Amazing Trip Through the Bible – Page 10 – Amazing Bible Timeline with World History

Posted on June 9, 2014May 18, 2019 by Amy — 9 Comments

What is does the word ‘blessed’ mean in the Bible?

The phrase ‘happy’ in the English language is often thought of as “Fortunate or lucky…. cheerful…contented…characterized by or indicative of pleasure….” (Random House College Dictionary). The way ‘happy’ is portrayed in the Bible is much more meaningful. As an example, the Bible doesn’t just present happiness to be an event or occurrence that result from ‘luck’ or a brief feeling of elation. The Bible states that happiness can be there despite experiencing a correction from God or enduring hardships while on the path to virtue. (Job 5:17; I Pet. 3:14, 4:14)

What_does_the_word_‘blessed’_mean_in_the_bible

The word ‘blessed’ that was used by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount is derived from the Greek word ‘makarios’ which translates into ‘happy’ or ‘blissful’. There are around 5 Hebrew and 2 Greek words that are interpreted as happy in the Bible. One Hebrew phrase is ‘to be at rest, safe’ (Matt 11:28-30). There are scholars that promote the concept of using the word ‘blessed’ in place of ‘happy’. An evaluation would be John 13:17 Inside King James and American Standard versions; King James states ‘If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” American Standard translates ‘makarior’ into: ‘If ye know these things, blessed are ye if ye do them.’

A blessing is considered by the Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary as ‘the act or words of one that blesses,’ or ‘a thing conducive to happiness or welfare.’ Inside the scriptures, there are many phrases that are interpreted into ‘blessing’ or ‘bless’. The Hebrew version has commonly portrayed ‘bless’ as ‘barak’, which can also stand for ‘praise, congratulate, or salute’. The word blessing was noted in Genesis 1:22: “And God blessed them, saying, ‘Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters and the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth.’” Following that in verse 28: “And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.” After God had sent Abram to the Promised Land (Genesis 12: 1-3), ‘he promised to bless him, make his name great, and through him, to bless all families of the earth’. The word blessing shown in these scriptures are clearly linked with happiness and welfare. Genesis 22: 16-18, God adds another blessing unto Abram saying that it was bestowed upon him by his willingness to follow God’s instruction.

There is another Hebrew word for blessing called isesher that is interpreted to be ‘happiness’. (Job 5:17) “Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.” This blessing is linked to the fact that God is working to show us the right way.

References:
http://www.jesus.org/life-of-jesus/teaching-and-messages/what-does-blessed-mean.html
http://www.gotquestions.org/blessing-Bible.html
http://www.bibletruths.net/Sermons/BTSO099.htm

Posted on June 9, 2014October 4, 2017 by Amy — Leave a comment

Vandals

Coming from Jutland, which is modern-day Denmark, the Vandals were one of the strongest Germanic tribes that were a threat to the Roman Empire. After departing their homeland, they set forth to the Valley of Odra River, in the 5th century BC. By the 2nd century AD, the Vandals started settling along the coast of the Danube River. This was also the time when they began their attempts of invading Rome.

‘Vandalic gold foil jewelry from the 3rd or 4th century.’

Conquest of Spain and Other Nations

In 409 AD where it is located on the Bible Timeline Chart, aggressive and powerful Vandals invaded a huge portion of Spain. They also looted various cities to obtain necessary resources for survival. They arrived in Spain after crossing the Rhine River in 406 AD. However, the Vandals faced great pressure from the Romans residing in that area and the Visigoths also caused them to flee eventually from Spain and head off to the African province. While in North Africa, the Vandals elected a leader to rule over them. Gaiseric, who was a crippled man and son of a slave, was noted as their new ruler. Despite his physical condition, he was a brilliant person who was a skilled conspirator. He also possessed an extraordinary ability in politics. For half a century, Gaiseric was able to foil the plans of various Germanic kings and Roman diplomats all because of his ingenious treaties that led to the success of the Vandals.

Under the Leadership of Gaiseric

During the year 429 AD, Gaiseric successfully brought his people to the African coast after crossing the Strait of Gibraltar. Slowly, the Roman cities soon fell into the hands of the aggressive Vandals as numerous places were looted and sacked by this powerful tribe. The locals are residing at Hippo, the city invaded by the Vandals, fled to obtain refuge and support from Augustine, their bishop. However, the bishop soon died in his beloved city during the Vandal’s invasion that lasted for 14 months. It did not take long before Hippo finally surrendered and succumbed to the barbarian conquerors.

