Page "Alaric I" Paragraph 12

The armies of the eastern empire were occupied with Hunnic incursions in Asia Minor and Syria.

Instead, Rufinus attempted to negotiate with Alaric in person, which only aroused suspicions in Constantinople that Rufinius was in league with the Goths.

Stilicho now marched east against Alaric.

According to Claudian, Stilicho was in a position to destroy the Goths when he was ordered by Arcadius to leave Illyricum.

Soon after, Rufinus ' own soldiers hacked him to death.

Power in Constantinople now passed to the eunuch Chamberlain Eutropius.