Alaric was a king of the Visigoths, a Germanic tribe, who lived during the late 4th and early 5th centuries. He is best known for his role in the fall of the Western Roman Empire, particularly for his famous sack of Rome in 410 AD. This event marked a significant moment in history, as it symbolized the decline of Roman power in the West. Alaric was born around 370 AD and initially served as a military leader for the Roman Empire. Over time, he became disillusioned with the Romans and sought to establish a kingdom for his people. His actions and leadership contributed to the eventual establishment of the Visigothic Kingdom in what is now Spain and France.