Ancient Rome: The Rise and Fall of an Empire: The Fall of Rome

This is the story of how a weak emperor turned on his allies and brought about the collapse of the empire. In AD 410, the Goth hordes sacked Rome. This event, more than any other, symbolised imperial decline. Within 70 years, the western Empire - what people think of as Ancient Rome - was abandoned. Alaric, King of the Goths, was the leader of a refugee nation, driven across Rome's borders by the savage Huns. All he wanted was a homeland for his people and the Emperor Honorius seemed to offer it to him. But then Honorius's advisers persuaded him to break his promise. Who were these savages - these primitive beasts - to challenge the might of Rome? In fury, Alaric marched across Italy, surrounded the city and threatened to sack it. This, he believed, would force the Emperor to grant him land. Meanwhile, the people of Rome were cut off and starving, among them Honorius's own sister, Galla Placidia. This is a film about great battles, romance, honour and treachery. Part 6 of 6.