The term "barbarians" historically refers to groups of people considered uncivilized or primitive by more advanced societies. This label was often used by the Greeks and Romans to describe various tribes, such as the Germans and Huns, who lived outside their empires. These groups were typically characterized by their different customs, languages, and lifestyles. In modern usage, "barbarian" can describe anyone perceived as lacking culture or refinement. However, many of these so-called barbarian societies had rich traditions, complex social structures, and significant contributions to history, challenging the notion of civilization as a linear progression.