Stilicho: The Half-Barbarian Savior of Rome

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This is the life of Stilicho, the bold, half-barbarian Roman general who became the most powerful man in the Western Roman Empire by the 5th century. His life is a violent and tragic drama, besieged by barbarian invasions, traitorous politicians, and brutal archnemeses. The events in this story will fundamentally shift the course of history forever.
As always, there’s only so much we can fit in each video, and a lot of interesting information gets left on the cutting room floor. Ancient Rome-- from the days of Caesar and Augustus-- to the very end, was a complex web of politics, barbarian warfare, and struggles for power. To better understand this story, check out our sources for more info!
An enormous thanks to all of Patreon supporters, especially Sean and ThemeFinland! Our patrons help make this channel sustainable and allow us to continue to improve the quality of our content!
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Want to learn more about Stilicho? This book really helped us a lot--check out our Amazon affiliate link!
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SOURCES
Gibbon, Edward. “30. The Revolt of the Goths.” The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, vol. 3, Harper & Brothers, 1836. Project Gutenberg, www.gutenberg.org/files/25717....
Hughes, Ian. Stilicho: the Vandal Who Saved Rome. Pen & Sword Military, 2010.
Mitchell, Stephen. A History of the Later Roman Empire: AD 284-641. 2nd ed. Wiley Blackwell, 2015.
Williams, Stephen, and J. G. P. Friell. Theodosius: the Empire at Bay. Routledge, 1998.
IMAGES
docs.google.com/document/d/1R...
MUSIC
Scott Buckley
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Steffen Daum
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Miguel Johnson:
/ @migueljohnson
CO.AG Music:
/ @co.agmusic
Vindsvept Fantasy Music:
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Orchestralis:
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Purchase of Envato Market Standard Music License for opening song
#Stilicho #AncientRome

[@HistoryDose]

Lots of requests for the last track: ‘Absolution’ by Scott Buckley. Go show Scott some love!

[@hawtcookie9479]

Good video

[@JB-ue6lf]

Your videos are...I'm almost speechless. They're INCREDIBLE!!! My god! You're somethin special when it comes to storytelling! I feel like I'm watching a multimillion dollar Hollywood movie!

[@IamSome1]

What's the track from the alaric sieging Milan

[@Waterkiller_AK]

Do you have the rest of the tracklist? The channel links do not really help in finding the soundtracks of this video

[@bryanlewis7293]

W The

[@70M80]

Man you got me pissed about someone who died 1600 years ago. That's good story telling.

[@Sirxchrish]

I feel the same exact way. 😭

[@ilcondottierocartografo6770]

Same

[@lZEOBA]

Ditto

[@jackysaintfleur4987]

This is history for historian’s if you are even slight of intelligent you would’ve notice how much humanity have lost with the fallen of the western Roman Empire who knows we probably would’ve been 100 times advance in the future if we didn’t stuck in the dark ages because of these barbarians and traitors…

[@liberty8453]

@@jackysaintfleur4987 The empire’s corruption and greed saw to that. The sacking was the inevitable response to the regime’s inhumanity and indulgence.

[@Armorius2199]

Stilicho dies: MANLY TEARS

[@phantomkelvink4225]

Stilicho Death remind me of the death of Aurelian... I cry every night.

[@powerist209]

Not sure how Dovahhatty will cover that story, even as a tongue in cheek satire Consider that Theodosius maybe negatively portrayed.

[@FubbleSmurf]

@@powerist209 he mentioned being saddened about Aetius, Stillicho and Majorian being killed on twitter. So you can assume they will be portrayed as chads.

[@richardscanlan3167]

@@FubbleSmurf if anything,they were both mega alpha males.

[@year111]

Visigoths: It’s party time!

[@T0pMan15]

Crazy how Stillicho ordered his loyal troops to stand down, whilst he accepts his fate. A true leader from the very beginning. Unwilling to let his troops die for him.

[@richardscanlan3167]

Funny thing is,a lot of those troops were barbarians ( Goths,Alans etc) and had been defeated by Stilicho.But to the "barbarian" minds it only increased their respect for Stilicho.They didn't hate him for it.What they did despise however,was Stilicho being murdered by his own,merely for being successful. That is why the reference to the Goths,Vandals being barbarians is so amusing.They were anything but,in many ways they had the virtues of the old Romans.And actually adopted Roman traditions. At the end of the day,they essentially became Roman.

