Visigoths

viz'i-goths, the western branch of the Goths. Their great leader was Alaric. They captured Rome in 410 and turned their victorious arms toward France and Spain. They established a Visigothic kingdom in Spain, adopted the Catholic faith, and merged with the native Spaniards into one nation. After lasting three hundred years, their kingdom was overthrown by the Saracens. Later they rallied and took a prominent part in the expulsion of the Moors. The Goths have been absorbed by the dark-haired Spaniards, but many words in current use in Spain to this day are of Visigothic origin. See Goths; Alaric