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The article deals with the complex topic of the attack of a huge barbarian army led by the Goth Radagaisus against Italy in 405–406. For the first time, these events are considered in the context of the relationship between Radagaisus and Alaric and Alaric and Stilicho. Based on a thorough analysis of the sources, the author proposes a new concept of Radagaisus' attack on the Western Roman Empire, in which Alaric's activities play a key role. According to the author, Alaric was involved in organizing a series of barbarian attacks on the territory of the empire, which distracted the Romans from the place of the main breakthrough of Radagaisus’ army. At the same time, Alaric himself neither openly entered into conflict nor attacked Italy, as he did in 401-402. Most likely, the anti-Roman activities of Alaric then started to take place secretly from the Romans. Allied relations with Stilicho reliably disguised them. It is also obvious that it was Alaric, with all his help to Radagaisus, who contributed to his defeat, since he could not allow the victory of the new Gothic leader over the Romans. Such a victory for Radagaisus would have brought defeat to Alaric himself, who claimed to be the Gothic king. In all likelihood, this was precisely the new tactic. It brought the Gothic ruler serious success, since it was he who managed to get the maximum benefit from these events. Firstly, Alaric managed to remain the only real contender among the Goths for the title of Rex Gothorum. Secondly, he was appointed to the high position of magister militum once again, which, among other things, increased his status among his fellow tribesmen. Thirdly, the increase in the number of Goths in the Roman army strengthened the Gothic ruler in the first place. In a critical situation, such warriors could easily go under the command of Alaric, quickly raising the combat effectiveness of his army.
Keywords:the Roman Empire, Italy, Stilicho, Alaric, Radagaisus, the Goths, the Huns.
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