The regions beyond the limes tend to drop out of studies of ‘the Migrations’ as soon as the barbarians have moved. This however, prevents a proper understanding of the causes and processes of migration and change. This chapter surveys developments beyond the old frontiers during the fifth and early sixth centuries, which shed important light on the interlinked nature of society and politics inside and outside the Empire and upon the dynamics shaping late antique history.

WEST OF THE IRISH SEA

Revolutionary changes took place in Irish society between the fourth and the early seventh centuries. By the end of that period the structures that appear to have persisted for centuries had been swept away by transformations that left untouched almost no area of Irish society, politics, economics and religion. The most obvious change was the introduction of Christianity. This might have begun in the fourth century – St Patrick is more difficult to place chronologically than is often believed. The Roman church was certainly interested in preaching to the Irish during the early fifth century and although its spread was slow Christianity surely played a vital role in underpinning the ongoing changes. It cannot, however, be seen as the sole explanation for these transformations, which are archaeologically visible in places that had not been converted as well as in those that had and may well begin before any significant Christian impact.