# Crossing of the Rhine (406)

URL: https://germany-history.com/timeline/406-crossing-of-the-rhine
Location: Rhine near Mainz
Categories: main-event

On the last day of 406 a coalition of Vandals, Alans and Suebi crossed the Rhine, probably near Mainz. Roman defences collapsed and the invaders swept through Gaul into Spain. The event marked the effective end of Roman control of the Rhine frontier.

## Why it matters
It opened the Western Roman Empire to permanent Germanic settlement.

## Sources
- [Wikipedia – Crossing of the Rhine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crossing_of_the_Rhine)