Page "Alaric I" Paragraph 25

The contemporary ecclesiastics recorded with wonder many instances of the Visigoths ' clemency: Christian churches saved from ravage ; protection granted to vast multitudes both of pagans and Christians who took refuge therein ; vessels of gold and silver which were found in a private dwelling, spared because they " belonged to St. Peter "; at least one case in which a beautiful Roman matron appealed, not in vain, to the better feelings of the Gothic soldier who attempted her dishonor.

But even these exceptional instances show that Rome was not entirely spared the horrors which usually accompany the storming of a besieged city.

Nonetheless, the written sources do not mention damages wrought by fire, save the Gardens of Sallust, which were situated close to the gate by which the Goths had made their entrance ; nor is there any reason to attribute any extensive destruction of the buildings of the city to Alaric and his followers.

The Basilica Aemilia in the Roman Forum did burn down, which perhaps can be attributed to Alaric: the archaeological evidence was provided by coins dating from 410 found melted in the floor.

The pagan emperors ' tombs of the Mausoleum of Augustus and Castel Sant ' Angelo were rifled and the ashes scattered.