While cleaning up of the city was still being undertaken, Gaiseric decided to start another project. He aimed to construct a fleet that would propel him to his great dream of sailing to the Mediterranean Sea and discovering more lands to invade. The Vandals decided to settle in Hippo and live among the locals of the city. Meanwhile, they assigned Roman bureaucrats to handle intricate administrative tasks. The relationship between the Arian Vandals and the Romans were hardly any better. Gaiseric was also unable to check for any animosity, and violence broke out because of his successors’ prejudicial acts. Thus, the Vandals persecuted a majority of the Romans. This resulted in scores of martyrs of the Catholic Church, who died because of their refusal to denounce their faith.

Cruelty and destruction were only one of the reasons for the degeneration of the Vandals after the reign of Gaiseric. The armies became more and more disorganized as they were lured by luxuries produced by their rich land. They have also become more corrupt, and they failed to lead the people in an organized manner. Hence, the Vandals quickly succumbed to the Eastern Roman Empire’s army during the battle in 533. After their defeat, the Vandals no longer became a distinct tribe, and they joined with a diverse local population and lived a common life. They did not leave any significant legacy to the world, and they remained bitter and hungry for justice.

References:
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15268b.htm
http://www.roman-empire.net/articles/article-016.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:KHM_Wien_VIIb_105_-_Vandalic_goldfoil_jewelry,_c._300_AD.jpg

Posted on June 8, 2014October 4, 2017 by Amy — Leave a comment

Vandals in France (425 AD)

One of the strongest groups of people that fought against the Romans in 425 AD was the Vandals. These people were of East Germanic descent, and they were ruled by King Genseric during that year. In 425 AD, the Vandals entered Africa, under the commands of Genseric. By about 439 AD, these people successfully established a kingdom, which was made up of African provinces aside from various islands including Sardinia, Balearics, Malta, Corsica and Sicily. By 455 AD, the Vandals sacked Rome, which made them among the most powerful opponents of the empire.

According to scholars in the Renaissance era, the Vandals were characterized as barbarians. These people were among those that looted and sacked Rome with much success. Because of their destructive ways, the term vandalism was eventually used to describe the senseless and extensive destruction. Also, the Vandals tend to deface artworks, which destroyed the beauty of these pieces.

Vandals_in_France — ‘The Vandal Kingdom at its greatest extent in the 470s.’

‘The Vandal Kingdom at its greatest extent in the 470s.’

Modern historians have a different viewpoint of Vandals as they consider these people as perpetrators of the Roman culture. This was evident of the Vandals during the early middle ages or the transitional period in Europe.

During the Vandalic War that took place in 533 to 544 where it is located on the Biblical Timeline Chart with World History. The kingdom of the Vandals soon collapsed; this allowed Justinian I to regain the Africa province, which was originally a portion of the Byzantine Empire.

Invasion of Gaul

By 406 AD, the Vandals travelled to the west coming from Pannonia. They passed the Danube with barely any difficulties. Upon reaching the Rhine, though, they had some challenges as they were faced with the Franks. The Franks were situated in Romanized regions that were established in northern Gaul.

According to studies, at least 20,000 Vandals died during the battle with the Franks. However, the Alans came to help the Vandals, and the Franks were finally defeated. This prompted the Vandals to proceed to the Rhine so that they could invade Gaul. The Vandals destroyed much of Gaul until they decided to head to the west and south under the leadership of Gunderic, who was the son of Godigisel.

Uniting with Other Tribes

In 405, Radagaisus united the Burgundians, Suevi and Vandals. With his commands, he and some of his army proceeded to Northern Italy from Pannonia where they destroyed many cities along the way. Honorius was the western emperor at that time, and he had no choice but to go to Florence to seek refuge from the war.

He sought for help to defeat the invaders, yet no military forces or volunteers came to his help. Fortunately, Stilicho came to his aid and rescued the emperor including what was left to the city of Florence. He also ordered the capture and murder of Radagaisus while his surviving troops were sold as slaves.

Stilicho conquered some areas that were once owned by Radagaisus’ army. He also did his best to establish an alliance and gain support from the Franks. He even obtained the neutrality of another tribe called the Alamanni. With his success in defeating the last of Radagaisus’ army (with the Franks’ help), he was coined as the Deliverer of Italy.

