Alaric I (circa 370-410 AD) was a prominent king of the Visigoths, a Germanic tribe that played a major role in the decline of the Western Roman Empire during its final years.

Early Years

Born around 370 AD, Alaric belonged to the noble Balti dynasty of the Tervingian Goths.

The Goths, initially settled as foederati (allied troops) within the Roman Empire’s borders, faced mistreatment and local famines which led to tensions.

First Gothic War (395-398 AD)

Upon becoming the leader of the Visigoths, Alaric began his campaigns against the Eastern Roman Empire. His main aim was to negotiate a better settlement for his people.

He led several raids into the Balkans and Greece.

Rome’s Internal Strife

During Alaric’s time, the Roman Empire was divided into Eastern and Western halves. The Western half, especially, was plagued by internal strife, weak leadership, and financial troubles.

Sieges of Rome

In 408 AD, Alaric and his Visigoths marched on Rome, laying siege to the city. Although they didn’t sack the city then, they managed to exact a ransom for leaving the city untouched.

Alaric besieged Rome again in 409 AD, installing a puppet emperor, Priscus Attalus, in an attempt to gain a higher bargaining position against the Western Roman Emperor, Honorius.

The failure of negotiations with Honorius eventually led Alaric to sack Rome in 410 AD. This was the first time in 800 years that Rome had fallen to a foreign enemy. The sack was relatively mild for its time, with many of Rome’s buildings and its Christian population largely spared. However, the event symbolized the decline of the once-mighty Roman Empire.

How did Alaric die?

After the sack of Rome, Alaric intended to move into Southern Italy, with aspirations perhaps to cross into Africa, a major grain-producing province for Rome. However, he died in 410 AD in Cosenza, Southern Italy.

Where was he buried?

Legend has it that he was buried under the riverbed of the Busento River, with the waters temporarily diverted to allow for the burial, and then returned to their course, ensuring that his final resting place remained a secret.

What is he best known for?

Alaric’s campaigns and the sack of Rome marked significant events in the decline of the Western Roman Empire. He wasn’t just a conqueror; his actions were largely driven by the desire for a homeland for his people and their mistreatment by the Romans.

Burial of Alaric, King of the Visigoths