Scholars trace the origin of the city proper to sometime between the fifth and the seventh centuries C.E., when successive waves of barbarians swept down from the north, burning and pillaging the communities on the mainland.
Uurijad peavad linna asustamise ajaks 5. – 7. sajandit, mil põhjast saabus lainetena barbareid, kes maismaa - asumeid põletasid ja rüüstasid.