# Rhine crossing of 406 (406)

URL: https://history-france.com/timeline/406-rhine-crossing-of-406
Location: Rhine frontier

Vandals, Alans and Suebi crossed the Rhine during a severe breakdown of frontier defenses. Within the broader Roman Gaul period, Roman conquest transformed Gaul through provincial government, roads, cities, citizenship and cultural exchange. The later empire brought Christianity, civil wars, frontier pressure and the rise of successor kingdoms. At this point in the timeline, the relevant governing authority is Roman Empire (Roman imperial rule in Gaul). Rhine crossing of 406 is a useful marker in the longer transformation of political authority, society and culture in France. The event is positioned here so visitors can read it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion, culture and France’s wider international setting.

## Why it matters
Rhine crossing of 406 is a useful marker in the longer transformation of political authority, society and culture in France.

Ruler at the time: [Roman Empire](https://history-france.com/rulers/roman-empire)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia topic lookup — Rhine crossing of 406](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=Rhine+crossing+of+406&go=Go)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Rhine crossing of 406](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Rhine+crossing+of+406)
- [Wikipedia — History of France overview](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_France)