Alaric the Visigoth
370–410Alaric the Visigoth was the first, but was by no means the worst, of the barbarian chieftains that overran Rome in the fifth century A.D. He was a Gothic prince, born into a tribe that had settled south of the Danube in Roman territory, with the understanding that they would help protect the border, and would provide troops when needed to fight in alliance with the Roman legions. Alaric's first campaign in Italy was in 394 A.D., while serving with the Visigoth army, under Emperor Theodosius. The experience opened Alaric's eyes to the weaknesses of the imperial defenses, and soon after he was declared King of the Visigoths.
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During this time there were innumerable intrigues and jealousies between the east and west. Both Honorius in the west, and Arcadius in the east were jealous of Stilicho's influence, and sought to undermine, rather then aid him in his wars against the barbarians. Eventually, Stilicho negotiated a permanent peace with Alaric, which required an outlay of 4000 pounds of gold. The Senate agreed to these terms, but the enemies of Stilicho accused him of treason, and had him executed in 408. Stilicho had been the one man who could stand up to the Visigoths, and when Alaric again marched on Italy, there was no one to resist him. His first blockade of Rome ended when the citizen's agreed to pay 2000 pounds in gold. Alaric retreated but continued negotiations with Honorius, who had moved his court to Ravenna. He hoped for some permanent recognition within the empire of his position, and some territory for his tribe. Honorius, however, was too weak-minded to deal firmly or fairly with him, so as no agreement could be reached, he besieged Rome again. He made terms with the Senate and withdrew a second time, but when these arrangement too broke down, he fell upon Rome for the third time, and this time, on August 34, 410 A.D., entered the city itself. It was the first time in 900 years that an enemy army had entered the Rome. The Visigoths showed considerable restraint in taking the city. Much damage was done, but the Goths professed to be Christians and spared not only the churches, but allowed many of the citizens to take refuge. Eventually they withdrew and prepared to cross over into Africa, but before they could secure a passage Alaric died suddenly of a fever. He was buried along with many of his most precious spoils in the bottom of a river bed.
After the death of Alaric, a Visigoth Kingdom was formed in southern Gaul, where they established their capital at Toulouse. During the fifth century, the Visigoth kingdom expanded to include much of Hispania, and declared after the collapse of the Western Empire. They were eventually defeated by the German Franks and driven out of Gaul, but Hispania remained in Visigoth control until it was overrun by the Saracens in 711.
Key events during the life of Alaric:
| Born into a tribe of Goths that had settled south of the Danube, in Roman territory. | |
| Served with the German troops that campaigned with Theodosius against Eugenius in Italy. | |
| Death of emperor Theodosius; troops composed of Goths and rebels chose Alaric as their leader. | |
| Alaric's Goths ravaged Greece. | |
| Driven into the mountains by Stilicho, but escaped. | |
| Due to some intrigues, Eastern Emperor made Alaric master general of Illyricum. | |
| Invaded Italy, but driven back by Stilicho the following year. | |
| After another defeat at Verona, Alaric and his Gothic hordes left Italy. | |
| Honorius moved court from Rome to Ravenna, recalled legions from Britain; Germans invaded Gaul. | |
| Stilicho negotiated a permanent peace with Alaric. | |
| Stilicho was assassinated for treason; Alaric besieged Rome, but was bribed to go away. | |
| Alaric blockaded Rome for a second time, but again drew back. | |
| After negotiations with Stilicho failed, Alaric invaded Rome, but spared churches and citizens. | |
| Alaric died and was buried with rich spoils in the bed of a river. |
Other Resources
| Alaric the Goth in | Stories from German History by Florence Aston |
| Three Deadly Blows in | Helmet and Spear by Alfred J. Church |
| Sieges of Rome in | The Story of the Romans by H. A. Guerber |
| Alaric the Visigoth in | Famous Men of the Middle Ages by John H. Haaren |
| Wanderings of the West-Goths in | The Story of the Middle Ages by Samuel B. Harding |
| Alaric the Bold in | Back Matter by books/horne/soldiers/_back.html |
| Alaric the Goth in | Barbarian and Noble by Marion Florence Lansing |
| Barbarians Invade the Roman Empire in | The Story of Europe by Henrietta Elizabeth Marshall |
| Downfall of Rome in | Historical Tales: Roman by Charles Morris |
| Armies of the North in | The Discovery of New Worlds by M. B. Synge |
| Alaric the Visogoth Besieges Rome in | European Hero Stories by Eva March Tappan |
Image Links | ||
|---|---|---|
 Alaric at Athens in Famous Men of the Middle Ages |
 The burial of Alaric in the bed of the river Busento at midnight in Famous Men of the Middle Ages |
 Alaric Receiving the Presents of the Athenians in Greatest Nations - Greece |
 The Burial of Alaric in Greatest Nations - Rome |
Alaric in Athens in Back Matter |
 Alaric the Goth in Barbarian and Noble |
 Alaric in Rome in Barbarian and Noble |
 Alaric's Burial in Barbarian and Noble |
 Alaric at Athens in European Hero Stories |
| Emperor excommunicated by Ambrose for massacre of civilians at Thessalonia. | |
| Roman general who fought off the Visigoths before they overran Rome. Murdered by Emperor Honorius. | |
| Honorius | Western Emperor during the Visigoth raids of Alaric. Moved capital to Ravenna. Murdered Stilicho. |
| Arcadius | Eastern emperor; appointed Alaric general of Illyricum after he invaded Greece. |
| Claudian | A poet who recorded the history of the lives of Stilicho and Alaric. |