Hi everybody, and welcome to the first episode of the Fall of Rome.

I'm your host, Patrick Weiman.

Thanks for joining me today.

Let's begin with a quotation from the Roman historian Amianus Marcellinus.

Under the leadership of Olivivus, the Goths took possession of the banks of the Danube,

and sending envoys to the Emperor of Valens with humble entry to be begged to be received,

promising that they would not only lead a peaceful life, but would also furnish auxiliary

troops if circumstances required.

While this was happening in foreign parts, terrifying rumors spread abroad that the

peoples of the North were storing up new and uncommonly great commotions that throughout

the entire region, which extends from the Marcomani and the Quadi to the Pontus, a savage

horde of unknown peoples driven from their abodes by sudden violence were roving about

the River Hister and scattered bands with their families.

In the beginning, this news was viewed with contempt by our people, because wars in those

districts were not ordinarily heard of by those living at a distance until they were

ended or at least quieted for a time.

But when the belief in what had taken place gained strength and was confirmed by the coming

of the foreign envoys, who begged with prayers and protestations that an exiled race might

be received on our side of the River, the affair caused more joy than fear, and experienced

flatters immoderately praised the good fortune of the Prince, which unexpectedly brought him

so many young recruits from the ends of the earth, that by the union of his own and

foreign forces, he would have an invincible army.

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