Rome was attacked by the Visigoths, led by their king Alaric, in 410 AD. This significant event marked the first time in almost eight centuries that the city of Rome had been sacked by an enemy.
The Visigothic Sack of Rome in 410 AD
The city of Rome experienced a pivotal attack in 410 AD when it was sacked by the Visigoths, a powerful Germanic people. This historic event was orchestrated by their formidable leader, King Alaric.
The three-day sack of the city, which began on August 24, 410 AD, concluded on August 27, 410 AD. At the time, Rome was the capital of the Western Roman Empire and is now the capital of Italy.
Key Figures and Context
- Alaric: The leader of the Visigoths, he played a crucial role in the decline of the Western Roman Empire through his military campaigns, culminating in the sack of Rome.
- The Visigoths: Originating from Eastern Europe, the Visigoths were a Germanic people known for their military strength and their migrations across the Roman Empire's borders. Their continuous pressure on the empire was a significant factor leading to the sack.
The sack of Rome by Alaric and the Visigoths is often cited as a symbolic turning point, signaling the vulnerability and eventual decline of the Western Roman Empire.
Event Summary
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Attacking Force | Visigoths |
| Leader | King Alaric |
| Date of Attack | August 24–27, 410 AD |
| Duration | Three days |
| Location | Rome, the capital of the Western Roman Empire |
| Visigoths' Origin | Germanic people from Eastern Europe |
For more detailed information regarding this historic event, further resources are available on the Sack of Rome.
