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The Story of the Goths
The story of the Germanic tribes that crossed the Danube into the frontier of the Roman Empire and ultimately caused the collapse of Rome in the West. From their beginnings in the east to the fall of the Visigtohic kingdom in Spain in the early 8th century. Contents Who Were the Goths From the Baltic to the Danube Fire and Sword in Asia The Goths and Constantine The Gothic Alexander The Judges of the Visigoths The Apostle of the Goths Frithigern and Valens The Goths and Theodosius Alaric the Balthing King Atawulf and His Queen The Kingdom of Toulouse End of the Western Empire The Boyhood of Theoderic The Rival Namesakes How the Ostrogoths Won Italy The Wisdom of Theoderic Theoderic and His Neighbours Theoderic's Evil Days A Queen's Troubles An Unkingly King Witigis the Unready The Year-Long Siege Witigis in Hiding The Goths Lose Ravenna New Gothic Victories Failure of Belisarius Ruin of the Ostrogoths The Visigoths Again Leovigild and His Sons The Goths Become Catholic A Priest Ridden Kingdom The Story of Wamba Thirty Years of Decay The Fall of the Visigoths Conclusion Personal Names
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1888
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 2, 2018
Swords and sieges
Back in 1888, when this book came out, it belonged to a top historical series. I've read one other, on 19th century Spain, and it was excellent, well-researched, well-written, and well-illustrated. The only thing is that in the last 130 years, tastes in history have changed. We no longer desire rip-roaring sagas of battles, massacres, seiges, and royal marriages. The comings and goings of generals and kings are not as pertinent to our way of thinking as the life of the mass of people, their religion, arts, technology, and trade. Thus, I find three drawbacks in recommending Bradley's now-outdated tome, though it is exceedingly well-written as a popular text. First, it concentrates totally on kings, princes, and generals, who succeeded them, how their reigns or campaigns turned out. The bulk of the book covers the Ostrogothic period in Italy and surrounding areas and their various battles with the Romans, Byzantines, and Franks. Second, archaeology had barely started back then in any scientific sense. The author had to rely completely on texts. The third drawback is that the 19th century viewpoint is not our own. We no longer favor such statements as "...the story of an uncivilized people does not contain much that is worth telling when there are no battles or migrations to record."(p.38) We do not use phrases like "a thorough Gothic patriot" for pre-modern peoples with no concept of `nationhood'. And certainly we do not feel sorry that a particular `hero' blotted his copybook by doing such-and-such. For more modern information on the Goths, a nomadic Teutonic tribe that played an important role in European history from roughly 200 A.D. to 700 A.D., you ought to read Burns, Heather, Thompson, or Wolfram. However, Bradley's book is a good introduction and gives you an idea of what was known in the 1880s.
Back in 1888, when this book came out, it belonged to a top historical series. I've read one other, on 19th century Spain, and it was excellent, well-researched, well-written, and well-illustrated. The only thing is that in the last 130 years, tastes in history have changed. We no longer desire rip-roaring sagas of battles, massacres, seiges, and royal marriages. The comings and goings of generals and kings are not as pertinent to our way of thinking as the life of the mass of people, their religion, arts, technology, and trade. Thus, I find three drawbacks in recommending Bradley's now-outdated tome, though it is exceedingly well-written as a popular text. First, it concentrates totally on kings, princes, and generals, who succeeded them, how their reigns or campaigns turned out. The bulk of the book covers the Ostrogothic period in Italy and surrounding areas and their various battles with the Romans, Byzantines, and Franks. Second, archaeology had barely started back then in any scientific sense. The author had to rely completely on texts. The third drawback is that the 19th century viewpoint is not our own. We no longer favor such statements as "...the story of an uncivilized people does not contain much that is worth telling when there are no battles or migrations to record."(p.38) We do not use phrases like "a thorough Gothic patriot" for pre-modern peoples with no concept of `nationhood'. And certainly we do not feel sorry that a particular `hero' blotted his copybook by doing such-and-such. For more modern information on the Goths, a nomadic Teutonic tribe that played an important role in European history from roughly 200 A.D. to 700 A.D., you ought to read Burns, Heather, Thompson, or Wolfram. However, Bradley's book is a good introduction and gives you an idea of what was known in the 1880s.
August 19, 2021
There are two Gothic peoples whose names stand out in history: Visigoths, and Ostrogoths. The Goths had many diverse qualities which were even acknowledged by their enemies. Depending on the situational context, they could be brave, patient, cruel, and tolerant, even while overcoming hardships. They had many victories and many losses. From each they learned to become better. From their losses they learned strategies that could be used in the future. From their victories they learned what it meant to rule wisely. Local ties mattered for decisions, but when faced with a struggle they banned together into a massive force. Their reasons for war inspiring others to join. With leadership containing a quasi-democratic republic.
