# Depopulation of the Migration Period (450)

URL: https://poland-history.com/timeline/450-depopulation-of-the-migration-period
Location: Poland

Archaeological evidence shows a sharp decline in settlement across much of Poland during the fifth century as older populations migrated or dispersed. Within the broader Roman & Migration Period period: Beyond the Roman frontier, the Przeworsk and Wielbark cultures traded amber and iron with the Empire before the great migrations of the fourth and fifth centuries emptied much of the land. At this point in the timeline (c. 450), the governing authority was Peoples of the Roman and Migration periods (No single ruler). Groups associated with the Przeworsk and Wielbark cultures, including peoples identified with the Vandals, Lugii and Goths, traded with the Roman Empire before much of the region was depopulated during the Migration Period. Depopulation of the Migration Period mattered because movements of peoples reshaped the population, languages and cultures of the lands that became Poland. The event is placed here so readers can follow it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion and culture across Polish history.

## Why it matters
Depopulation of the Migration Period mattered because movements of peoples reshaped the population, languages and cultures of the lands that became Poland.

Ruler at the time: [Peoples of the Roman and Migration periods](https://poland-history.com/rulers/peoples-of-the-roman-and-migration-periods)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Migration Period](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Migration_Period)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Depopulation of the Migration Period](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Depopulation+of+the+Migration+Period)
- [Wikipedia — Przeworsk culture (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Przeworsk_culture)