The second through the sixth centuries is a period of change and destruction in which eastern and western Germanic tribes leave their native lands and settle in newly acquired territories.

This period of Germanic history, which later supplies material for heroic epics, includes the downfall of the Roman Empire and results in a considerable expansion of habitable area for the Germanic peoples.

However, with the exception of those kingdoms established by Franks and Anglo-Saxons, Germanic kingdoms founded in such other parts of Europe as Italy and Spain are of relatively short duration because they are assimilated by the native populations.

The conquest of Roman Gaul by Frankish tribes in the late fifth century becomes a milestone of European history; the Franks will become the founders of a civilized German state.