living in virtual independence. They continued to increase in
numbers and in power, and in A.D. 395, under Alaric, their King,
they invaded Greece, but were compelled by Stilicho, in 397, to
retire into Epirus. Stilicho was the commander-in-chief of the
Roman army, and the guardian of the young emperor Honorius. Alaric
soon afterward became commander-in-chief of the Roman forces in
Eastern Illyricum and held that office for four years. During that
time he remained quiet, arming and drilling his followers, and
waiting for the opportunity to make a bold stroke for a wider and
more secure dominion.

In the autumn of A.D. 400, while Stilicho was campaigning in Gaul,
Alaric made his first invasion of Italy, and for more than a year
he ranged at will over the northern part of the peninsula. Rome was
made ready for defence, and Honorius, the weak Emperor of the
Western Empire, prepared for flight into Gaul; but on March 19th of
the year 402, Stilicho surprised the camp of Alaric, near
Pollentia, while most of his followers were at worship, and after a
desperate battle they were beaten. Alaric made a safe retreat, and
soon afterward crossed the Po, intending to march against Rome, but
desertions from his ranks caused him to abandon that purpose. In
403 he was overtaken and again defeated by Stilicho at Verona,
Alaric himself barely escaping capture. Stilicho, however,
permitted him--some historians say, bribed him--to withdraw to
Illyricum, and he was made prefect of Western Illyricum by
Honorius. Such is the prelude, followed in history by the amazing
exploits of Alaric's second invasion of Italy.

His troops having revolted at Pavia, Stilicho fled to Ravenna,
where the ungrateful Emperor had him put to death August 23, 408.