Unlike traditional "barbarian" histories, Kulikowski emphasizes that Gothic identity was a product of Roman interactions. The book explores:
: Details the entry of thousands of Goths into the empire in 376 CE, leading to the Battle of Adrianople in 378 CE—one of Rome's greatest military defeats, where the Emperor Valens was killed. Rome's Gothic Wars: From the Third Century to A...
: Addresses why modern historians' understanding of the Goths remains controversial and de-mystifies nationalist myths. The text is a historical work by Michael
The text is a historical work by Michael Kulikowski, first published by Cambridge University Press in 2006. It provides a concise introduction to the complex relationship between the Roman Empire and the Gothic tribes, tracing their interactions from their first historical mentions in the third century to the landmark sack of Rome in 410 CE. Historical Overview and Scope The narrative follows the evolution of the Goths
: Traces the earliest Romano-Gothic relations and the emergence of Gothic polities on the empire's margins.
The narrative follows the evolution of the Goths not just as a "barbarian" threat, but as a group whose identity and politics were deeply intertwined with Roman imperial needs.