Garb the World Costumes | Historical Index

The Vandals

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 and pillaged and 'vandalized'.

In 406 the Vandals crossed the Rhine and through Reims, Ameins, Arras, and Tournai, and caused wanton widespread and wholesale davastations. 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.

Here are some costumes Vandals might have worn.


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Check out the map that shows the Vandals path

  • History of the Vandals
  • Encyclopedia - Vandals
  • Vandals and Islam
  • Vandals on the Wiki








    • Historical costumes for this time period can be found at Garb the World