5th century facts for kids

The 5th century was a period in history that lasted from the year 401 to the year 500. It was a time of big changes, especially in Europe, as the powerful Roman Empire began to break apart. Many new kingdoms started to form during these 100 years.

What Happened in the 5th Century?

The 5th century is often seen as the start of the Middle Ages in Europe. This was a time when many different groups of people, often called "barbarians" by the Romans, moved into Roman lands. These movements led to the end of the Western Roman Empire.

The Fall of the Western Roman Empire

One of the most important events was the decline and fall of the Western Roman Empire. This huge empire had ruled much of Europe and parts of Africa for hundreds of years. However, by the 5th century, it was facing many problems.

• Outside Attacks: Groups like the Goths, Vandals, and Huns attacked Roman borders.
• Internal Problems: The empire also had issues from within, like economic troubles and political instability.

In 410, the city of Rome was attacked by the Visigoths, led by their king Alaric I. This was a huge shock to the Roman world. Later, in 455, the Vandals also sacked Rome.

The Last Western Roman Emperor

The Western Roman Empire officially ended in 476. In that year, a Germanic leader named Odoacer removed the last Western Roman Emperor, a young boy named Romulus Augustulus. This event is often used by historians to mark the end of ancient history and the beginning of the Middle Ages in Europe.

New Kingdoms Emerge

As the Roman Empire weakened, many new kingdoms were created. These kingdoms were often led by the very groups who had moved into Roman territory.

• The Visigoths formed a kingdom in what is now Spain and parts of France.
• The Vandals established a kingdom in North Africa.
• The Franks began to build their kingdom in Gaul (modern-day France).
• The Anglo-Saxons started settling in Britain.

These new kingdoms laid the foundation for the countries we know today in Europe.

Important Figures of the 5th Century

Many important people lived during this century who shaped history.

• Attila the Hun: He was a powerful leader of the Huns. His armies caused a lot of fear across Europe. He led many raids into the Roman Empire.
• Alaric I: The king of the Visigoths who famously sacked Rome in 410.
• Gaiseric: The king of the Vandals who conquered Roman North Africa and sacked Rome in 455.
• Saint Augustine of Hippo: A very important Christian thinker and writer. His ideas influenced Christianity for centuries.

Developments Around the World

While Europe was going through big changes, other parts of the world also saw important developments.

• Asia: In China, several dynasties rose and fell. India saw the height of the Gupta Empire, which was a time of great advancements in science, mathematics, and art.
• Americas: In Central America, the Maya civilization continued to flourish. Cities like Copán were important centers of culture and learning.

Decades and Years

Here is a list of the decades and years that make up the 5th century. Years before or after the 5th century are shown in italics.

Images for kids

• 

  This map shows the Eastern Hemisphere at the end of the 5th century.

• 

  A view of Copán, an important ancient Maya city.

See also

In Spanish: Siglo V para niños