During the 5th century, when the Barbarians threatened to smash the Western part of the Empire, the Church emerged as the only authority left to face the danger. Thanks to her the Latin language and culture were preserved. Moreover, Roman Law became one of the pillars of the new Christian civilization. Not only the Church baptized the Barbaric nations but transferred to them the science and culture that she then only possessed. She smoothed their customs and laws, inspired its literature, architecture and other arts. She made of them Christian nations.