I don't know much about Late Roman period, but I'll subscribe to this since you don't get surviving Western Roman Empire done well all too often.
WTF with the obsession with racial purity on the part of the aristocracy in the 5th Century?
I just can't understand why the wealthy aristocracy of Roman Empire after seeing the Empire brought to its height by Spanish Provincial Emperors in the 2nd Century, saved from extinction by Illyrian Provincial Emperors in the 3rd Century would suddenly pick this dire time to become obsessed with racial purity so as to deny ethnically German but culturally Roman leaders, STILICHO to be exact, the highest office and force them to rule from behind a screen. Maybe in an ATL like this the Empire embraces this new infusion of Germanic vigor and instead of antagonists we see the likes of Emperor Stilicho, Emperor Aetius, and eventually Roman Emperor/King of the Goths Theodosius son of Galla Placidia and Atalf. A line of German Emperors that "Revived the Roman name".
Hell we mighta seen the likes of Magister Militum Alaric and Magister Militum Gensaric! Imagine the benefits of the Visigoths and the Vandals as loyal auxiliaries and legionaires rather than barbarian laeti!
Hero of Canton
b) You also have a religious issue as most of the Germans were Arian in belief or pagan while the ruling elite [at least] in the west were stoutly Catholic Christian. The rule of Julian and then Arbogast's attempted rebellion might have heighten concerns about the certainty of Christianities dominance. I know at least some of the bloody clashes in Theodosius's time were due to religious disputes.
Steve
I don't know much about Late Roman period, but I'll subscribe to this since you don't get surviving Western Roman Empire done well all too often.
Indeed. But what's to say there aren't contingency plans for that?For someone who's relatively new to this, it's good. Honorius will probably find a means to break hold of Sarus and Flavius Constantius' influence somewhere down the road. He did have Stilicho executed.
I don't know much about Late Roman period, but I'll subscribe to this since you don't get surviving Western Roman Empire done well all too often.
Hmm, interesting thing with Sarus. OTL, after Olympiodorus fell from favor, Sarus filled the power vacuum for control over Honorius, and his anti-Alaric policy was even worse than Olympiodorus' because it was directly aimed against Alaric instead of Germanic barbarians in general, before he fell out of favor due to constant complaining over how he was being treated, and was eventually killed by Athaulf.
It's good to see here that Sarus is doing better-I've always had a soft spot for him second to Stilicho.\
Thanks guys!Yes, it looks good so far.
Thanks! And I will. You'll see another Gaul map to help visualize the situation.I like what I've read so far, it's nice to see a WRE timeline that doesn't go into Wank mode too quickly. Keep up the good work, and remember to use maps! They help readers visualize things.
Alaric's Goths aren't likely to side with the Romans because of the Roman govts increasing hostility to the Goths (especially their leaders).If Alaric dies, it will be interesting to see who fills the Gothic power vacuum if Alaric bites the dust: Sarus and Athaulf are the two likeliest candidates I think: Both are from rival families though. I think now would be a good time for Constantius to maybe support Sarus as ruler of Alaric's goths if Alaric were to die because it's a win win: He knows Sarus is a loyal ally; it leaves him as sole de facto ruler of the western empire; he can easily come to a settlement agreement with Sarus and the Goths.
Alternatively, he can still reach out to Alaric, but Alaric doesn't seem to be in a strong position to negotiate, and I doubt he'll settle for something like being pushed back into the Balkans.
You're mostly correct. Constantine won't become the Emperor and Alaric will try to rally as soon as he hears of the incoming Roman army.Given that he has apparently gone down in history as 'the Pretender', it looks like he wont succeed to the purple and become Constantine iv.
Im guessing Alaric forges a force of barbarians in southern Gaul and theres an epic clash between them and the pretender, probably gutting both forces and freeing Italia from immediate (external) danger. Although you do seem to be foreshadowing a usurpation by Sarus.
I am going to start the Sarus fan club. He's tough, a goth-Roman, and has some nice wit.