Greuthungi

The Greuthungi were a Gothic people who inhabited the area north of the lower Danube River, in what is now Romania and Moldova, during the 3rd and 4th centuries AD. They are often mentioned in historical sources as distinct from other Gothic groups, such as the Tervingi, with whom they sometimes allied and sometimes clashed. The name "Greuthungi" is believed to mean "dwellers on the gravel shore" or "people of the gravel."

The Greuthungi emerged as a significant force in the region following the fragmentation of the larger Gothic confederation. They were known for their military prowess and were involved in numerous raids and conflicts with the Roman Empire. Their interactions with Rome were complex, involving periods of both hostility and treaty.

In the late 4th century, the Greuthungi, along with other Gothic groups, faced pressure from the westward migration of the Huns. This migration led to significant upheaval in Eastern Europe. Historical accounts suggest that many Greuthungi were either defeated by the Huns and incorporated into their forces or fled south into Roman territory, seeking refuge. The distinct identity of the Greuthungi appears to have diminished following the Hunnic invasions, with their descendants likely becoming integrated into the broader Gothic and later medieval populations of Eastern Europe.