[@mustafaamin9516]

Richard Scanlan Facts

[@richardscanlan3167]

@@mustafaamin9516 it is.People always refer to the people that conquered Rome as "barbarians". Couldn't be further from the truth.

[@ZephLodwick]

It must have taken a lot of strength for Stilicho to not just kill Honorius and take the emperorship for himself. I suppose he calculated that the risk of civil war was too great.

[@richardscanlan3167]

@@ZephLodwick well,certainly the spectre of civil war at a time when the empire was in extreme danger would have crossed his mind. I also think it reflects the character of the man i.e he was honourable.It was one of the reasons Theodosius made him Honorious' guardian.

[@andreymudik2905]

The hero Rome needed but did not deserve

[@claudiamarianidamato9499]

Did not deserve .... please go take a walk somewhere

[@hebanker3372]

@@claudiamarianidamato9499 They didn't deserve him.He was too competent and insightfull for the detached,self indulging,imperial court.

[@mks2987]

@@claudiamarianidamato9499 The Roman people deserved him,not the aristocrats.

[@Hborn]

Did he have slave's

[@NeetoryuKunRHMN]

@@Hborn in a world were slaves were a common thing? Please, don't use modern morals for someone who lived 1600 years ago.

[@juliusoctavian69]

Stilichos story is honestly sad, refusing to usurp the empire even when his own life was at risk

[@gerardjagroo]

When you play Game of Thrones you win or you die.

[@Andrew-rd9zq]

@@gerardjagroo No shit

[@ipiepiepiei9550]

Based yt profile pic, very chad

[@Drewski-hw1yi]

Honestly if he did I wouldn't have blamed him especially when he realized what was going on, and let's be honest he'd probably would open the door for more romanized German generals to become emperor which let's be honest is better than the decedent dumpster fire that was the Roman aristocracy at the time. Yea they're Germans but who cares if they're citizens and romanized.

[@thalmoragent9344]

@@gerardjagroo Oof

[@chai8941]

Stilicho, Majorian, and Aurelian. The saviors of Rome that the declining empire needed.

[@mickel1470]

@@ampnor5502 My man thank you Flavius Aetius defense against the huns cannot be overlooked.

[@colmmooney1474]

I think for those utterly great men like Stilicho and Flavius Aetius to be allowed to thrive, it took the systematic restructuring of the empire under Diocletian. As someone who spent his undergraduate focussing on Diocletian, I could be a little biased. With regards to Diocletian, people focus so much on his religious policies, but for now, I will not expand on them here, if someone replies to me I will. He is not the big-name superpower of the 'celebrity' like leaders of the late empire but he was a man who believed in his system so much he stepped down from power. You're talking of a period of the 3rd-century, where you have so many pretenders, contenders, usurpers, etc., going for the ultimate power, Diocletian has it, and gives it away. Then again, I am also a massive fan of Aurelian, but I unable to say as much about him as I could with Diocletian. However, you could say the likes of Diocletian benefitted from the order he, Aurelian, brought to the empire. The late empire, in general, is given such a bad reputation but it often created colossal figures. People so important for the empire that it could be argued, were more vital than Trajan, Marcus Aurelius, Augustus, etc. It is all well and good to rule when the sun is on your back, but when the empire has been shattered to pieces, to stand up like Aurelian and Diocletian, it took a presence and ability that the suggested high-empire never had to endure. I have not written this to try to insult or mock anyone's views. I am just a mature Irish guy who spent a long time studying the Roman Empire. It has become a large part of who I am andI love to discuss it further with people, whether it is here, discord, and/or my newly made Instagram page instagram.com/rome_is_the_light/?hl=en - rome_is_the_light is the username if the link doesn't work. If anyone wants to reply, just let me know :)

[@geordiejones5618]

@@colmmooney1474 Diocletion tried to establish a standard and ordered succession, but without him, it turned into the same fuckery that plagued the late Republic. A few big names trying to dominate one another instead of doing their job to secure more hostile borders. I think the West could have been on top until the Muslim expansions, maybe becoming more Germanic as they assimilated them. But then Islam would press from the south/east and the Vikings from the north/west. Would have been interesting to see how Europe looked today if that happened.

[@razorsharpview9090]

@@mickel1470 Aetius Flavius is just a warlord. Majorian should be on the top. After he was betrayed by Recimer, west rome crumble although it did end really because Theodoric preserve its culture.

[@robertsettle2590]

@@colmmooney1474 that's telling them mature IRISH GUY!!!

[@__prometheus__]

Everyone against stilicho: “We did it we saved the empire!” Stilicho: .___.

