nto the Roman way of life. He was a Christian. He led a war band of Goths and other non-Roman troops who served within the Roman army. Indeed, throughout his career he seemed to covet nothing so much as a legitimate place within the Roman political and military world. Nevertheless, in around 395 he broke off friendly relations with Rome’s leaders and had himself elected king of a Gothic coalition now known as the Visigoths. This gave him a military following numbering in the tens of thousands. Twice, in 401–2 and 403, Alaric used it to invade Italy. On both occasions he was bested by Stilicho, who triumphed over the Visigoths in battles at Pollenza (Pollentia) and Verona. “Learn, presu
Powers and Thrones
Dan Jones