Goths

The Ancient Goths

The Goths were an ancient group of people who lived a long time ago. They were part of the Germanic people and lived north of the Danube River in places that are now Ukraine, Moldova, and Romania. We first hear about them in old writings from around the 3rd century AD.

The Goths were important when the Western Roman Empire ended and medieval Europe began. Some Goths worked in the Roman army and sometimes went into Roman lands. They became good at riding horses and learned to farm and sail.

Later, the Goths split into two groups: the Visigoths and the Ostrogoths. The Visigoths made a kingdom in Spain at Toledo. The Ostrogoths made their own kingdom in Italy at Ravenna. Both groups helped shape Europe.

Today, we still see the name "Goth" in things like Gothic architecture and Gothic literature, as well as the modern Goth subculture. These ideas come from the ancient Goths and their lasting influence.