by this plan a better idea of the operations can be given; and
especially because we can thus obtain a clearer and more comprehensive
conception of the rise of the nations, which, tearing in pieces the
Roman Empire, have made up Modern Europe.

The HUNS, who originated the movement which overthrew the Western
Empire, came, it is supposed, from the eastern part of Asia. As they
moved westward, their march was irresistible. In 395 they met and
defeated the GOTHS, a powerful tribe that lived to the north of the
Danube, and who were ruled by a king named Hermanric.

The Gothic nation consisted of two branches, the OSTROGOTHS, Eastern
Goths, and the VISIGOTHS, Western Goths, Of these the Ostrogoths were
the more powerful, but on the approach of the Huns they were obliged
to submit. The Huns moved on, and found but little trouble in
overrunning the country of the Visigoths, who were so terrified by the
hideous appearance and wild shouts of the Huns that they fled to the
Danube, and besought the Romans to allow them to cross the river and
take refuge in their territory. The favor was granted, but the
refugees were treated with indignity, and compelled to undergo every
privation.

Subsequently a remnant of the Ostrogoths arrived at the Danube, also
desiring to cross. To them permission was refused, but they seized
shipping and crossed, despite the prohibition of the Romans. They
found the condition of their brethren, the Visigoths, so sad, that
they united with them in open revolt, defeated a Roman army sent
against them, and ravaged Thrace. The Emperor Valens took the field in
person, and was defeated (378). The Goths then moved southward and
westward into Greece, everywhere pillaging the country.