The crossing of the Vandals and Alans into Hispania marks a defining moment in the early 5th century, illustrating the great movements of peoples during this period of upheaval in the Roman Empire. Facing mounting pressures from various fronts, the Roman Empire was experiencing a gradual decline, which saw various tribes exploring the possibilities of migration and settlement into parts of the Empire, including the Iberian Peninsula. The Vandals and Alans, two distinct groups, sought refuge and resources, inducing a wave of reactions among local Roman officials who strained to mount an effective defense against these new incursions.

The Vandals, known for their warrior culture and skilled mobility, combined forces with the Alans, a group of Iranian origin known for their horsemanship. As they crossed the Pyrenees, the groups inflicted significant disruption, engaging in looting and occasional skirmishes with local troops. The geography of Hispania proved advantageous to the invaders, allowing them to evade the disorganized attempts of Roman forces to repel them. The combination of tribal solidarity and the observed Roman decadence contributed to a climactic shift as these groups prepared to establish footholds and exert control in the region.

Over the years that followed, the presence of Vandals and Alans led to changes in local power dynamics, foreshadowing further invasions and the eventual establishment of Vandal kingdoms in North Africa. This incursion set a precedent for subsequent migrations and invasions, as it underscored the vulnerability of the Roman Empire during its later years, inviting additional waves of migration and settlement that would redefine the sociopolitical landscape of Western Europe.