Although the exact etymology is a bit murky, the word vandalism is indelibly associated with an East Germanic tribe best known for the sacking of Rome in 455 AD.
The unflattering connotation is also a matter of debate among scholars. The Vandals, not unlike the Celts and other nomadic people in Europe, failed to chronicle most of their records. As a result, Roman scribes typically labeled them “barbarians,” as did later ecclesiastical accounts, providing yet another example of how the winning side often writes history.
Recent archeological discoveries have challenged previously held notions about the Vandals being merely uncivilized brutes. That said, let’s take a look at this much-maligned group who may or may not have torched a few chariots and tossed eggs at Roman soldiers.
This is an encore of one of our previous lists, as presented by our YouTube host Simon Whistler. Read the full list!