References:
http://www.fsmitha.com/h1/rome24.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vandals#In_Gaul
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Vandalesmaximum.png

Posted on June 7, 2014October 4, 2017 by Amy — Leave a comment

Suevi

The Suevi or Suebi are a Germanic tribe that Julius Caesar mentioned during the campaign of Ariovistus in Gaul. While Caesar considered the Suevi as merely a single Germanic tribe, other authors such as Pliny and Tacitus did not refer to them as a single nation unlike the Tencteri and Chatti. In fact, the Suevi settled in a large part Germany, and they were divided into various tribes with their own unique names.

‘Roman bronze statuette representing a Germanic man kneeling, his arms outstretched and his hair in a “Suebian knot”‘

Origin of the Tribe

According to scholars, the Suevi were mobile people that barely relied on agriculture. They also moved to other places following the direction of the Elbe River and Baltic Sea. This made them a threat to the Danube and Rhine. During the latter part of their empire, the Suevi initially remained in the Agri Decumates before settling Alsace. A small area in this region still bears the name Swabia, which was derived from the Suevi. Other members of the tribe traveled to Gallaecia, and they formed a Gallacian kingdom that remained strong for 170 years before it was integrated by the Visigoths.

Caesar decided to position the Suevi to the eastern part of Ubii, and he distinguished this tribe from the Marcomanni, which were their allies. Some people believe that the Suevi referred by Caesar formed the Hermunduri or the Chatti. However, Strabo and Tacitus regarded these two were entirely different because the Suevi were not quite settled in one place, unlike the Chatti.

The terms given to large ethnic groups in Germania were hardly consistent with writers and scholars, such as in the case of the Suevi. For instance, Tacitus noted the presence of three primary types of Germanic people including the Ingvaeones, Istvaeones and Hermiones, another author prefers to add two other kinds such as the Vandals and Bastarnae.

The Vandals were Germanic tribes that originated in the eastern part of the Elbe River just like other groups such as the Goths, Burgundians, and Silingi. Moreover, Elbe Germanic, or a modern term that pertains to a large group of Germanic people tends to overlap with the classic terms Hermiones and Suevi.

Further Details about the Suevi

While there were insufficient records behind the Suevi’s migration in 406 AD, there is a theory that the situation was caused by the westward movement of the Huns in the latter part of the 4th century. The reason behind this was the threats given by the Huns, which caused the people to vacate and transfer to another location.

In 405 AD, the Suevi joined the Alans and Vandals in crossing the Rhine; where they located on the Bible Timeline Chart with World History. With the help of usurpers, the barbarians were able to enter Gaul without much difficulty. They took advantage of the city by causing many damages to Northern provinces of Belgica Prima and Belgica Secunda. Including Germania Inferior even before the Roman Empire viewed them as a threat. By 409 AD, the Suevi, Vandals and Alans already in the south, particularly towards Hispania. There they attempted to establish their position by overpowering any opponents that came their way and applied their military tactics to attain their goals of invading the area.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suebi
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_the_Suebi
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bronze_figure_of_a_German_Biblioth%C3%A8que_Nationale.jpg

Posted on June 6, 2014October 4, 2017 by Amy — Leave a comment

Saxons

The Saxons were a Germanic tribe that was situated on the North German Plain. A large percentage of these people settled in major areas of Great Britain during the early middle ages. Eventually, they formed a part of the Anglo-Saxons group that made up the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, some Saxons opted to remain in Germany, which gave them a chance to fight against the expanding Frankish Empire.

‘Three modern states in Germany are called Saxony: Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and the Free State of Saxony (from north to south)’

Origins of the Saxons

Initially, the Saxons settled in Northern Albingia, which was an area near modern-day Holstein. This same place was also believed to serve as the homeland of the Angles. Moreover, the Angles and Saxons, as well as a few continental Germanic tribes, were a part of the Anglo-Saxon settlement in Britain. By the 5th century where it is located on the Biblical Timeline Poster with World History. Several inhabitants of these isles referred to Anglo-Saxons collectively. Still, it remained unknown how numerous people left the continent to live in Britain, although there were estimates as for the actual number of settlers who were Anglo-Saxons, which reached 200,000. In the middle ages, the Saxons were observed to have solid influences to the cultures and languages of people from various parts of Europe. Such as the Baltic, Pomeranian West Slavic, Polabian Slavs, North Germanic and the Finnic.

