The Five Sackings of Ancient Rome

The barbarians first sacked Rome at the beginning of Roman history. This event is mainly known from the writings of the 1st-century BC Roman author Marcus Terentius Varro. Invading the Apennine Peninsula from the north, Gallic tribes led by their leader Brennus attacked the Etruscans. The Etruscans sought help from the Romans, after which the Gauls began war with Rome. The Roman army suffered a terrible defeat in the Battle of the Allia on July 18, 390 BC. The fleeing Roman forces failed to close the city gates in time, allowing the Gauls to occupy the city without resistance. The population of Rome managed to take refuge on the Capitoline Hill and was forced to remain there while the barbarians pillaged the city. Afterward, the Romans had to pay a huge ransom for the Gauls to leave Roman lands.

After this incident, the city was fortified with solid walls, and the army was reformed. Rome then began to conquer other cities and entire countries. The barbarians managed to sack Rome for the second time only eight centuries later. This time, the Visigoths, led by King Alaric, invaded Italy. Alaric’s forces besieged the capital of the Western Roman Empire twice. The first time, Alaric lifted the siege in exchange for a ransom. The second time, after lengthy negotiations, the Romans agreed to recognize the Visigoth’s puppet emperor, Priscus Attalus, and Alaric received the position of…