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26. Map of how barbarian invasions reshaped Europe
Europe was completely reshaped in the third, fourth and fifth centuries. Huns from far Eastern Europe and Central Asia invaded Central Europe, destroying the Gothic kingdoms. Germanic tribes conquered much of Spain and North Africa. And, of course, the Visigoths of southeastern Europe sacked Rome in AD 410. All of this destroys the Roman imperial system, beginning in the dark ages. But also triggered mass migrations across Europe that reshaped the continent in ways that are still with us.