Goths had their own alphabet comprised of runes. Very few could read or write, which meant that writing had an aura of mystery, which is what rune means; a secret or mystery. Knowledge contained within the runes was kept with a learned caste. Most Gothic history is unrecorded partly because of the scarcity of literacy, but also because the events that made Gothic history were those of battle, migration, and hardship. Peace’s evanescence held no events to write about.
At times they had their own kingdom and a quasi-democratic republic government. With leaders being chosen rather than only dependent on bloodlines. Leaders needed to be accepted by the communities. But at times the Goths were ruled by others, and were not allowed to choose their own fate.
What gave the Goths their stay in popular history is their relationship with the Roman Empire. Sometimes being in battle with Rome. Sometimes being at peace with Rome. Sometimes ruling over Rome. Sometimes being employed by Rome. Making and breaking treaties based on the context of their relationship. Showing the importance and consequences of geopolitical maneuvering.
The book is a bit difficult to read, with many aspects of the Gothic people seemingly missing. Hard to understand a society when their social relations are given sporadically, and the peoples’ diversity seem to sometimes contradict. A good overall history with many details during certain events, but need to be more systematic to understand the Goths appropriately.
Goths had their own alphabet comprised of runes. Very few could read or write, which meant that writing had an aura of mystery, which is what rune means; a secret or mystery. Knowledge contained within the runes was kept with a learned caste. Most Gothic history is unrecorded partly because of the scarcity of literacy, but also because the events that made Gothic history were those of battle, migration, and hardship. Peace’s evanescence held no events to write about.
At times they had their own kingdom and a quasi-democratic republic government. With leaders being chosen rather than only dependent on bloodlines. Leaders needed to be accepted by the communities. But at times the Goths were ruled by others, and were not allowed to choose their own fate.
What gave the Goths their stay in popular history is their relationship with the Roman Empire. Sometimes being in battle with Rome. Sometimes being at peace with Rome. Sometimes ruling over Rome. Sometimes being employed by Rome. Making and breaking treaties based on the context of their relationship. Showing the importance and consequences of geopolitical maneuvering.
The book is a bit difficult to read, with many aspects of the Gothic people seemingly missing. Hard to understand a society when their social relations are given sporadically, and the peoples’ diversity seem to sometimes contradict. A good overall history with many details during certain events, but need to be more systematic to understand the Goths appropriately.
March 25, 2015
I found this book interesting. It describes both the Visigoths in the Spanish peninsula as well as the Ostrogoths in Italy as well as their initial migration path from Scandinavia. The end of the book give some insightful information about pronunciation of Gothic names as well as an explanation as to the inconsistency of spelling of said name which I think might have been better served at the beginning of the book. I found the religious turmoil between Arian Christians and Catholics interesting as well. How one religion can be split into two factions and put the respective groups at such odds fascinates me. The rise of power within the Church (referred to as temporal power) is discussed as well.
May 9, 2015
A well told story about a fascinating part of our European history. Bradley’s style is rather colloquial and un-academic. Being too colloquial might jeopardize his integrity as a historian, but I think Bradley manages this balance.
July 7, 2023
The focal point of this work was without a doubt the history of the Ostrogothic Kingdom of Italy and its final fight with the Byzantine Emperor Justinian and his general Belisarius. However, Bradley does give a reasonably good overview of the history of the Goths in general starting from as far back as their history could be discerned (at least as of the end of the 19th century when this book was published). Bradley follows them up to the end of the kingdoms in Italy (Ostrogoths) and Spain (Visigoths). Along the way, he pays attention to the increasingly significant interactions with the Roman Empire and the brief kingdoms established prior to the stability of their presence in Italy and Spain. The prose moves with ease if with the tone of those that like to speak of “civilized peoples” and “barbarians”. Nonetheless, the book is well worth the read for the curious reader and makes a great introduction to the epochs and places dominated by these well-travelled peoples.
August 27, 2023
The Story of the Goths, written in 1888, was a great listen. As far as history books go, this one is pretty action packed but gives lots of interesting details about the character of individuals as well. It was well paced, and is roughly split into following each major branch of the Goths, mostly the Visigoths in Spain and Ostrogoths in Italy, from their origins to their eventual downfalls. Perhaps the largest portion of the book is on the conflicts between the Ostrogothic Kingdom and the Eastern Roman Empire. There are many epic battles and betrayals throughout.
I am left wishing I could know more about these noble and somewhat mysterious Germanic people who once ruled much of Europe.
