In the conventional story of Rome’s collapse, violent “barbarians” destroy “civilisation”. Yet from a different point of view, those stale generalities become a history shockingly alive and relevant.

Alaric grew up near the border that separated Gothic territory from the Romans. He survived the emperor’s decision to separate immigrant children from their parents. Later, he was denied citizenship despite his service in the army. The three nights of riots the Goths brought to the capital in ad 410—led by Alaric— struck fear into the hearts of the powerful but were not without cause. Through Alaric’s story, Douglas Boin reveals the Goths’ complex and fascinating legacy in shaping the history we thought we knew but had never imagined from their perspective.