[@kingtorrhenstarkstark5311]

The Veterans under Stilicho: .___.

[@xxfrosty609xx3]

@@kingtorrhenstarkstark5311 Us: .____.

[@obiwancoolidge1828]

@@xxfrosty609xx3 me: .____.

[@bradleyunknown319]

@@obiwancoolidge1828 the kids that had to learn this from textbooks: .___.

[@lonedolo644]

.____. : .____.

[@thomaszaccone3960]

The bravest man in the world can't save a government riddled with avarice, cowardice and treachery. Good man Stilicho.

[@LordOfLight]

Unfortunately, there's never been any other kind of government.

[@thomaszaccone3960]

@@LordOfLight Some are a lot worse than others

[@kishanchali8752]

I was always looking for a good documentary about Stilicho, Rome's last true general. Rome would've survived the 410 A.D. attack by Aleric if Stilicho was alive. He had the charisma and the military prowess to hold the empire together, but unfortunately, traitors won as they always do and the rest is history.

[@HistoryDose]

I hope this video did him justice!

[@connorgolden4]

Nah, that would be Majorian. He nearly re established the Western empires position over the Germans until he was betrayed.

[@richardscanlan3167]

he wasn't the last true/great general.That title would go to Aetius ( who defeated Atilla).

[@richardscanlan3167]

@The Nova renaissance hey,I agree with you,buddy.When I refer to Aetius,I am specifically referencing the western empire. Personally,and this is a big call,I regard Belisarius as the greatest general of all time.The man was unbelievable,but his path followed that of his 2 great predecessors Stlicho and Aetius - undermined and betrayed by a corrupt system. Even so,what a cadre of generals - possibly the greatest trio of all time?

[@deskouk1773]

@The Nova renaissance y'all do realize that the empire survived for another 1000 years right?

[@jebediah4780]

It's heartbreaking that Stilicho's final order was for his men to stand down, in an attempt to spare their lives. Their love for him was so great that even when they were tortured they still professed the truth that was his innocence.

[@ElBandito]

Rome had a chance with Stilicho but botched it. Then they botched again with Flavius Aetius.

[@richardscanlan3167]

Exactly.Rome's elite used their great men to maintain power for themselves.And once they no longer had a use for them,they had them killed.

[@randomnepali7772]

You forgot Majorian.

[@unkownlancer233]

T

[@linuxoperatingsystem6402]

Also Aurelian

[@richardscanlan3167]

@@linuxoperatingsystem6402 yes.Rome was very good at destroying their best leaders.

[@billsoon8456]

Stilcho's own loyalty was always to the West. Despite all he had done, he was betrayed and executed. When he called off his soldier's rescue, it seemed to me that he accepted his fate as though he finally said: "Enough!" Stilcho finally understood that WRE could not be saved, no matter how many betrayals, murder, and genocide he committed. He was only delaying the inevitable, and would rather die than see his empire go up in flames. Stilcho was a true patriot of Rome, willing to kill, murder, and betray in the name of unification, and that's what makes his death a tragedy.

[@ilcondottierocartografo6770]

To think he was half barbarian aswell what a lad, got me in tears

[@osmanbey8796]

@@ilcondottierocartografo6770 It’s weird but sometimes its foreigners that have more passion for the country than the actual natives. That’s what has made America particularly great, it always had a huge batch of hardy immigrants arrive at its shores every century.

[@markdin2988]

@@osmanbey8796 yeah I'm a first generation citizen, parents immigrated I was born in the US. Huge nationalist/patriot.

[@phillipwright7022]

@@markdin2988 please go play in traffic, thanks.

[@phillipwright7022]

@@markdin2988 hopefully everyone in your household get sent 6 ft under soon

[@markb8426]

This is how to tell a story

[@phillipwright7022]

Stilicho reminds me a lot of the Chinese general Yue Fei of the Southern Song dynasty. Both were very capable generals with unconditional loyalty to the nation they served. both had to fight a two-front battle throughout their whole lives: they had to defend their borders from barbarians at one end and at the same time had to deal with absolute clowns in the court that only cared for their own political gain.

[@anderso.nteles]

It makes me realize that a nation's worst enemies are within its borders.

[@CrusadiaIX]

“A murderer is less to fear.”

[@tksilver3766]

The ending is a masterpiece, I legit cried.

[@firstimpression7529]

I'm with you. I was emotionally torn at the end. A man trying to save the kingdom was killed due to greed.

