Late Roman Empire, Valentinian-Theodosian Dynasty (364-455), 75*Honorius: Alaric’s First Invasion of Italy (401-403) [1/2]

In 401 while Stilicho was occupied in Noricum and Raetia dealing with Vandal/Alani invaders from Pannonia, Alaric led his Visigoth army from Thessalonica, through Pannonia and across the Julian Alps in October. He laid siege to Aquileia, at the head of the Adriatic, and continued westwards along the Po River to the imperial capital Mediolanum (=Milan). This event led to Honorius, resident in the city, to later transfer his capital to Ravenna (402). He now fled westwards, his escape route to Gaul cut off by the Gothic cavalry, to the city of Hasta (=Asti), which the Visigoths now put under siege.

In winter 401/2 Stilicho crossed the Alps and raised forces from the loyal Germans, and ordered the Roman garrisons along the Rhine and in Gaul to march to northern Italy. In March 402 Stilicho forced the Adda River, compelling Alaric to resume his westward march. Troops from the Rhine and Britain were now approaching, threatening to catch the Goths in a pincer movement. Alaric pitched his camp near Pollentia (=Pollenzo), where Stilicho handed over the command of his troops to the Alani chieftain Saul, who launched a surprise attack on 6 April. The result was a draw. Alaric suffered great losses but was able to withdraw eastwards, but for unknown reasons he stopped at Verona in 402. Stilicho struck at him with great force and handed him his worst defeat but having retained the core of his tribe Alaric was able to withdraw unopposed across the Alps. By 403 he and his army were back in the western Balkans where they remained a minor threat.