Historical Background

During the prehistoric era, Saxony served as the primary site of numerous ancient monumental temples in Central Europe. These structures dated as far back as the 5th century BC. There were also significant archaeological sites that were found in villages near Leipzig, as well as in Dresden. Based on researchers, the presence of Germanic and Slavic people in modern-day Saxony began as far back as the first century BC. In Ptolemy’s text entitled Geographia, the Saxons were mentioned.

There were also accounts of this writer that called the tribe as Saxons, which remained in the lower part of the River Elbe. However, one of the first accounts of the Saxon name was from Julian, when he mentioned a tribe of Saxons, the Kouadoi. This tribe was referred to as the Chauci, which arrived at the Rhine and caused another group of people called the Salian Franks to relocate into Toxandria, a Belgian territory. By the 5th century AD, the Saxons started to move rapidly throughout areas that are modern-day Germany, Britain and France.

Most Saxon migrants settled in England, where they established power bases and settlements that used to be under the Roman rule. Saxons and some Germans were responsible for the displacement of numerous Celtic and British people, particularly the ones that moved back to Brittany, in France, as well as those who remained in Wales.

However, some Saxons explored other parts of Europe aside from Britain and moved to Germany, specifically in a region considered today as Saxony. Their expansion soon caused some conflicts with the Frankish tribe, which eventually turned into massively destructive battles. Also, the Saxons were firm about retaining their pagan beliefs, although Charlemagne was resolute about converting them to Christianity by all means possible.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saxons
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/anglo_saxons/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Three_states_called_Saxony.png

Posted on June 6, 2014October 4, 2017 by Amy — 5 Comments

Heruli

A powerful tribe that was of East Germanic descent was the Heruli. During the 3rd century where they are located on the Bible Timeline with World History, these people left their land at Scandinavia to cross the Black Sea and settled in various places within the region. They were also known to be a significant part of incursions and raids that were initiated by Goths in Greece and the Balkans during 250 AD.

Features of the Heruli Culture

Based on historians, the Heruli was a tribe that followed polytheistic principles, which were known to practice the rites of making human sacrifices. Also, these people also believed in senicide or the act of assigning a non-family member to kill the elderly and sick individuals. After killing them, the bodies were to be burned on a wood pyre until it is barely recognizable. Moreover, women were ordered to hang themselves upon their husbands’ death.

When Justinian assumed the throne, the Heruli was convinced to adopt Christian beliefs. They also practiced a gentler and more humane way of life.

As for their military skills, the Heruli barely carried any protective armor. They also had no thick jackets or shields. Slaves are also expected to accompany Heruli troops during a combat. However, Heruli slaves were not given a chance to don a shield unless they had already proven their bravery and skills on the battlefield.

Gaining Power and Control

Along with the Goths, the Heruli sacked Athens, Sparta, and Byzantium. However, the Romans defeated them in 269 AD during an encounter near Naissus, which is modern-day Serbia. In the 4th century, this tribe was dominated by the Ostrogoths and the Huns.

In the Battle of Nedao, the Heruli successfully defeated the Huns and formed an independent kingdom. They decided to join forces with Odoacer, who was in charge of the foederati troops that handled deposing Emperor Romulus Augustus during the year 476 AD. By 508 AD, the Lombards defeated the Heruli, which forced them to go back to their homeland in Scandinavia.

The Heruli was mentioned in numerous narrative accounts aside from their collaboration with the Goths during the ravage of the coastal areas of the Black Sea. The Heruls was also one of the raiders in Spain and Gaul, as well as other tribes that conquered these areas such as the Alamanni, Franks, and Saxons. They were also referred to as the Western Heruli because they frequently settled at the lower Rhine.

When the Hunnic kingdom reached its end in 454 AD, as well as the victorious battle for the Heruls at Nedao, these people decided to establish their own kingdom. They chose areas found near the Theiss and March rivers, which is considered as modern-day Slovakia. Eventually, the Heruli teamed up with Odoacer, and this started the solid relationship between the two forces.

