what religion were goths?
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The term "Goths" historically refers to a group of East Germanic tribes, including the Visigoths and Ostrogoths, who played a significant role in the fall of the Western Roman Empire and the subsequent formation of medieval Europe. Their religious practices evolved over time:
Pre-Christian Beliefs:
- Paganism: The early Goths practiced a form of Germanic paganism. Their religion was polytheistic, with a pantheon of gods and goddesses similar to those of other Germanic tribes.
- Nature Worship and Rituals: They worshiped natural elements, had various rituals and ceremonies, and revered ancestors.
Conversion to Christianity:
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Arian Christianity: In the 4th century, the Goths began converting to Christianity, largely influenced by the missionary work of Ulfilas (also known as Wulfila). Ulfilas, a Gothic bishop, translated the Bible into the Gothic language and played a crucial role in converting the Goths to Arian Christianity.
- Arianism: Arianism is a branch of Christianity that asserts that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, distinct from and subordinate to God the Father. This belief was considered heretical by mainstream Christianity, which adhered to the doctrine of the Trinity.
- Orthodox Christianity: Over time, especially after the fall of the Western Roman Empire and the establishment of Gothic kingdoms in Italy (Ostrogoths) and Spain (Visigoths), some Goths began converting to Nicene Christianity, which is the form of Christianity accepted by the Roman Catholic Church.
Decline of Gothic Influence:
- Assimilation: As the Gothic kingdoms declined and were assimilated into other European cultures, their unique religious identity faded. The Visigothic Kingdom in Spain, for instance, converted to Nicene Christianity in the late 6th century.
- Integration into Christianity: The Goths eventually integrated into the broader Christian society of medieval Europe, losing their distinct religious practices and beliefs.
In summary, the Goths initially practiced Germanic paganism, later converted to Arian Christianity in the 4th century, and eventually some groups adopted Nicene Christianity as they integrated into the wider Christian world of medieval Europe.