Fall of Rome

Today is the 1,600th anniversary of the sacking of Rome by the Visigoths under the leadership of Alaric, a Bulgarian born commander in the armies of Emperor Theodosius, ending a civilisation unequalled in Europe until Ottoman Constantinople in the 17th century.

That same year the last Roman legion left Britain, plunging it into the Dark Ages.

Alaric, who was a Christian, was later killed trying to invade Africa and is buried near Cosenza.