Fall of the Herulian Kingdom

When the Lombards conquered the kingdom established by the Heruli, this signaled the end of their powerful reign. There were some Heruls, who decided to join the Lombards while some of them found refuge with other tribes such as the Gepids. There were also reports that the Romans permitted the Heruli to settle in less populated areas near Singidunum. Soon after, there were no further historical records that pertained to this federated kingdom by the Heruli.

References:
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/263960/Heruli
http://www.princeton.edu/~achaney/tmve/wiki100k/docs/Heruli.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Heruli_seniores_shield_pattern.svg

Posted on June 5, 2014October 4, 2017 by Amy — Leave a comment

Ostrogoths

Gaining much control of the northern portion of the Black Sea, the Ostrogoths came from an eastern group of Germanic people. Their name refers to Eastern Goth, or the Goths that are glorified by the sun. On the other hand, the term Visigoth refers to the Western Goth. It was Cassiodorus, a Roman writer, who gave these terms for the tribes during the 6th century.

Origin of the Ostrogoths

These people first became known in history as a tribe that settled in an area surrounding the Black Sea. They made frequent attacks on Roman provinces, which gave them an image of being a resilient and persistent nuisance to the Roman Empire. However, the invasion of the Huns during 375 AD proved to be a major threat to the Romans. It was during the Huns’ conquest that a large percentage of the Ostrogoths sought support and protection by the empire under the rule of Valens. These people then became Visigoths, while the rest of the Goths endured the harsh treatment of the Huns while maintaining a sense of autonomy.

Ostrogoths Rose to Power

When Attila the Hun died in 450 AD, the Ostrogoths finally had their chance to become independent this is where they are charted on the Biblical Timeline with World History. Thus, in 474 AD, Theodoric was appointed as the ruler of the Ostrogoths. With the support from the Byzantine Empire, he led a campaign to invade Italy. At that time, the Byzantine Empire was hoping to regain the victory that was Rome’s.

‘Ostrogoth ear jewels, Metropolitan Museum of Art.’

The empire believed that Theodoric could do this by reclaiming their kingdom held by a Germanic ruler. Indeed, Theodoric succeeded by defeating Odoacer, and he established an Ostrogothic Empire from Sicily to Spain, Italy, and France. The empire remained successful because of Theodoric’s impressive political skills. Roman literature, culture and art were also widely accepted. While his campaigns were financially supported by the Byzantines, he was given an opportunity to independently rule his empire and ensure wholesome relations with the Eastern Roman Empire. .

After the rule of Theodoric, his daughter assumed the throne. Amalasvintha then ruled as the first regent and queen when her son Athalaric died. However, Theodahad ordered for her to be assassinated, and this sparked anger to the Byzantine Empire ruler, Justinian I. Hence, he sent Flavius Belisarius to Italy and reorganized the region including the Empire. Justinian made an offer to the Ostrogoths, and he was allowed them to maintain an independent kingdom if they give him 50 percent of the treasury.

However, the Goths doubted Justinian, and they would only agree if Belisarius were the one who endorsed them. But then, the nobility decided a better solution to the problem, which is by giving Belisarius full authority over the Ostrogothic Empire. Belisarius pretended to agree with this offer, out of loyalty to Justinian. When he was crowned, he decided to claim the entirety of the lands owned by the Ostrogoths including their treasury, with the intention of giving these to Justinian. Various uprisings led by the Ostrogoths later on, but all of these failed. Eventually, the Ostrogoths disappeared and dwelled in various places in Germany, Italy and France.

References:
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11347d.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ostrogoths
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Orecchini_ostrogoti.jpg

Posted on June 4, 2014October 4, 2017 by Amy — Leave a comment

Huns

Referred to as nomadic people, the Huns have settled in the eastern part of Europe, as well as in Central Asia. They remained in these areas during the 1st to the 7th century where they located on the Bible Timeline Poster with World History. Moreover, they were said to have lived on the eastern coast of the Volga River, particularly in a place that was originally a portion of Scythia. The arrival of the Huns was largely due to the migration of the Scythian people or Alans toward the west.

Origins of the Huns

During the 18th century, scholars have established a link between the Xiongnu people near China and the Huns. However, some studies do not support the proposed link between the two since the Huns were known to have their own language and culture. During the Hunnic Empire, there were other languages that were spoken by the Huns. Such as the East Germanic or Gothic. According to historians, the Huns have prompted the Great Migration, which largely contributed to the fall of the Romans in the west. These nomads also established a strong and unified empire that was ruled by Attila. When he died, the empire fell apart, and its successors decided to occupy various parts of Central Asia and Eastern Europe from the 4th until the 6th century.

