In 410 AD, Visigoth King Alaric led his forces into Rome and took vast amounts of wealth from the heart of the empire.
Historical accounts suggest that Alaric may have buried this treasure, often called the “barbarian booty,” with himself in southern Italy.
Many believe his final resting place remains hidden near Cosenza, along with the plundered riches of the Roman Empire.
The story blends history, legend, and mystery.
Alaric’s sudden death during his campaign in Italy led to a secretive burial, where his followers reportedly diverted a river to conceal his tomb.
Modern explorers, including Expedition Unknown’s Josh Gates, have traced the trail from Rome to Calabria in hopes of uncovering the truth.
This search is more than a hunt for gold.
It is a journey into a pivotal moment in history and raises questions about the fall of Rome, the fate of its treasures, and the enduring pull of lost relics that still capture imaginations over 1,600 years later.
The Legend of the Barbarian Booty
In 410 AD, King Alaric and the Visigoths captured Rome and took large amounts of wealth.
These plundered riches, sometimes called the barbarian booty, may have been hidden with Alaric after his death in southern Italy.
The story mixes recorded history with enduring mystery.
Origins of the Treasure
The Roman Empire gathered gold, silver, and valuable artifacts over centuries.
When the Visigoths sacked Rome, they seized items from temples, palaces, and private estates.
Historical reports say the loot included religious relics, fine jewelry, and coin hoards.
The Visigoth army carried these portable goods south.
After leaving Rome, Alaric’s forces moved toward Campania and Calabria.
In 410 AD, Alaric died near Cosenza.
Local accounts say his men buried him in a riverbed along with the treasure to keep it hidden from enemies.
The exact burial site remains unknown.
The river’s course may have changed over time, making the search difficult even with modern technology.
Historical Accounts of the Plunder
Historians like Procopius and Jordanes described the sack of Rome as a turning point for the Western Roman Empire.
They noted that the Visigoths took treasures from public buildings and sacred sites.
One often-mentioned item is the treasure of the Temple of Jerusalem, which Romans brought to Rome centuries earlier.
If true, this would make the hoard even more significant.
Some accounts say the loot was transported in wagons through southern Italy.
Others suggest the Visigoth warriors divided it, with the largest share reserved for Alaric.
Modern explorers, including those in Expedition Unknown’s episode on Italy’s Barbarian Booty, have retraced these routes to piece together the event’s timeline.
Legacy of the Looted Riches
The legend of the barbarian booty shapes local folklore and drives archaeological interest in Calabria.
Towns near Cosenza tell stories of gold buried beneath rivers and hills.
The supposed river burial has inspired several excavation attempts.
No one has confirmed the treasure’s existence, but each search adds new information about the area’s history.
For historians, the tale reflects the decline of the Roman Empire and the shifting power in Europe.
For treasure hunters, it remains one of the world’s most sought-after lost hoards.
The mix of documented history and unanswered questions keeps the mystery alive.
Who Was Visigoth King Alaric?
Alaric I led the Visigoths during the late Roman Empire.
He is remembered for his military campaigns in Italy, his capture of Rome, and the mystery surrounding his burial.
Rise to Power
Alaric was born around 370 AD, likely on the island of Peuce at the mouth of the Danube River.
He came from the Tervingian branch of the Goths, who had long interacted with the Roman Empire.
He first served as a commander in the Roman army, gaining experience in warfare and leadership.
His early career included fighting for Rome against other barbarian groups.
In 395 AD, after Emperor Theodosius I died, the Visigoths chose Alaric as their king.
His rise came during a time of political instability in the Roman Empire.
From the start, Alaric tried to secure land and favorable terms for his people.
This goal shaped his campaigns across the Balkans and into Italy.
Role in the Fall of Rome
Alaric’s most famous act was leading the Visigoths into Italy and capturing Rome in 410 AD.
This was the first time in nearly 800 years that a foreign enemy captured the city.
His forces entered Rome after a long siege, caused by disputes over payments and treatment of the Visigoths by Roman leaders.
The sack lasted three days.
While the event damaged Roman prestige, Alaric did not destroy the city entirely.
He took valuable goods, freed many slaves, and moved his army south.
Historians see this as a major moment in the decline of the Western Roman Empire.
The sack showed that Rome could no longer defend its heartland against determined foes like the Visigoths.
Death and Burial Myths
Alaric died later in 410 AD while preparing to cross into North Africa.
Illness is the most likely cause, though the exact details remain unknown.
Legends claim his followers buried him along with treasure in the bed of the Busento River in southern Italy.
According to the stories, they temporarily diverted the river, built his tomb, and returned the water to hide it.
Some versions say the slaves who buried him were killed to keep the location secret.
