Brown, Katharine Reynolds, "Migration Art, A.D. 300–800"

The Migration period (fourth to eighth century) was marked by the gradual waning of “civilized” Rome s power and the rise of “barbarian” Germanic tribes. The art of the Migration period in Europe is linked to the animal-style art of the Eurasian Steppes. This region, stretching from Mongolia to Hungary, was host to tribes of warrior herdsmen who brandished lavishly ornamented swords, rode horses decked out with elaborate trappings, and wore splendid polychrome jewelry that incorporated animal and bird motifs. These tribespeople followed their herds which provided daily food. When these people moved into Europe, their art was modified by Greco-Roman and Celtic traditions.