I am left wishing I could know more about these noble and somewhat mysterious Germanic people who once ruled much of Europe.
June 27, 2020
The german princes. The barbarian states.
There struggle for conglomerence.
Then italy and the forces of rome.
The african Arabic muslim empire.
The goths who scare off muslims.
With black make up and trip pants.
The goths and visigoths of france.
City states moved towards a unified state.
Holy rome would brake away.
Germania would become germany.
There struggle for conglomerence.
Then italy and the forces of rome.
The african Arabic muslim empire.
The goths who scare off muslims.
With black make up and trip pants.
The goths and visigoths of france.
City states moved towards a unified state.
Holy rome would brake away.
Germania would become germany.
June 8, 2017
Great Read!!
Wonderful piece of history written in an easy-to-read format, while digging deep into the lives of these people and the wars and rulers of that time. Makes me proud to be descended from them!
Wonderful piece of history written in an easy-to-read format, while digging deep into the lives of these people and the wars and rulers of that time. Makes me proud to be descended from them!
March 31, 2020
I wish the author had provided more dates when events were happening to give a better understanding of the timeline.
Also, it was more of a history through the point of view of Roman leaders and scholars, which helped me understand that I need to learn a lot more about Roman history.
Also, it was more of a history through the point of view of Roman leaders and scholars, which helped me understand that I need to learn a lot more about Roman history.
November 10, 2025
A very detailed read.I
It would seem inconceivable that being a group would leave really nothing note worthy for historical preservation. The language alone is impossible to consider.
It would seem inconceivable that being a group would leave really nothing note worthy for historical preservation. The language alone is impossible to consider.
February 15, 2026
Some colorful detail. Older sources walk the line between legend and history. Insight into power politics and religious conflict in the late Roman world. I recommend the audio-book narrated by Charlton Griffin.
January 28, 2019
The book provided some good insights into the Goths and their history in Europe. I found it a little tedious at times but overall it was passable.
November 25, 2019
He helpful guide, if a bit dry and somewhat incomplete. However, given its original publication year, it has held up well to the present day.
September 19, 2024
Great book with plenty of History facts about the different tribes and displacements over centuries and the impact that determine the current map of Europe.
March 8, 2017
A Book That Really Shows Why The Goths Mattered
Everyone knows about the influence of the Greeks, Romans, Celts, Saxons, Vikings and Normans when it comes to European history and culture, but the Goths have often been forgotten. Henry Bradley's book, originally published in 1888, describes how influential the Goths were in Europe during the twilight days of the Roman Empire, and in the two centuries after its fall. The Goths conquered Italy, Spain, and large areas of France, and their legacy in Spain in particular saw the rise of the Catholic Church.
Though Bradley's writing style sometimes seems archaic to the 21st Century reader, his enthusiasm for his subject is absolute. The story of the Goths is indeed bewildering, as they travelled and fought all over Europe and beyond, and many of their kings were killed. But this book is a fascinating insight into a tribe from Northern Europe that became, albeit briefly, the most powerful nation in Europe.
Everyone knows about the influence of the Greeks, Romans, Celts, Saxons, Vikings and Normans when it comes to European history and culture, but the Goths have often been forgotten. Henry Bradley's book, originally published in 1888, describes how influential the Goths were in Europe during the twilight days of the Roman Empire, and in the two centuries after its fall. The Goths conquered Italy, Spain, and large areas of France, and their legacy in Spain in particular saw the rise of the Catholic Church.
Though Bradley's writing style sometimes seems archaic to the 21st Century reader, his enthusiasm for his subject is absolute. The story of the Goths is indeed bewildering, as they travelled and fought all over Europe and beyond, and many of their kings were killed. But this book is a fascinating insight into a tribe from Northern Europe that became, albeit briefly, the most powerful nation in Europe.
February 20, 2016
I've been wondering for a while who the Goths were. Why did they disappear? What legacy have they left in European history? Where did they come from? This book answers these questions. They were one of the many Germanic tribes originating in Scandinavia around 2000 years ago, but instead of going west first, they went south and east, finally pushing their way into the Roman empire, and conquering it for a few centuries. They also ruled Spain for a while, and even made their way into North Africa. What bugged me about this audiobook was the reader's voice and pseudo-British accent. I'm not a fan of RP. I also didn't like the author's writing style. I understand using "contrive" instead of "create" a couple of times, but not EVERY time. Likewise, was it really necessary to use "convey" instead of "send"? Maybe a personal preference, but it distracted me from the content.
February 4, 2016
A somewhat older work but interesting. Comprehensive for the beginner in Goth history. I listened to the audio book version so I can't talk to the maps or illustrations in the book.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews