IOTL, Alaric was preparing to cross into Africa with the Visigoths when a storm
wrecked their fleet. He died shortly after.
But what if there is no storm? Could the Visigoths have taken Africa? What effect would this have on the Empire, which was dealing with the invasion of the Alans, Vandals and Suevi in Gaul, as well as the usurpation of Constantine III, who was based in Arles?
I did a quick search on the forums, and found that this hasn't been discussed before as far as I can tell. I'm surprised, considering the amount of late Roman PODs around...
My quick thoughts:
- Alaric could probably take Africa.
- He would probably withold grain from Rome to force Honorius to grant him a senior military post, which was his lifelong ambition.
- Rome will be devastated and I expect Constantine III will become emperor rather quickly. I have no idea how effective he would be, but I doubt he would be as good as Constantius III...
- At any rate, this would be a devastating blow to the empire, surely hastening it's collapse.
- The Eastern Empire will probably be coming to the West's rescue, although they might be too busy with the Huns...
Well, those are my ideas. I'm probably wrong. What does everyone else think of this scenario?