Modern searches, including efforts in Cosenza, have not confirmed the tomb’s existence.
The mystery of his resting place continues to attract historians, archaeologists, and treasure hunters.
The Sack of Rome and Its Aftermath
In 410 AD, King Alaric and the Visigoths entered Rome after years of tension with the Western Roman Empire.
This was the first time in nearly 800 years that a foreign army breached the city’s walls, causing lasting political and cultural consequences.
The Visigoth Invasion
The Visigoths had been both enemies and allies of Rome in earlier decades.
They fought as federated troops but often clashed with Roman leadership over land and payments.
By 408 AD, disputes and broken promises led them to open conflict.
Alaric led multiple sieges against Rome, cutting off food supplies and forcing negotiations.
On August 24, 410, the Visigoths entered the city through the Salarian Gate.
Accounts suggest that while they looted, they avoided destroying major churches, especially those dedicated to Christian saints.
The sack lasted three days.
The violence was targeted, and many residents were spared.
Still, the breach shocked the Roman world and showed that the city was no longer untouchable.
Treasures Taken from Rome
The Visigoths seized wealth that Rome had gathered for centuries.
Gold, silver, and precious art were among the plundered riches.
Historical accounts mention the removal of sacred items from the Temple of Jupiter and other public buildings.
Items of religious value, including treasures linked to Jerusalem’s Second Temple, may have been among the loot.
Some records claim the Visigoths took fine clothing, furniture, and even skilled artisans.
The army carried these goods south as they moved toward Calabria.
The exact fate of much of the treasure remains unknown.
Legends suggest some of it may have been buried with Alaric during his death later that year.
Impact on the Roman Empire
The sack of 410 was a psychological blow to the Western Roman Empire.
Even though Ravenna had replaced Rome as the capital, the city still symbolized imperial power and Roman history.
The breach exposed the empire’s military weakness and fragile alliances.
Many provinces began to doubt Rome’s ability to defend them.
It also accelerated the shift of political and economic influence away from Italy.
Over time, the event became a turning point in the transition from classical antiquity to the medieval era, as noted by historians at Britannica.
The sack’s memory shaped how later generations viewed the decline of Rome.
Searching for Alaric’s Tomb
Historians and archaeologists have long debated where Visigoth king Alaric was buried after his death in 410 AD.
Some believe his tomb lies beneath the waters of the Busento River in Cosenza, along with treasures taken from Rome.
Early Expeditions
Interest in Alaric’s burial site began centuries ago.
Local legends in Calabria told of workers diverting the Busento River so the Visigoths could dig a grave in the riverbed.
After the burial, they returned the water to hide the tomb.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, amateur explorers searched the riverbanks and nearby hills.
These efforts often relied on oral traditions rather than confirmed historical records.
Some travelers recorded their findings in journals, noting unusual stone formations or artifacts.
However, none of these expeditions uncovered proof of the tomb’s location.
The lack of reliable maps and the blending of myth with fact made early searches more of a romantic quest than a scientific investigation.
Modern Archaeological Efforts
In recent decades, researchers have used advanced tools to examine the possible burial site.
Ground-penetrating radar and underwater surveys have helped detect anomalies beneath the riverbed in Cosenza.
Local officials have supported these projects, seeing both historical and tourism value in finding the tomb.
For example, in 2015 a team announced plans to search the Busento using modern imaging technology and historical analysis.
Some groups, such as Merlin Burrows, claim to have pinpointed the location.
However, independent experts have not verified these claims.
The combination of archaeological science and renewed municipal interest keeps the search active, even without confirmed results.
Challenges in Locating the Tomb
Several factors make the search difficult.
The Busento and Crati rivers have changed course over the centuries, possibly burying or washing away evidence.
Sediment buildup and urban development in Cosenza further complicate excavation.
Digging in a riverbed also requires costly engineering to safely divert water and protect the surrounding area.
Historical records about Alaric’s death are limited and often contradictory.
Some accounts suggest burial at the confluence of the rivers, while others hint at a different site.
These uncertainties mean any search must balance archaeological goals with environmental, legal, and financial constraints.
Cosenza: The Heart of the Mystery
Cosenza, a historic city in southern Italy, has long been linked to the burial site of Visigoth King Alaric.
Its location, history, and geography make it central to ongoing searches for the treasure said to have been buried with him.
Why Cosenza?
Cosenza stands in the Calabria region, near the “toe” of Italy’s boot. The city lies where the Crati and Busento rivers meet, a place connected to the story of Alaric’s death in 410 AD.
After leading the Visigoths in the sack of Rome, Alaric died while marching south. Historians believe his followers chose Cosenza for his burial because of its strategic location and nearby rivers.
