Day of the Barbarian

Fleeing the incursions of the roving Huns, the Goths come to the Danube, the border of the Roman Empire, and ask if they might immigrate.

Rome is always looking for more laborers and soldiers to fill the ranks of its armies so it agrees to let them across the river, and even promises food and land.

However, when the Goths get across the river they find that food is in very short supply. It seems that Roman officials were quite corrupt, and the generals in charge of the immigration found that it was more profitable to keep the food that was shipped for the Goths and then sell it to them at exorbitant prices.

Well, hungry barbarians are dangerous barbarians, and it isn't long before the famished Goths revolt against their Roman escorts and began looting, pillaging, and raping. Most of Rome's soldiers are at the borders and they find themselves woefully unprepared for this savage horde roaming in their midst.

Day of the Barbarian recounts what happened and the events of the Battle of Adrianople. Author, Allesdandro Barbero, makes a case that this event was the beginning of the end for Rome, which fell approximately 100 years later. At first I wasn't convinced, but the more I think about it the more I see his point.

Whether or not you agree with the premise, Day of the Barbarian makes for a fascinating glimpse into the past.