Historical Background

The Huns were primarily a Mongolian tribe that conquered some areas in the southeastern portion of Europe beginning 370 AD. They have come across other nomads during their explorations of new lands to conquer including the Visigoths and Ostrogoths. Nevertheless, they succeeded in dominating these groups of people, particularly during their encounters in the Danube that was a territory of the Roman Empire. In 451, these Asiatic warriors conquered Gaul, which served as the temporary center of the Huns’ civilization. While the Huns were considered as nomadic tribes, they were capable of establishing a distinct society. They even transformed the Danube frontier into a trading site where they obtained the finest wine and silk during fairs held annually. They also knew how to make good use of slaves that were captured and defeated in battles. For instance, these slaves were either sold for money or used for menial labor. The Huns also gave their contributions to European culture.

Their stunning artworks made of bronze including their fine jewelry gained popularity during their era. Their works of art were expressed in various forms such as bronze, which was used in crafting impressive vessels and cauldrons. Hunnic women were known for their enchanting pieces of jewelry such as their bracelets and necklaces. These items were embellished with precious jewels that added to their distinct and captivating appearance. Among the jewels commonly used at that time included the lapis, pyrite, pearls, and quartz. The designs and styles applied in these charming accessories were unlike any other, thus proving the creativity and artistry of the Huns. Indeed, the Huns left a legacy that was more than simply their brilliant military techniques. They also showed to the world their ingenuity in trading, art, and various aspects.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huns
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/hun_attila_the.shtml
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Hunnish_-_Bracelet_-_Walters_571082_-_Detail_Front.jpg

Posted on June 2, 2014October 4, 2017 by Amy — Leave a comment

Chalons Won by Allied Armies of Europe against the Huns in 45, Great Battle of

The Battle of Chalons took place in 451 AD where it is located on the Biblical Timeline Poster with World History, as a result of the Huns‘ conquest of Gaul. According to historians, this battle was fought in June 451, but there are some sources that consider September 451 as the date of the battle. The Hun army was led by Attila, where he was supported by about 30,000 to 50,000 soldiers. On the other hand, Flavius Aetius and Theodoric led the Roman army, which was made up of roughly the same number of men as with the Huns.

Cause of the Battle

Prior to 450 AD, the Romans’ control over Gaul (including its surrounding province) had weakened due to invasions from numerous powerful opponents. In that same year, the sister of Emperor Valentinian III agreed to marry Attila, as she believed it would enable her to obtain at least half of the Roman Empire in the West as her dowry.

Great_Battle_of_Chalons_Won_by_Allied_Armies_of_Europe_against_the_Huns_in_451 — “The Huns at the Battle of Chalons”

Attila accepted that offer made by Honoria. However, Valentinian was against their marriage and stood in between Attila and Honoria’s decision. With such refusal by Valentinian, Attila was deeply angered and began to prepare for a battle against the Romans.

King Gaiseric, a Vandal, encouraged Attila’s decision to wage a war against the Roman Empire. In the early months of 451, a group of men joined Attila as they headed across the Rhine. His first attempts to conquer several nearby towns were successful as he sacked various areas including Reims, Cologne, Strasbourg and Amiens. Then, they proceeded to Aurelianum, but Attila was not able to enter as the inhabitants of the city closed the gate.

Meanwhile, Flavius Aetius was gathering his forces in Northern Italy to prevent Attila from advancing to the city. He further moved into southern Gaul, where he was accompanied by a small military force made up of auxiliaries.

Thus, he asked for help from the king of Visigoths named Theodoric I, yet without much support at all. This prompted Aetius to turn to Avitus, who agreed to help him. The two collaborated and convinced Theodoric to take part in their plan including several local tribes.

Accounts of the Battle

Aetius moved towards the north, where he planned to stop Attila while the latter was situated near Aurelianum. Attila’s men learned about Aetius’ plan, and they immediately reported this to their leader. This left Attila without any choice but to head northeast to find a suitable terrain for his army. Eventually, they arrived at the Catalaunian Fields, where they prepared for the battle.