The city’s valley location helped the Visigoths hide the burial site from enemies. Today, local officials and archaeologists consider Cosenza the most likely area to find the tomb.
The mayor has supported public projects to investigate possible sites.
Local Legends and Clues
Stories in Cosenza describe Alaric buried with his horse, armor, and a large amount of gold. Some versions say the treasure included relics taken from Rome.
These legends have inspired explorers, writers, and historians for centuries. Alexandre Dumas and Giosuè Carducci mentioned the tale in their works, adding to its cultural importance.
Local residents often share family stories about the treasure. Some believe the tomb is under the old city, while others think it lies in the countryside.
The legend remains a point of pride for the community.
The River Busento Connection
A key part of the story involves the River Busento. According to legend, the Visigoths diverted the river, buried Alaric and his treasure in the dry riverbed, and then returned the water to hide the site.
The Busento is a small river that joins the Crati in Cosenza. Its size and location make the diversion story seem possible, though no physical evidence supports it.
Archaeologists have surveyed parts of the riverbed, but sediment and urban growth make exploration hard. The Busento remains central to the search for Alaric’s tomb.
The Role of Gates and Modern Media
Television host Josh Gates has brought new attention to the mystery of King Alaric’s burial site. He combines on-location investigation with historical research, giving viewers both entertainment and insight into the Visigoth leader’s final resting place.
Josh Gates’ Expedition
Josh Gates traveled across Italy to follow the trail of the Visigoth king. He started in Rome, where historical accounts describe the sack of the city in 410 AD.
He then moved south to Cosenza, a city linked to Alaric’s rumored tomb. Local officials, including the mayor, support efforts to locate the burial site.
Gates met with historians, archaeologists, and residents to gather clues. He used maps, documents, and site visits to narrow possible locations.
This mix of academic input and fieldwork gave the expedition depth.
Expedition Unknown: Show Highlights
In the episode “Italy’s Barbarian Booty”, Gates investigates both famous and lesser-known sites. The show lets viewers see the challenges of searching for a centuries-old tomb.
Key moments include exploring rivers near Cosenza, where legend says Alaric was buried under diverted waters. Gates also examined ancient fortifications and interviewed experts on Visigoth burial customs.
The program balanced action with history by showing both the physical search and the cultural background of the Visigoths. Travel footage and expert commentary gave audiences a clear picture of the historical stakes.
Media Influence on the Search
Television coverage has raised public interest in Alaric’s tomb. The visibility from Expedition Unknown has encouraged tourism in Cosenza and brought more funding to local archaeological projects.
Media attention helps connect modern audiences with historical events. By presenting the search visually, Gates’ work reaches people who might not read academic studies.
However, the spotlight can create challenges. Increased curiosity may lead to speculation or unverified claims. Responsible reporting, as seen in Gates’ use of expert sources, keeps the focus on factual history.
Theories and Controversies
Historians and researchers still debate where Visigoth King Alaric was buried and whether his barbarian booty remains hidden. Conflicting accounts, limited evidence, and centuries of legend keep the mystery alive.
Historical Debates
Some records say Alaric died in 410 AD, shortly after leading the Visigoths in the sack of Rome. Ancient historians wrote that he was buried with treasure taken from the city.
Later writings describe how his soldiers diverted the Busento River in southern Italy to create a dry riverbed for the burial. Once the tomb was sealed, they returned the river to its course.
No physical proof supports this account. Many scholars question these sources, noting they were written long after the events. Others argue that the burial story fits Visigoth customs, making it possible despite the lack of evidence.
Alternative Burial Sites
While the traditional story places Alaric’s tomb beneath the Busento River in Cosenza, other theories suggest different locations. Some believe he was buried in nearby land to avoid the challenge of river engineering.
A few modern researchers propose that the treasure and remains could be hidden in the Crati River area, where the Busento meets it. Local oral traditions link this confluence to the legend.
Some claims, such as those from Merlin Burrows, say advanced surveys have found a precise site. These findings remain unverified, and Italian authorities have not confirmed any discovery.
Unsolved Mysteries
The biggest unknown is whether the treasure—sometimes valued at over a billion dollars—ever existed. Without artifacts or remains, the story stays speculative.
Even if the burial happened, the treasure could have been looted or destroyed by floods. The legend of Alaric’s tomb continues because no one has proved or disproved it.
Modern searches in Cosenza have not produced results. The tomb of the Visigoth king remains one of history’s enduring archaeological puzzles.
The Gates of the Roman Empire
Rome’s gates served as more than entry points. They controlled trade, army movements, and access to political power.
Their design and placement showed the city’s pride and need for protection.
Symbolic Importance
The gates of Rome often served as monuments as well as fortifications. Structures like the Porta Maggiore combined function with impressive architecture, featuring grand arches and inscriptions.
