Visigoths

   Division of the Goths (q.v.) who, along with the Ostrogoths (q.v.), converted to Arianism (q.v.). This probably occurred (in the third century, rather than in the fourth century) through the missionary activity of Ulfilas (q.v.). In 376 the Visigoths requested permission from Valens (q.v.) to seek safety from the Huns by crossing the Danube (qq.v.), which they promised to defend. This first experiment in settling an entire German tribe on Roman soil proved disastrous. Valens died in the battle of Adrianople (378) trying to suppress their rebellion. Not until 382 was peace restored following an agreement to settle the Visigoths as foederati in Thrace (qq.v.). Under Alaric (q.v.) in 395 they rebelled again, launching a series of invasions into Greece (396-397) and Italy (401, 408) that culminated in the pillage of Rome (q.v.) in 410. Alaric's successor Athaulf married Galla Placidia (q.v.) and invaded Spain (q.v.), where, as foederati, the Visigoths warred against the Vandals (q.v.), creating a kingdom for themselves in the process. Despite attacks by the Franks under Clovis (qq.v.) the Visigothic kingdom survived until 711 when it fell to the Arabs (q.v.).