Gothic Invasions of the Roman Mediterranean in the Third Century

The Third Century of the Roman Empire saw significant invasions and raids from various Germanic tribes, marking the beginning of the gradual fall of the Western Roman Empire. Among these tribes, the Goths played a prominent role. This article delves into the origins of Gothic raids on the Roman Mediterranean, focusing on events from around 255 to 257 AD, which had profound implications for Roman power and stability.

Origins of Gothic Raids

The presence of Gothic tribes in the Roman Empire during the 3rd century is documented in several primary sources, including the Panegyrici Latini, Ammianus Marcellinus, and Gregory of Tours. These texts provide us with a fragmented yet valuable overview of the early history of the Franks and Goths. However, the primary subject of this article is the Gothic incursions, as the Roman Mediterranean was largely affected by these invasions in the late 200s and early 250s.

Initial Encounters and Raids

The first recorded incursion by Goths into the Roman Empire occurred in Thrace. According to Zosimus and Gregory Thaumaturgus, they were initially referred to as the Boranoi and later as the Boradoi. These incursions were not limited to Thrace; further expeditions led to the sacking of Hisstra in 238 AD. Subsequently, several other raids took place throughout the decades leading up to the pivotal Battle of Abrittus in 251 AD, where the Goths, led by Cniva, successfully defeated the Roman Emperor Decius.

Concentration of Gothic Tribes

The Goths were not a singular tribe but a conglomeration of different groups. Two prominent Gothic tribes are the Thervingi and the Greuthungs. These tribes often engaged in coalescing and separating, reflecting the complex political and social dynamics of early medieval Europe. By the late 3rd century, the Moesogoths had settled in Thrace and Moesia, areas that would be pivotal in their subsequent military campaigns.

Seaborne Raids and Naval Activities

The most significant seaborne raids by the Goths occurred between 255 and 257 AD. In these raids, a substantial force first attempted to seize Pityus (likely on the Black Sea coast) but were unsuccessful. The following year, the Goths succeeded in sacking Pityus and Trabzon, and they proceeded to ravage large areas in the Pontus. The third year of these raids saw a much larger force devastate large areas in the Bithynia and the Propontis, reaching as far as the cities of Chalcedon, Nicomedia, Nicaea, Apamea Myrlea, Cius, and Bursa. These raids not only devastated Roman territories but also enabled the Goths to establish control over regions such as Crimea and the Bosporus, thus gaining the ability to engage in widespread naval activities.

Emperors' Responses and Battles

The Gothic invasions necessitated swift and decisive action from Roman leaders. When the emperor Gallienus was assassinated in 268, Claudius Gothicus was quickly proclaimed as the new emperor. His immediate priority was to address the incursions by the Alamanni into Raetia and Italy. After defeating the Alamanni in the Battle of Lake Benacus, Claudius was finally able to turn his attention to the Gothic threat.

The Goths' attempts to directly invade Italy led to the Battle of Naissus, where Emperor Claudius's forces, including a significant Roman cavalry, emerged victorious. This battle was marked by a decisive attack led by Aurelian, who later resettled some survivors and incorporated others into the Roman army. The victory at Naissus ensured the survival of the Roman Empire for another two centuries. Despite this success, in 270, under the leadership of Cannabaudes, the Goths launched a new invasion, which was ultimately defeated by Aurelian. Although Aurelian managed to defeat the Goths, he was unable to regain control over Dacia, which was beyond the Danube.

Later Invasions and Piracy

By 275, the Goths launched a final major assault on Asia Minor, where piracy by Black Sea Goths was already causing significant trouble. Piracy by the Goths was reported to have affected regions including Colchis, Pontus, Cappadocia, Galatia, and even Cilicia. Emperor Marcus Claudius Tacitus finally put an end to these incursions in 276 AD. Little remains of the historical records for these events, and much of the documentation is late and fragmentary, making it challenging to piece together a complete narrative.

Despite this fragmentary nature of the historical records, the impact of Gothic raids on the Roman Mediterranean during the 3rd century was clear. These raids not only affected the economic and strategic balance of the Roman Empire but also contributed to the broader narrative of the end of the Western Roman Empire.

Keywords: Gothic invasions, Roman Mediterranean, Late Antique History