This historically important group drifted west in late fourth century CE, crossing the lower Volga River in 374 CE and the Don River by 375 CE under their leader Balamir. They first defeated the Alans, then the Ostrogoths. Next, the Visigoths ran for their lives, crossed the Danube River and invaded Roman territory. Following that, the Huns invaded Pannonia and subjugated Gepidae.