[@time_for_fast]

the violins don't hurt , very moving music

[@Daniel-qf9ne]

you know your life story's sad when people still crying about it 1600 years later.

[@marcodado8881]

Alaric: "imma switch sides again and again"

[@unkownlancer233]

The Nova renaissance no wonder why Italy switched sides Alaric’s genes goth to them

[@osman7240]

@@unkownlancer233 good one.

[@worsethanjoerogan8061]

At this point you really shouldn't consider him on anybody's side but his own.

[@user-cf5dt7qq5r]

The cliche of the gothic anti hero edgelord suddenly makes sense.

[@martinfarrell237]

He was extremely loyal until betrayed. He had such a large army because people flocked to him due to his loyalty and generosity.

[@REVAN2338]

The similarities between Stilicho and Flavius Aetius are uncanny.

[@camelusdromedarius3789]

I love how by the end of it, I was on Alaric's side, hoping him to crush those who betrayed Stilicho. The stories from Antiquity are some of the best I've ever heard.

[@CalixtoGarciaIniguez1898]

Stilicho, Aetius, and Majorian, they were truly the last of the Romans.

[@ilcondottierocartografo6770]

And Belisarius

[@caroline7648]

Marcelinus and Aegidius

[@KingDanny9]

Let's not forget Belisarius, the greatest Roman general of all time behind Caesar

[@phillipwright7022]

@@KingDanny9 nope, best roman generals are scipio and germanicus

[@KingDanny9]

@@phillipwright7022 Why Scipio? It took forever to beat Hannibal, assuming that's the Scipio you're speaking of. As far as Germanicus, he fought super close to Italy, and Gaul was already under control. Germanicus was a great soldier but Belisarius was far from Rome and Constantinople when he crushed the Vandals and their allies. He reunited Rome with Constantinople when many thought it was impossible. I'm open to why I may be wrong though.

[@raymondespera5161]

I can't wait for dovahhatty to get his hands to stilicho

[@bobbyhill1110]

If he made hannibal a chad, he can definitely make stilicho one.

[@paulolucero9864]

First half barbarian Chad? Tbh the lack of chadness in the Rome as of lately makes me feel bad as shit

[@gaiuzjuluzseazer9567]

Certainly.

[@yibithehispanic]

He made both the berber Quietus and the punic Hannibal chads, probably he will make some kind of zigzags to make Stilicho a Chad too.

[@ronjayrose9706]

😂😂😂same

[@ThugHunter323]

No one: "...." Alaric: " I want a high office"

[@quantumdragon22]

Dovahhatty did this man well

[@Sandderad]

His video was way more accurate

[@Jeff-tw7jk]

He did it once more..

[@randomuser5831]

Based Dovahhatty giving us the real history

[@hellomybaby-hellodarknessm6895]

A man of patrician taste I see

[@user-uy1rg8td1v]

Dovahhatty needs subtitles. I can barely understand whats he's saying with that thick accent.

[@pandawok301]

Just a reminder that Rome treated their barbarian allies like trash and use their troops as cannon fodder. Alaric’s revolt does have a good excuse.

[@azazel7574]

Barbarian scum deserved it

[@eduardogutierrez4698]

It reminds me of the way Irish soldiers were treated by the Americans during the war against Mexico. Many of them were used as cannon fodder. No wonder they decided to defect to the Mexicans.

[@juliusoctavian69]

Bruh that’s why the franks literally were loyal to Rome until the very end

[@dragonbones3885]

It was either 2nd class citizenship in the Roman empire, who keep in mind didn't have great relations to begin with or face the Huns and probably be wiped in the process

[@joetheperformer]

Agreed. Stilicho was a bridge between the oppressed and the elite. His worst enemy was most likely jealousy and selfish idiots.

[@henrikg1388]

I just wanted to say that Alaric behaved rather well in his sacking of Rome, compared to how Rome behaved when they conquered enemy cities.

[@hellomybaby-hellodarknessm6895]

Barbarian propaganda

[@henrikg1388]

​@@hellomybaby-hellodarknessm6895 I've come to talk to you again. Because a vision softly creeping < DUM>. But seriously, read up on Alaric's sacking and what the Romans did to any city resisting, e.g. Carthage, and you will find that you're right. You were just confused who the barbarians were.

[@PeptoBismarck244]

@@henrikg1388 Yes Legate. This man right here.

