invasions of war.

Widespread war and famine impacted societies at the time.

It is unclear if the fall of the Western Roman Empire was a result or cause of tribes getting on the move.

Southern Scandinavia was never part of the Roman Empire but their influence is evidence in present-day Denmark and southern Sweden.

During the middle of the Iron Age (200-600AD) this area was characterised by hierarchical societies.

The ruling elite had social networks reaching into the Roman Empire and many got rich by controlling metal imports from Europe.

In place of Western Rome, Barbarian kingdoms arose and started to shape the European culture of the Middle Ages.

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