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.
In October of that year Alaric crossed the Alps, advancing without
resistance until he reached Ravenna; after threatening Ravenna he
marched upon Rome and began the preparations that ended in the sack
of the city.
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