[@powerist209]

Also in that context, Alaric wanted it as a bargaining chip for promised land rather than outright conquest. He even hold his army and sent message to Honorius to grant his wishes or the city would be sacked (even then, he did try to avoid looting churches). He is still a Foederatii and served in Roman army. The sacking while scared the romans did ruin his chance for Gothic homeland, only to have them driven into Hispania with Vandals.

[@neinman2222]

@@valencian879 This response is always a sign of well below average intelligence. Everything we can tell about history is based on the historical records. Take a look a them before you speak.

[@anticitizenjuan]

The story of Stilicho would make an excellent HBO miniseries As someone who read Gibbon’s Decline and Fall and Hughes’ Stilicho, this was phenomenal. Subbed and looking forward to more

[@givingisbetterthantaking..829]

D &F ORE is a monster to read. III volumes, Gibbon's style is rambling and detailed full. But I guess it will remain the final analysis of Romes successes and failures. It contains much to enlighten todays politicians.

[@chripianflopez]

Interesting, but in all honesty now days they would probably make him black.

[@anantbijolia8415]

And imagine Alaric as the hated villain in that story for whom we start to vouch after Stilicho's death as he becomes the anti-hero!

[@anantbijolia8415]

@@chripianflopez I thought that was Netflix not HBO?

[@justinbailey1239]

@@anantbijolia8415 I think he's talking about the Velaryons from House of the Dragon, who in Fire and Blood were described as prototypical Valyrians (classic Targaryen looks), but were cast with black actors in the show. Still, they are fictional characters, while Netflix outright made a Greek/Macedonian historical figure black, which is an order of magnitude different.

[@helium-379]

Decedance, lack of unity, traitors, the sheer size of their tereitory, among many problems brought the empire to its knees inside out.

[@tai-yomaruno3680]

Also mass immigration

[@nathangerlach7831]

Noticing a few parallels here 🤔

[@timmorrell9828]

You told this story so well that I legit shed a tear when Stilico was executed

[@altiris6874]

Proud to be early to this growing channel.

[@PurelyGoliath]

Ave!

[@heavenlylordNOS]

Yessir

[@whatwhat7119]

Its quality, only a matter of time. It's going to be slower then a commentary channel though.

[@IronClique]

Ura

[@Taekwondofreak5]

Agreed

[@HistoryTime]

Nice video man! Really felt like I was with Theodosius and his men at the start. Keep smashing it!

[@HistoryDose]

Thank you, sir! Trying to grow with every video and learn from channels like yours!

[@Skibbi198]

Somewhere that's special for me... somewhere that I can be free

[@hellomybaby-hellodarknessm6895]

A man of patrician taste I see

[@cornycontent1915]

Gru meme: Kill one of the greatest generals in Roman history Massacre the Goths who are of the same background as the people who are currently invading your lands Have them unite against you and destroy half of your empire, destroying one of the greatest civilizations after almost a thousand years.

[@dubuyajay9964]

Profit?

[@alternateperson6600]

@@dubuyajay9964 LVCRVM? Absolutely, friend.

[@matgamarra]

I can’t believe how this channel isn’t one of the largest KZbin history channels. We shall be watching your career with great interest

[@thegoodwin]

"I am the Senate." - Palpatine.

[@brutusvonmanhammer]

From a small seed does a mighty tree grow

[@buffaloblack3993]

Damn guy. That last piece had my heart strings pulling

[@lilguava70]

Only a matter of time until this channel gets huge. Glad to see your upload popup in my bell notifications

[@kevinmarron5231]

VERY TRUE! 👍💥

[@justdoingwork4072]

Gotta say, best work so far! The story telling, the history, the visuals. This video can easily be compared to finding a Roman coin, hidden and once uncovered, beautiful.

[@HistoryDose]

Amazing to hear this feedback. We appreciate the kind words. Stay tuned!

[@kevinmarron5231]

I agree! 👍

[@douglasbubbletrousers4763]

Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?

[@BlueDragen25]

I don't think I ever commented before but you really do deserve more subscribers.

[@HistoryDose]

Much appreciated!

[@dobledewom4074]

Agreed!

[@kevinmarron5231]

Well said! Thank you! I agree! 👍

[@user-uy1rg8td1v]

@@HistoryDose Can you please turn down the music for your videos? It was getting too loud in parts and I had trouble hearing your words. I would even suggest leaving parts musicless and just having your voice.

[@BatCostumeGuy]

@@user-uy1rg8td1v Half of my headphones don't work but I can still hear his voice correctly, you might have headphones with high bass or you cna just turn on mono audio from settings.

