Final answer:
Barbarians were intertwined with the Roman Empire through trade, military service, alliances, and conflict. They served as soldiers within the Roman army and were integrated into society, yet their interactions also involved violent raids and complex diplomatic treaties that were subject to frequent renegotiation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Connection of Barbarians with the Roman Empire:
The so-called barbarians on the periphery of Rome were deeply connected to the empire through a complex web of interactions including trade, military service, and conflict. Despite being deemed uncivilized by the Romans, barbarian groups such as the Germans and Goths were indispensable to the Roman military, serving as soldiers and allies (foederati) and at times as adversaries. Their involvement in the Roman military also led to their integration into Roman society upon completing their service. Alongside peaceful assimilation and cooperation, these groups also engaged in raids against Roman lands, resulting in brutal reprisals from Rome.
Yet, when these barbarians seized territory, Roman writers dismissively underreported such events, assuming the lands would be reclaimed in time. Over the centuries, continuous warfare along Rome's borders, like those along the Rhine and Danube, and the reliance on barbarian troops, signaled the emerging cracks in Roman military prowess.