Visigoths, spelled /ˈvɪzɪˌɡɒθs/ in IPA, were a Germanic people who migrated into the Roman Empire during the 4th and 5th centuries. Their name derived from the Germanic "wisi" meaning "worthy", and "goth" meaning "people". The spelling of Visigoths consists of the prefixes "visi-" and "goth-" which together form the compound word. The phonetic transcription /ˈvɪzɪˌɡɒθs/ breaks down the sounds of the word into individual phonemes, helping us to understand how the word is pronounced in English.
The Visigoths were a Germanic tribe that played a significant role during the decline and fall of the Western Roman Empire. The word "Visigoths" originates from the Latin "Visigothi," which can be translated as "western Goths." They established themselves as a distinct group around the 3rd century AD and were known for their military prowess and territorial expansion.
The Visigoths originated from the eastern regions of the Baltic Sea and moved westward, eventually settling in various parts of Europe. They emerged as a powerful force during the 4th and 5th centuries AD and exerted considerable influence over areas such as Gaul, Hispania, and Italy. Sacking Rome in 410 AD, they became the first barbarian group to successfully invade the Eternal City.
Following their significant victories, the Visigoths established the Visigothic Kingdom, with Toulouse serving as its capital. They adopted Arian Christianity, which was a sect considered heretical by mainstream Christianity, leading to conflicts with Roman authorities. However, through intermarriage and interaction, they gradually integrated into the conquered territories' cultures, adopting aspects of Roman law, religion, and administration.
Over time, the Visigothic Kingdom faced challenges, including invasions by other barbarian groups, internal disputes, and tensions with the Byzantine Empire. Their presence in the Iberian Peninsula endured until 711 AD when they were overthrown by the Umayyad Caliphate's forces. This marked the end of their significant political influence, although remnants of their culture and legacy remained in the region.
The word "Visigoths" is derived from the Latin word "Visigothi". It is a combination of two elements: "Visi-" and "-gothi". "Visi-" is believed to be related to the Latin word "vīsiō", which means "conquest" or "force". The second element, "-gothi", refers to the Gothic people. The Goths were a Germanic people who originated in Scandinavia and migrated southward during the early centuries AD. Eventually, they split into two main branches, the Visigoths (or West Goths) and the Ostrogoths (or East Goths). The Visigoths settled in various regions, including Spain, while the Ostrogoths established a kingdom in Italy.