The Gothic novel originated from perceptions of the Goths, a nomadic tribe that migrated into Roman territory in the 5th century AD. The Goths sacked Rome in 410 AD, contributing to the fall of the Western Roman Empire. Over time, the Goths became associated with being destructive, uncivilized barbarians, which led to the term "Gothic" being used to describe things that were considered dark, wild and disturbing. This negative connotation of the word "Gothic" influenced the development of the Gothic novel genre.

1. TTS SENIOR LIBRARY 2011 What are the origins of the Gothic novel?

4. THE GOTHS Image source: http://www.genreonline.net/Genre_files/Barbarians%20024.jpg

5. THE GOTHS During the 5th century, faced by aggression from the Huns coming from the east, the Goths made incursions into Roman territory in search of food and land.

6. Image source: http://www.genreonline.net/Genre_files/Barbarians%20024.jpg THE GOTHS

7. The Romans responded by sending an army to crush them. Emperor Valens expected a quick and easy victory but it was the Roman army that was destroyed! THE GOTHS

8. THE GOTHS Image source: http://www.genreonline.net/Genre_files/Barbarians%20026.jpg

9. The Romans made a treaty with the Goths and employed them as barbarian fighters. THE GOTHS Image source: http://wavada.org/Images/Tricks/Ch02/Goth.jpg

11. Image source: http://www.memo.fr/Media/Alaric_Rome.jpg THE GOTHS

13. THE GOTHS Image source: http://www.usu.edu/markdamen/1320Hist&Civ/slides/08romfal/mapEWRomanEmpire.jpg The Roman Empire

14. destroyers… uncouth …. illiterate … lacking culture …. violent…. barbaric… wild…. chaotic…. Other myths developed around the Goths which led to them being seen as ... THE GOTHS

16. Credits : Jacqui Makselon, Director – TLRC Tanglin Trust School, Singapore