The Visigoth king Alaric revolted against the Romans in 391 but was defeated. He and his soldiers were incorporated into the Roman army and participated in the victory of Theodosius the Great, in the battle against the last pagan emperor of the West, Julian. Alaric revolted again in 395 and pillaged Greece. Despite his continuous defeats over the years, he refused to surrender and ultimately led his people to the center of world history.

In 410 AD, the Roman world suffered an unprecedented disaster. Alaric sacked Rome and took with him the city's most precious treasures, but he died unexpectedly before he could leave Italy. He was buried in a secret tomb, laden with part of the spoils: a tomb that has been a temptation for treasure hunters ever since.

Daniel Costa vividly brings to life in his book the lesser-known yet fascinating story of the exploits, death, and mysterious burial of Alaric.