1. Population Growth: The Gothic population had experienced significant growth in the centuries leading up to their migrations. This population pressure, combined with limited resources, led to increased competition for land and resources.
2. Political Instability: Internal power struggles and political divisions among the Goths created instability and internal conflicts. These conflicts weakened the Gothic communities and made them more vulnerable to external pressures.
3. Economic Factors: The Goths were primarily an agricultural people, but their traditional lands were often not fertile or large enough to support their growing population. Seeking better agricultural opportunities was a significant factor in their decision to move.
4. Barbarian Raids and Conflicts: The Goths faced pressure and conflicts with other Germanic tribes and nomadic peoples in their homeland. These conflicts, coupled with the allure of Roman wealth, prompted them to seek new settlements.
5. Roman Military Pressure: The Roman Empire engaged in military campaigns and border skirmishes with the Goths and other Germanic tribes along the frontiers. In some cases, these military actions led to retaliatory raids and counterattacks by the Goths.
6. Treaties and Alliances: At times, the Goths entered into agreements and alliances with the Romans, becoming auxiliaries or mercenaries. These alliances could have offered opportunities for the Goths to settle within Roman territories.
7. Climate Change: Some historians suggest that climate changes, such as increased rainfall and colder temperatures, may have affected the agricultural productivity of the Gothic lands, mendorong mereka untuk mencari daerah yang lebih cocok untuk pertanian.
These factors, acting in combination, contributed to the gradual migration of the Goths into Roman territory and eventually led to their establishment of settlements and kingdoms within the empire.