While Romans headed towards the battle ground, Attila ordered his men to assemble for battle the following day. The Huns left their camp and moved to a ridge, which crossed the fields.

Attila ordered his men to advance to their opponents later during the day, as he believed this could give his men a chance to retreat easily after nightfall in case they were defeated. The Huns approached the right portion of the ridge, along with the Gepids and Ostrogoths. Aetius’s army, on the other hand, went to the left side of the ridge, including the Romans, Alans, and Visigoths. As the Huns headed to the peak of the ridge, Aetius successfully arrived first at the crest.

During the battle, Theodoric’s son was killed, while Attila’s army was attacked as they were retreating from the fight. By nightfall, the fight came to an end, and the two parties prepared for another battle the next day.

Attila was still expecting the Romans to attack his army. After waiting awhile, he finally decided to head back with his men across the Rhine. The fight stopped as Aetius contradicted Thorismund’s decision to assault the Huns once more.

Although the actual casualties remained unclear, historians are only certain that the battle damaged Attila’s reputation as a powerful conqueror. However, the Romans’ successful performance at that battle was also one of the few victories gained by the Roman Empire in the West.

References:
http://militaryhistory.about.com/od/battleswarsto1000/p/chalons.htm
http://history.eserver.org/attila-at-chalons.txt
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:De_Neuville_-_The_Huns_at_the_Battle_of_Chalons.jpg

Posted on June 1, 2014October 4, 2017 by Amy — Leave a comment

Franks

The Franks were a group of Germanic people that were situated in the lower and middle portions of the Rhine during the 3rd century. However, some of them successfully raided Roman territories while there were other Franks that became a part of the Roman troops in Gaul.

Origin of the Franks

The Salian Franks were known for establishing a kingdom in an area that was a part of the Roman Empire. When the Western Roman Empire collapsed, the Franks joined forces under the leadership of Merovingians. This is another group that was able to invade a large part of Gaul during the 6th century.

‘A 19th-century depiction of different Franks (AD 400-600)’

With the Merovingian dynasty, one of the largest Germanic monarchies was established. Eventually, this took the place of Rome situated in the west. Afterwards, the Frankish state strengthened its hold on various parts of Western Europe. Thus, by the latter part of the 8th century, the Carolingian Empire was formed. The said empire further evolved into the Holy Roman Empire, as well as the state of France.

During the Middle Ages, the word “Frank” served as a synonym for the Europeans in the west because most of the rulers in western Europe were Franks. Moreover, the Franks that were situated in Gaul joined the Gallo-Roman people; they passed down their name to modern-day France.

On the other hand, the Franks that remained in the eastern part of Europe maintained their Germanic language. They also became a part of the Dutch, Flemings and Germans. Also, the Frankish or Franconian language was rooted to the Franks’ old language.

Historical Background

Based on scholars, it was not until the 3rd century that the Franks emerged from a much smaller group of Germanic people. These tribes included the Bructeri, Chattuarii, Chamavi, Tencteri, Ubii, Ampsivarii, and Chatti. They remained in the Rhine Valley, particularly from the Yssel, Mainz and between Lacus Flevo. They are located on the Bible Timeline Chart with World History from 400 AD – 500 AD.

The Franks gained interest in reclaiming the left portion of the Rhine river bank, which was currently under the control of the Romans. They succeeded in driving the Romans back to the south by implementing tactics such as surprise attacks and use of different weapons.

By the 3rd century, this tribe aimed to settle in Batavia, particularly in the southern part of Lacus Flevo. By this time, they remained in Toxandria, as permitted by the Romans. Here, they became an independent and powerful maritime force called the Salians.

As for the other Franks that came from Mainz to Duisburg, they raided across the river Rhine. They were also given the name Ripuarians, which may be translated as “river people”.

Both of these groups, however, maintained a distinct political quality until the unification of Francia. This move was made possible by Clovis, who was a Salian from the Merovingian dynasty.

When it comes to military tactics, the Merovingians adopted some of the techniques that were used by the Romans. In fact, their methods were quite flexible and capable of adapting to various situations at most battles. They were even successful in raising naval forces such as in the naval campaign that included river craft and ships used in Rhine, Rhone and Loire in the battle of 515 AD.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franks
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06238a.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:A.D._400-600,_Franks_-_025_-_Costumes_of_All_Nations_(1882).JPG