Radagaisus facts for kids
Radagaisus was a powerful Gothic king who led a huge army into Roman Italy around the years 405 and 406. He had different religious beliefs than the Christian Roman Empire. Radagaisus wanted to take over the city of Rome. However, he was stopped by a famous Roman general named Stilicho. Radagaisus was captured and executed after his defeat. Many of his fighters were forced to join the Roman army, and others were sold into slavery. These Goths later joined Alaric I in his conquest of Rome in 410.
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Radagaisus's Invasion of Italy
Radagaisus's army was very large. It probably had about 20,000 fighting men. Many of these fighters traveled with their families and other people who did not fight. This means the total group might have been as big as 100,000 people.
The March Through Europe
Radagaisus's early life is not well known. He came from an area west of the Carpathian Mountains, possibly fleeing from the Huns. He invaded Italy without going through the Balkans.
As his army marched, people buried their coins, showing they knew he was coming. His route likely went through parts of what are now Austria and Hungary. Some towns, like Flavia Solva and Aguntum, were destroyed by fire. Many people fled their homes as his army moved over the Alps. Some reports say that other Christian groups joined his forces.
Roman Response
The Western Roman Empire, led by General Stilicho, quickly gathered its forces. They brought together about 15,000 soldiers from Italy. More Roman troops were called back, possibly from the Rhine border.
The Romans also received help from other groups. Goths under Sarus and Huns under Uldin joined them. Another Gothic leader, Alaric I, did not get involved because of a treaty he had with the Romans.
Radagaisus's army moved freely through northern Italy for at least six months. This was while the Roman Empire was getting its army ready. Eventually, Radagaisus's forces reached the city of Florentia. They surrounded the city, trying to make it surrender. During this siege, many of Radagaisus's troops were killed.
Capture and Aftermath
Stilicho's army arrived just as Florentia was about to give up. The Roman attack was very successful. Radagaisus was forced to retreat into the hills near Fiesole, which was about 8 kilometers away.
There, Radagaisus left his followers and tried to escape. But the Romans captured him. Some historians believe that his own army might have rebelled, forcing him to try and flee. Radagaisus was executed on August 23, 406.
After his defeat, 12,000 of his best fighters were taken into the Roman army. Some of his remaining followers were sent away. So many others were sold into slavery that the price of slaves dropped for a short time.
See also
In Spanish: Radagaiso para niños
