The Germanic tribes were a group of Indo-European peoples who lived in northern Europe during ancient times. They spoke various Germanic languages and were known for their warrior culture, social structures, and distinct customs. Key tribes included the Goths, Vandals, and Saxons, who played significant roles in the migrations and conflicts of the late Roman Empire. These tribes began to migrate southward and westward around the 1st century AD, leading to the fall of the Western Roman Empire. Their movements contributed to the formation of modern European nations and influenced the development of languages, cultures, and societies across the continent.