Alaric I

Alaric I fought as a commander of Gothic auxiliaries for the Roman Empire at the Battle of Adrianople. The Roman army was decisively defeated by the Goths, leading to the death of Emperor Valens and a major shift in Roman military policy.

Alaric I led the Visigoths into Italy, seeking land and recognition from the Roman Empire. He defeated Roman forces at Pollentia and Verona, but was unable to secure a permanent settlement, leading to years of negotiation and conflict.

Alaric I led the Visigothic army in the sack of Rome. The city was plundered for three days, marking the first time Rome had been sacked in 800 years. The event shocked the Roman world and symbolized the decline of the Western Roman Empire.

Alaric I died suddenly in Cosenza, southern Italy, shortly after the sack of Rome. His death was attributed to fever. According to legend, his body was buried in the bed of the Busento River, with the river diverted and then restored to conceal the grave.