Oy Vey Gevalt

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth
Edition,  defines 'barbarian:'

1) A member of a people considered by those of another nation or group
to have a primitive civilization.
2) A fierce, brutal, or cruel person.

http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=barbarians&r=67


The word originated with the Greeks and later, the Romans used the
same term to describe anyone who was not Roman.

"To the peoples of ancient Greece, and later, Rome, a barbarian was
anyone who was not of their extraction or culture.  Because most of
these "strangers" regularly practiced raids upon these civilizations,
the term "barbarian" gradually evolved into a perjorative term:  a
person who was sub-human, uncivilized, and regularly practiced the
most vile and inhuman acts imaginable.  Nothing could have been
farther from the truth."

Who Were the Barbarians?
http://www.wizardrealm.com/barbarians/history2.html


In the fifth century, the empire was no longer ruled by strong leaders
like Julius Caesar -- the emperors were weak and generally just
figureheads. The armies were not as disciplined as in the days when
the Empire was being enlarged by military might. The Empire was also
so far-flung as to be too unwieldy to maintain and defend.

"The Romans gave the barbarians lands in which to settle. In return
the barbarians agreed to help defend the empire. This agreement worked
for a time. But the barbarians began to take more land."

The End of the Roman Empire
http://www.gridclub.com/fact_gadget/the_romans/the_romans/the_end_of_the_roman_empire/2186.html


Ancient cities such as Rome were surrounded by defensive walls. Access
into these cities was through guarded gates. You can see some photos
here:

Rome, City Walls
http://www.jhauser.us/pictures/history/Romans/Rome/cityWalls.html


There is a good overview, simply written, which describes the
conquering career of Attila the Hun. Attila had made his way across
Europe which was, you remember, the largest part of the Roman Empire.
He and his army were literally at the the gates of the Rome, the
Empire's heart.

"The people of Rome and the Emperor Valentinian were greatly alarmed
at the approach of the dreaded Attila. He was now near the city, and
they had no army strong enough to send against him. Rome would have
been again destroyed if it had not been for Pope Leo I who went to the
camp of Attila and persuaded him not to attack the city."

Attila the Hun
http://bay4.de/Literature/8fmtm10/node6.html
this post by: revbrenda1st-ga