Sarus the Goth facts for kids

Sarus (died 413 AD) was a brave and skilled Gothic leader. He became a commander for the Roman Emperor Honorius. Sarus was known for not getting along with the powerful Gothic brothers-in-law, Alaric I and Athaulf. He was also the brother of Sigeric, who briefly ruled the Goths in 415.

Sarus's Early Military Actions

We don't know much about Sarus's life before 406 AD. That year, he led a group of Gothic soldiers, who were allies of the Roman Empire, against an invasion of Italy. The invader was Radagaisus, and Roman and allied troops eventually defeated him at the Battle of Faesulae.

In 407, Sarus was sent to fight against Constantine III, who had declared himself emperor in Britain. Sarus first defeated and killed one of Constantine's generals, Iustinianus. Then, he tricked and killed another general named Nebiogastes. Sarus then tried to capture Constantine himself in Valentia. However, Sarus had to retreat to Italy when Constantine's new generals, Edobichus and Gerontius, arrived. Sarus had to give up all his treasures to some local rebels to get safe passage over the Alps mountains.

Sarus and Emperor Honorius

In 408, Sarus was leading a group of barbarian soldiers in Ravenna. At this time, a powerful Roman general named Stilicho tried to stop Emperor Honorius from traveling to Ravenna. Stilicho convinced Sarus to cause trouble. Later, when Stilicho was accused of being a traitor, Sarus was upset that Stilicho didn't fight back. Sarus even fought through Stilicho's bodyguards to complain.

After Stilicho's downfall in 408, Sarus was suggested as the best person to become the supreme commander of the army. However, Emperor Honorius refused to give him the promotion. It's possible that Sarus's dislike for Honorius started around this time.

Sarus and the Goths

In 410, Sarus was living independently in a region called Picenum. Athaulf, who was on his way to join his brother-in-law Alaric I, decided to attack Sarus. Sarus, with only about 300 men, knew he couldn't win against the larger Gothic army. So, he fled to Emperor Honorius for safety.

Later that same year, while Alaric was trying to make a deal with Honorius near Ravenna, Sarus attacked Alaric. Sarus seemed to do this on his own. This attack made Alaric give up on talking and instead, he decided to sack the city of Rome on August 24.

Sarus's Final Battle and Legacy

Sarus continued to serve the Emperor for the next two years. However, he became angry with Honorius because the Emperor did not investigate the murder of Sarus's servant. In 412, another person, Jovinus, tried to become emperor from Northern Gaul. At first, Jovinus was supported by Ataulf. Sarus decided to join Jovinus.

Sarus had only 28 men with him, but Ataulf gathered a force of 10,000 to ambush him. Even with so few men, Sarus fought with amazing bravery. He was very difficult to capture alive and was killed shortly after.

Sarus's actions continued to have an impact even after his death. Ataulf made a mistake by hiring one of Sarus's former followers. This man waited until Ataulf was alone in his stable and killed him in September 415. Sarus's brother, Sigeric, then ruled the Goths for only seven days before Wallia killed him and became king.

Sarus was active for only six years during a very confusing time in history. Yet, he was an important figure in many events. People at the time described him as "a brave and unbeatable warrior" with "marvellous heroism." They said he "excelled all the other allies in power and rank" and had "courage" and "experience in warfare."

See also

In Spanish: Saro (visigodo) para niños