Stilicho and the Defence of the Western Roman Empire

After the death of Theodosius I, Stilicho became the dominant commander in the West and guardian of the young emperor Honorius. He campaigned against Alaric’s Goths, defeated the invasion of Radagaisus and attempted to manage the competing military demands of Italy, the Rhine and the Balkans.

His position was complicated by rivalry with the eastern court, shortages of troops and the need to bargain with groups that could be enemies, allies or recruits. The crossing of the Rhine in 406 and the usurpation of Constantine III intensified the crisis.

In 408 Stilicho was arrested and executed after a court coup. The destruction of his command network was followed by attacks on federate families and the rapid escalation of Alaric’s war, contributing directly to the conditions that produced the sack of Rome in 410.