Editing Alaric I (section)

==Rebellion against Rome, rise to Gothic leadership==
A new phase in the relationship between the [[Goths]] and the empire resulted from the treaty signed in 382, as more and more Goths attained aristocratic rank from their service in the imperial army.{{sfn|Kulikowski|2006|p=155}} Alaric began his military career under the Gothic soldier [[Gainas]], and later joined the Roman army.{{efn|Alaric had a fascination for the 'golden age' of Rome and insisted on his tribesmen calling him 'Alaricus'.{{sfn|Bayless|1976|pp=65–67}}}} He first appeared as leader of a mixed band of Goths and allied peoples, who invaded [[Thrace]] in 391 but were stopped by the Roman general [[Stilicho]]. While the Roman poet [[Claudian]] belittled Alaric as "a little-known menace" terrorizing southern Thrace during this time, Alaric's abilities and forces were formidable enough to prevent the Roman emperor [[Theodosius I|Theodosius]] from crossing the [[Maritsa|Hebrus River]].{{sfn|Boin|2020|pp=52–53}}