What was the difference between the Visigoths and Ostrogoths?

Question

I would love as much information as possible, naturally, but I am wondering what one would consider the best summary in one or two sentences-if possible. Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

They were both teutoniic people who had a fierce reputation for fighting. They migrated  between 200 and 400AD from northern europe into lands that had previously been conquered by the roman empire. As they did not record in writing much of what is known about them comes from reports by other people who were witness to their exploits. About 370AD the goths divided into 2 groups the ostrogoths and the visigoths. In Italy they formed a division known as the ostrogoths and established a monarchy 100 years after the vandals had sacked Rome. The visigoths were an western division of the goths and in the 5th century established a monarchy in  the south of France but were driven out by the franks 100 years later.

Answer 2

The Goths were Germanic peoples. They were divided into 2 groups - the Ostrogoths, or East Goths, and the Visigoths, or West Goths. The Ostrogoths were conquered by the Huns led by Atilla (his name means "Little Daddy"). The Visigoths asked the Roman emperor for protection which he granted. The Visigoths had to make many concessions to the Romans for this protection. They grew to resent the way they were treated and finally rebelled against the Romans. The Visigoths defeated the Romans at the Battle of Adrianople in 378.  In 410 the Visigoth chieftan Alaric led the Vivigoths into Rome. They looted and sacked the city. The West Goths moved on Spain, drove out the Vandals, ended Roman rule of Spain, and set up their own kingdom.

Answer 3

Visigoths: the western branch of the Gothic peoples who annexed Spain in 469 to 478 AD.

Ostrogoths: The eastern branch of the Gothic nation. Theodoric, king of the Ostrogoths, became Regent of Italy in 493 AD.

Answer 4

June's got a good answer, but she didn't tell you much about the Ostrogoths.

The Ostrogoths were a Gothic tribe, who reached their peak under Theoderic the Great.  After the fall of Rome, Odoacer set up a kingdom of several tribes that ruled Italy.  The Byzantines decided later O. wasn't to their liking, so approved Theoderic's the great invasion of Italy. T's  kingdom consisted of Italy, Illyria, and parts of France's Rhone valley. For a while, he also inherited the Visigoth kingdom of Spain.  His reign is noted for support of the still-existent Roman Senate, the philosopher Boetius, and the historian Cassiodorus.