In Barbarians: Secrets of the Dark Ages, Richard Rudgley examines the fall of Rome, the Anglo-Saxon invasion of Britain and the rise of the Vikings, as the ethnic pattern of Europe changed beyond recognition. Tracing the progress of the Goths, Huns, Vandals and other barbarian peoples, the vibrant, colourful and often violent lives of the leaders and kings are explored. Rudgley also considers the lasting effect of barbarian culture on our own lives-why do we claim Anglo-Saxons as our ancestors? Why and how has the English language left us such a powerful legacy?