GOTHIC ARMY

The Goths (Latin: Gutones or Gotones) are an East Germanic tribe, speaking the Gothic language, whose original seat was probably in what is now southern Sweden. Probably at the beginning of our era, they probably moved from their original seats to the area of the Vistula estuary, and later (perhaps in the 2nd century AD) they took over many areas in the immediate vicinity of the Vistula. Most likely at the beginning of the 3rd century AD. The Goths continued their journey, reaching the areas of today's central and western Ukraine, Moldova and Romania. It was then that they entered into military interaction with the Roman Empire for the first time, and from the middle of the 3rd century AD. The Goths are already certified in Roman sources. Wars with them were fought by, among others, emperors Gordian III and Filip Arab. However, in the 4th century AD, the Goths were divided into two factions: the Visigoths and the Ostrogoths. Both of these factions, as a result of the expansion of the Huns, broke into the borders of the Roman Empire and in 378 AD. they defeated the Roman troops at the Battle of Adrianople. It is worth adding that the Gothic cavalry played a significant role in this battle, which, however, did not constitute a uniform formation in the modern understanding of the word. Probably its armament was not uniform and consisted of various types of handguns and slash weapons. Probably spears, swords, shields and javelins were used on a large scale. It is likely that some of the Gothic cavalry near Adrianople wore scale armor and iron helmets previously obtained from the Romans. Large, round shields were also used as a defensive weapon. It is worth adding that many years after this battle, the Visigoths captured and sacked Rome in 410 AD.