The Barbarian Invasion of Rome

Rome’s weakest point in history

The “barbarian” raids of Rome were carried out by Germanic tribes (source: Wikimedia Commons)

In 375, an unprecedented movement of populations takes place in Europe, largely caused by the great invasion of the Huns, who, according to sources, were measuring everything in their path. The Visigoths led by Fritigern and Alaviv demanded the right to refuge in the empire for fear of the travelers. A year later, because of the abuses committed by the Romans, the Visigoths revolted and devastated the Balkans. How did these seizures end? With a disaster for the Romans, since in Adrianopol, in 378, the emperor Valens of the East falls in the fight against the Goths. In 382, ​​however, Theodosius I concluded a treaty (foedus) with rebellions.

What did this treaty provide? The Visigoths gained autonomy within the empire, as federates of the Roman empire. They had to support the Romanians in this regard, and their appetites were given positions under the Roman commanders. At first glance it seems a reasonable system, considering the turbulent situation of the late Roman Empire, but barbarians are not exactly a solid basis of loyalty.

Who was Alaric?

In 391, he appears on the political scene as a character who will prove important, namely Alaric, the son of Alaviv, who had organized a raid in Greece. Although the source presents him as an evil character or…