Who Sacked Rome in 476?

By Robert Palmer

Who Sacked Rome in 476?

The sack of Rome in 476 marked a significant turning point in history. This event is commonly associated with the fall of the Western Roman Empire.

However, it is important to note that the sack of Rome was not solely the work of one specific group or individual. Rather, it was a culmination of various factors and actions taken by different parties over time.

The Visigoths: Alaric and the First Sack

The Visigoths, led by their king Alaric, played a crucial role in the first sack of Rome in 410. Alaric and his army besieged the city for three days before looting it.

This event shocked the world as it was the first time in almost 800 years that Rome had been sacked by a foreign enemy.

The Vandals: Genseric and the Second Sack

The Vandals, under their king Genseric, were responsible for the second sack of Rome in 455. Genseric and his forces invaded Italy from North Africa and pillaged Rome for two weeks.

This sack further weakened the Western Roman Empire and demonstrated its vulnerability to external threats.

Odoacer and the Fall of Romulus Augustulus

In 476, Odoacer, a Germanic chieftain who had served in the Roman army, led a revolt against Romulus Augustulus, who was then serving as the Western Roman Emperor. Odoacer successfully deposed Romulus Augustulus and assumed control over Italy.

This event is often considered as marking the end of ancient Rome and the beginning of the Middle Ages in Europe.

Conclusion

The sack of Rome in 476 was a complex event with multiple contributing factors. It involved the Visigoths, Vandals, and Odoacer, all playing a significant role in the decline and fall of the Western Roman Empire.

This event serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of even the mightiest empires and the ever-changing dynamics of power throughout history.