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Visigoths Sack Rome — Reading Comprehension

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This educational history reading passage explores the 410 CE sack of Rome by Alaric and the Visigoths, highlighting its causes, events, and symbolic importance for the decline of the Western Roman Empire. Students will analyze primary sources, examine cause-and-effect relationships, and understand the broader impact of the event on European history. The passage is aligned with CA HSS 6.7.7 and CCSS RH.6-8.1-4 standards, and includes a glossary, multiple-choice quiz, differentiated reading versions, and Spanish translations. Graphic organizers and a timeline help students visualize key developments, while the included read aloud audio and vocabulary support all learners. This resource provides rigorous, accessible content for world history classrooms.

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"Alarico II, rey de los Visigodos (Museo del Prado)" by Carlos Esquivel y Rivas / Wikimedia Commons.

In the year 410 CE, the city of Rome was invaded and sacked by the Visigoths, a Germanic people led by their king, Alaric. For hundreds of years, Rome had been the capital of a vast empire and was considered nearly invincible. The sack of Rome marked one of the most dramatic turning points in world history and signaled the weakening of the Western Roman Empire.

The Visigoths had been living on the edges of the Roman Empire for decades. Pressured by the Huns, a powerful group from Central Asia, the Visigoths sought safety inside Roman borders. However, the Romans often treated them harshly and with suspicion. According to the historian Zosimus, the Visigoths were sometimes forced to sell their children into slavery just to survive. Tensions grew until the Visigoths, under Alaric, rebelled against Roman authority and began to march towards Italy.

By 408 CE, Alaric and his army surrounded Rome, demanding gold, silver, and freedom for their people. Despite negotiations, the Roman Senate could not meet Alaric's demands, and after several failed agreements, Alaric's patience ran out. On August 24, 410 CE, the Visigoths entered Rome through the Salarian Gate, which was possibly opened by slaves. For three days, the city was looted. Ancient sources like St. Jerome describe the terror and shock felt across the Roman world. However, some churches, such as St. Peter’s Basilica, were spared, showing a degree of respect for Christian sites. The sack was not complete destruction but still devastated the city and its people.

The impact of the sack was enormous. It was the first time in nearly 800 years that Rome had fallen to a foreign enemy. The event shattered the image of Rome’s invulnerability and signaled that the Western Roman Empire was in serious decline. Many Romans fled the city, and the social hierarchy was disrupted as rich and poor alike suffered from violence and loss. Archaeological evidence, such as layers of destruction in the city's buildings, confirms the widespread damage. The sack also inspired later writers, including St. Augustine, who wrote "The City of God" to explain why such a disaster had happened to the Christian capital of the world.

The sack of Rome by the Visigoths was a turning point in the transition from the ancient world to the Middle Ages. It showed how internal conflict, pressure from outside groups, and political weakness could bring down even the greatest empires. This event connects to broader themes of change, migration, and the fall of civilizations that are important throughout world history.

Interesting Fact: After sacking Rome, Alaric and his followers left the city and soon traveled south, but Alaric died later that year and was reportedly buried with treasure in a riverbed, which has never been found.

Who led the Visigoths in 410 CE?

AlaricAttilaAugustusJulius Caesar

What city did the Visigoths sack?

AthensConstantinopleRomeCarthage

In what year did Rome fall to the Visigoths?

476 CE410 CE313 CE500 CE

Why did the Visigoths enter Roman lands?

To tradeTo escape the HunsTo build citiesBecause they were invited

What was spared by the Visigoths?

The whole cityChristian sitesAll templesThe Senate

What effect did the sack have?

Strengthened RomeStarted a war with the HunsShowed Rome was weakMade the empire richer