The city of Rome was sacked by the Visigoths led by their king, Alaric, on August 24, 410 AD. This event marked the first time in nearly 800 years that Rome had fallen to a foreign enemy and was a significant milestone in the decline of the Western Roman Empire
. Alaric and his Visigothic forces entered Rome through the Salarian Gate and pillaged the city for three days. While they plundered many of the city's treasures and buildings, they spared major Christian basilicas such as those connected to Saints Peter and Paul. The sack was less destructive than some later accounts suggested but still deeply shocked the Roman world
. This sack followed failed negotiations with the Roman Emperor Honorius, who refused Alaric’s demands for land, gold, and a military position. The death of the Roman general Stilicho, who had previously managed to keep the Visigoths at bay, weakened Rome's defenses and contributed to the sack
. In summary, Rome was sacked by the Visigoths under King Alaric in 410 AD, an event symbolizing the waning power of the Western Roman Empire
