Un capitolo perduto della vita di Alarico: il “vacuum alariciano” 398-400 d.C.

The aim of this paper is to analyze a relatively unexplored period in the biography of the Gothic leader Alaric, the years between 398 and 400. After a brief overview to the historical context, the first part engages the historiographical debate surrounding a passage from Sinesio’s De Regno (Syn. De Reg. 20) and the identification of the subject of this part of the text. The second part proposes an analysis of Alaric’s temporary absence from the sources during this period, emphasizing some remarkable aspects of the integration of barbarian generals into the government of Constantinople at the beginning of the 5th century, underlining some features of Alaric’s political position. The third and final segment explores the network of connections that Alaric may have developed during his tenure as magister militum for Illyricum, highlighting how some relationships may have played a role in his non-participation in the Gainas revolt.