08-20-2004, 10:55 PM
Valerius, how could the Goths be properly assimilated into the Empire given their large numbers ? <br>
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Unless the Goths were broken up into smaller groups and settled throughout the entire Empire then they could perhaps be assimilated with relative ease. When groups stick together usually it is for the purpose of resisting assimilation into the dominant culture. At best it would take decades to assimilate the Goths if they were to remain in control of Gaul.<br>
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The Goths dominated the ranks and officer corp of the armies of the Western Empire into the 5th century. How could the Western empire feel that they "would get the upper hand" over them?<br>
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Later the Romans would always delude themselves with that mentality after they lost province after province to the Arabs. Just shows an empire in denial as it declines. <p></p><i></i>
<br>
Unless the Goths were broken up into smaller groups and settled throughout the entire Empire then they could perhaps be assimilated with relative ease. When groups stick together usually it is for the purpose of resisting assimilation into the dominant culture. At best it would take decades to assimilate the Goths if they were to remain in control of Gaul.<br>
<br>
The Goths dominated the ranks and officer corp of the armies of the Western Empire into the 5th century. How could the Western empire feel that they "would get the upper hand" over them?<br>
<br>
Later the Romans would always delude themselves with that mentality after they lost province after province to the Arabs. Just shows an empire in denial as it declines. <p></p><i></i>
Jaime
