A Night of Terror in the Eternal City
On August 24, 410, Roman princess Galla Placidia roamed the Palatine Hill as the Visigoths, led by King Alaric, surrounded Rome. At midnight, the Goths breached the city’s gates. The streets filled with chaos, fire, and despair as the “invincible” Rome faced its first sacking in centuries.
Captured by the Visigoths
As the city fell, Placidia, the sister of Emperor Honorius, was taken captive by the Goths. For four years, she traveled with them across Europe, adjusting to the Visigothic lifestyle and forging a bond with her captor, Athaulf. She eventually married him, uniting her Roman heritage with the Visigothic kingdom.
Return to Rome’s Throne
After Athaulf’s death, Placidia was returned to the Roman Empire, where she married the powerful general Constantius III. Together, they had a son, Valentinian III, who would later become emperor. As regent, Placidia ruled the Western Roman Empire with unwavering control.
On August 24, 410, Roman princess Galla Placidia roamed the Palatine Hill as the Visigoths, led by King Alaric, surrounded Rome. At midnight, the Goths breached the city’s gates. The streets filled with chaos, fire, and despair as the “invincible” Rome faced its first sacking in… pic.twitter.com/RU2rWAcwar
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