02-27-2002, 02:25 PM
In the Late Roman times the term "barbarian" has to be taken with a more critical view than in earlier times. For example the famous general Stilicho is described as "semi-barbarus" by sources hostile to him. His mother was a Vandal. It's like accusing John Kennedy of being Irish. Stilicho was as Roman as Kennedy was American. Forget the hairy stuff, the beer and the battle axe: the man was fluent in greek and latin, wore fine silken garments and had court manners. In other words in was nothing but a high ranking, extremely wealthy Roman.<br>
Another example from that period is the so-called "anti-goth" reaction in Constantinople when goths soldiers were massacred and expelled from the city. Apparently they weren't massacred for being Goths, but rather for taking the wrong side in a civil war. That alone proves their total assimilation, IMHO.. <p></p><i></i>
Another example from that period is the so-called "anti-goth" reaction in Constantinople when goths soldiers were massacred and expelled from the city. Apparently they weren't massacred for being Goths, but rather for taking the wrong side in a civil war. That alone proves their total assimilation, IMHO.. <p></p><i></i>
