The Formation of the Visigoths and Political Maneuvering

Key Figures

• Stilicho: Roman general involved in recruiting Gothic forces and political strategy.
• Alaric: Leader of the Goths, sought strategic alliances and legal recognition within the Roman Empire.
• Honorius: Roman Emperor, involved in complex relations with Stilicho and Alaric.
• Olympius: Took power after Stilicho, opposed compromise with the Goths.
• Athaulf: Alaric’s brother-in-law, succeeded him as leader.

Political and Military Strategies

• Stilicho's Recruitment:

  • Aimed to recruit Goths into the Roman military forces.
  • Proposed Alaric to lead military expeditions against other Roman threats.
  • Attempted to expand the Western Roman military by incorporating Gothic forces.

• Alaric’s Moves:

  • Initially stationed in Epirus, received payment demands due to delayed compensation.
  • Moved to Italy demanding back-pay, leading to tensions with Honorius.
  • Alaric’s forces strengthened after Stilicho's death, gaining deserters from Roman auxiliaries.

The Sack of Rome

• Stilicho’s fall and change of regime led to mass desertion to Alaric.
• Alaric used Rome as leverage for negotiations with Honorius but faced repeated setbacks.
• Despite military dominance, sought legal recognition within the Empire.
• Sacked Rome in 410 as a strategic move, not out of conquest desire.

Gothic Demands and Negotiations

• Alaric’s Objectives:

  • Sought official recognition and settlement within the Empire.
  • Desired a generalship, annual gold subsidies, and land allocation.

• Land and Sustenance:

  • Debated whether Alaric’s demands were for billeting or agricultural land.
  • Corn supplies were likely intended as military compensation rather than full sustenance.

Alaric’s Final Years and Legacy

• Failed Campaigns and Death:

  • Alaric died after a failed campaign towards Sicily.
  • Athaulf succeeded Alaric, continuing policies of integration and negotiation.

• Athaulf's Reign:

  • Advocated for integration into the Empire, marrying Galla Placidia to solidify ties.
  • Supported and then opposed a usurper, aiming for a stable accord with Rome.

Conclusion

• Alaric’s efforts demonstrated a shift from invasion to legal integration within the Roman system.
• The sacking of Rome highlighted the complex dynamics between the Goths and the Roman Empire, emphasizing negotiation over conquest.