They marked the boundary between the city’s protected interior and the outside world. Passing through them was a symbolic act for merchants, diplomats, and soldiers.
Some gates connected to major roads, such as the Porta Appia on the Appian Way. This road led directly to southern territories like Cosenza, where events tied to Visigoth king Alaric later happened.
Ceremonial processions often began or ended at these gates. Victorious generals entered through them during triumphs, showing the empire’s strength.
Defenses and Weaknesses
The gates formed part of Rome’s defensive walls, such as the Aurelian Walls built in the late 3rd century AD. Heavy wooden doors, iron fittings, and guard towers provided barriers against attack.
However, gates could also be weak points. If attackers breached or bribed their way past them, the city’s defenses failed quickly.
In AD 410, Alaric and his Visigoths entered Rome after its defenses collapsed, leading to the city’s sack.
Strategic placement was key. Gates faced major roads, making them vital for trade but also targets in warfare.
Even the strongest gates relied on the discipline and loyalty of their guards. Without that, walls and doors were only symbols.
Traveling in the Footsteps of Alaric
Visitors can explore southern Italy to see places linked to King Alaric I and the Visigoths. The journey offers historical landmarks, preserved architecture, and cultural traditions that remain part of daily life.
Key Sites to Visit
The city of Cosenza in Calabria is central to Alaric’s story. According to legend, his tomb lies beneath the Busento River, where the Visigoths may have buried him with treasure and his horse.
Nearby, the Crati River joins the Busento, creating the confluence mentioned in historical accounts. Walking along the riverbanks lets travelers experience the landscape that hid the king’s resting place.
Other notable stops include the Cosenza Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Rendano Theatre, which reflect the city’s layered history. The Brettii and Enotri Museum displays artifacts from the region’s ancient past.
A short trip from Cosenza leads to hill towns with medieval streets and stone houses, offering views similar to those seen in the early 5th century.
Cultural Heritage in Italy
Cosenza is called the “Athens of Calabria” for its long tradition of learning and art. The old town’s narrow alleys are lined with Renaissance palaces, small churches, and artisan shops.
Local festivals often feature historical reenactments, folk music, and traditional food. In autumn, visitors may find events that celebrate the city’s past, including its connection to the Visigoths.
Italian cuisine in the region focuses on simple, fresh ingredients. Dishes like lagane e ceci (pasta with chickpeas) and local olive oil give travelers a taste of Calabria’s roots.
Art lovers can visit the BoCS Art Museum, which hosts contemporary works and exhibitions tied to the city’s history. This blend of old and new shows how Cosenza values both tradition and creativity.
Planning Your Adventure
Travelers can reach Cosenza by train from major Italian cities or by car from airports in Lamezia Terme. The city’s compact size makes it easy to explore on foot.
Spring and autumn offer mild weather, making them good seasons for sightseeing. Summer can be hot, especially along the river areas.
Guided tours include river walks and visits to historical sites mentioned in accounts of Alaric’s burial. Some tours share details from archaeological searches for Alaric’s tomb.
Packing comfortable shoes, a reusable water bottle, and a camera ensures a smoother trip. Many sites are outdoors, so hats and sunscreen help during sunny days.
The Ongoing Allure of Lost Treasures
People continue to search for valuables hidden long ago. The mix of history and the hope of discovery draws explorers to these mysteries.
From ancient plundered riches to modern finds, each search combines research, travel, and persistence.
Modern Treasure Hunts
Today’s treasure hunts often use advanced tools like ground-penetrating radar and underwater drones. Searchers also rely on satellite imaging to narrow down search areas and reduce guesswork.
In places like southern Italy, researchers and explorers still search for the tomb of King Alaric. They believe his burial contains gold, silver, coins, and artifacts taken during the sack of Rome in 410 AD.
Archaeologists, local governments, and historians now work together on modern hunts. They preserve and record any discoveries instead of letting them be lost to looting.
Many expeditions also offer travel experiences. Participants visit historic cities and explore ancient ruins while learning about cultures connected to the treasure’s origin.
Lessons from History
History shows that lost treasures often remain hidden for centuries. Secrecy, natural changes, or incomplete records cause these mysteries.
In Alaric’s case, accounts claim the Visigoths diverted rivers to hide his grave. Modern equipment has not made recovery easy.
Past hunts show the importance of patience and accurate research. Rushed digs or poor documentation damage artifacts and erase context.
Historical finds can reshape understanding of past events. Items from barbarian booty, for example, confirm trade routes and military campaigns.
Modern searchers study earlier expeditions to find the best strategies. Political, environmental, and legal challenges often affect the outcome.
