James Baquet Many dates are given for the “Fall of the Roman Empire,” a determination complicated by the very definition of the word “fall.” But one inarguable blow to “the grandeur that was Rome” was when the Visigoths — under their king, Alaric — sacked the city on Aug. 24, 410. By that time, Rome was no longer the seat of the empire; the capital had moved first to Mediolanum (modern Milan) in 286, and then again to Ravenna in Italy’s northeast in 402, which remained the capital until the Western Roman Empire collapsed in 476. Nevertheless, the image of Rome as “the eternal city,” and the spiritual if not political seat of the empire, was tarnished beyond recognition when as many as 40,000 “barbarians” entered the city and carried away virtually all of its portable goods, as well as scattering the ashes of most of the late emperors. The relationship between Alaric and the empire is a complex one. At times, his virtues were recognized and even honored. The Eastern Roman government once named him “Master of Troops” — a top-level military post — for an area called Illyricum. At others, he was seen as the sworn enemy of the Western Emperor. In 408, Alaric led the Visigoths into Italy for a second time. The Greek historian Zosimus wrote that Alaric’s march through Italy “was unopposed and leisurely, as if they were going to a festival.” Rome at the time was home to perhaps 800,000 people, making it one of the world’s largest cities. Alaric laid siege to it then for the first of three times. Alaric withdrew from the first siege upon payment of a ransom. The Roman representatives had asked him on what terms he would withdraw. He asked for all of the city’s gold and silver, and all of their household goods, as well as the release of all of their barbarian slaves. What would be left to the Romans, one of the ambassadors asked? “Their lives,” said Alaric. The second time, Alaric was negotiating another settlement when he was ambushed by imperial troops. This so enraged him that, after instigating a third siege, he gained entry to the city and ordered its sack. A few months afterward, Alaric died of illness. Vocabulary: Which word or phrase above means: 1. casual, without hurry 2. robbing, plundering 3. complicated, not simple 4. stained, made unpleasant 5. without being acted against 6. splendor, impressiveness 7. decision 8. starting 9. certain, not open to debate 10. non-Roman person | 