The Origins of the Goths

Goths aren't a single people that has a continuous history. Identity is renegotiated many times over the 700 years where we know Gothic groups are being called Goths and calling themselves Goths. Lesser warriors and slaves, they could be anyone from anywhere. Their main defining characteristic is military ability unfortunately that's what they're good at. When they fail to maintain their military edge as the Austro-Goths do in the face of Justinians campaigns in the sixth century then they cease to exist.