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The Vandals were a Germatic tribe from Jutland (Denmark. They migrated to the valley of the
Odra around 5th century B.C. During the 2nd and 3rd centuries (AD) they settled along the Danube River
and started sacking Rome. They frequently looted, pillaged and 'vandalized'.
In 406 the Vandals crossed the Rhine and traveled through Reims, Ameins, Arras and Tournai, causing wanton, widespread and
wholesale devastation. The Roman forces were helpless to stop this catastrophic invasion and devastation, which caused
the Vandal nation to bequeath its name to the term "vandalism" for wanton destruction. They then went into Spain and
on to Northern Africa.
Under the leadership of Gaiseric (a crippled son of a slave elected king), the Vandals went across the
strait of Gibraltar and along the African coast through the rich Roman towns. One by one they fell, and
were vandalized. Gaiseric turned pirate and the Vandals fought amongst themselves and persecuted the
Roman captors. They grew weak, corrupt, and disorganized, and were conquored by an army from the Eastern
Roman Empire in 533. Soon afterward the Vandals disappeared as a distinct people.
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