[@KingDanny9]

Stilicho and Alaric deserve a movie

[@josephstalin6286]

The late empire truly was an age of tragic hero’s.

[@Jazmillenium]

Watched this on a whim after another TW Attila playthrough. It's incredible the narrative you painted and the music and editing is fantastic.

[@kalmahcarl]

WOAH

[@christianruvalcaba7788]

Whats TW?

[@Jazmillenium]

@@christianruvalcaba7788 Total War

[@kafon6368]

When not even a successive number of extraordinary generals can save a country, you know it is doomed.

[@christianruvalcaba7788]

Politicians will always have more power than any general.

[@AscentofTrollbane]

Ah yes, Honorious the Rat Emperor.

[@bogor1521]

The saddest death only second to julius caesar's. Ave Stilicho

[@hyperion3145]

Caesar is debatable, even back then people questioned whether he actually meant the best for Rome or was just power hungry.

[@codyvilela626]

He was still Rome’s greatest hope just like poor Stilicho

[@EinFelsbrocken]

@@hyperion3145 Look at his reforms. I think he wanted the best for rome. Sure; he was a natural narcist, so logically it haaad to be Caesar himself; but overall I think its true

[@ililililili9726]

@@EinFelsbrocken Not at all.

[@EinFelsbrocken]

@@ililililili9726 okay, thx

[@raiden5386]

This nearly made me cry, Stilicho deserved better

[@naufalnaufal125]

Bruh, this is might be the first history related content that made me cry. The music at the end paired with this line "One wonder if Emperor Theodosius might have seen the writings on the wall all those years ago. Civil wars and constant invasion were certainly no sign of a healthy empire. But for a brief moment, for 13 years between 395 - 408, his half barbarian General Stilicho, held it together. Absolutely stellar work.

[@grimaffiliations3671]

This video deserves an award. I’m absolutely blown away. Please make more like this

[@HistoryDose]

Thanks! We have one in the works already. Stay tuned!

[@grimaffiliations3671]

History Dose Can’t. Fucking. Wait.

[@originalpost1925]

Rome's history is like a story, throughout it's time as once the capital of the greatest empire in Europe back in the classical ages, it is a story about greed, power, selflessness, and downfall. Rome is not only a story, but an example of all great empires that have ever existed, from the rise to power and then to the tragic downfall, Rome is a universal example of how rich and powerful empires are founded and then disintegrate into the pages of history, only to be remembered through the legacy that it left behind, and how it's existence will Echoe throughout the world, forever.

[@randomgarbage5283]

I'd honestly never heard of stillicho before this but now I can't say that he's one of my most favorite historical figures

[@Fenniks-]

i have watched this video 3 times thats just how good it is. I admire Stilicho immensely he was one hell of a general.

[@uncannydan]

I'm a big story-teller-roman-history-buff, and THAT was a great video. Got me right in 'da feels in only 17 minutes, man!

[@HistoryDose]

Thanks so much, Daniel!

[@cam5816]

Know any other good ones? I think this is the best stand alone video I’ve seen so far. I like dovahhatty’s series too of course but History Dose always brings the stories to life really well like no one else I know. I wish it was covered more extensively like this, the stories of Rome was incredible and I’ll even admit it can bring me to tears sometimes like the end of this video did.

[@uncannydan]

@@cam5816 I can't recommend any documentaries of this caliber, BUT a theatrical, historical series...'I, Claudius' BBC 1976. Free on Y.T. yeah liberties taken, but condensed and in essence accurate..HIGHLY recommended my friend.

[@karthikraju7098]

This is an incredible story, thank you for putting in the time and effort to tell it properly. Please keep making content like this, people will follow, it is only a matter of time.

[@HistoryDose]

We truly appreciate the kind words. It's tough building an audience!

[@kevinmarron5231]

AGREED 👍

[@blue_ocean7774]

A great empire, brought to it's knees by the schemes of greedy men...

[@comradepolarbear6920]

@Al Kamil shut up

[@rimacalid6557]

What brought Rome to it's knees is the millions of innocenta they've killed and enslaved

[@comradepolarbear6920]

@@rimacalid6557 no, not really

[@rimacalid6557]

@@comradepolarbear6920 well, whatever makes sleep

[@comradepolarbear6920]

@@rimacalid6557 i guess

[@cursor1459]

"The golden age of the Roman Empire has Passed. Its senator now place profits above patriotism." This is poignant for America as parallels can be observed.

[@atriox7221]

Same could be said about almost every government system to exist on this forsaken rock

[@John-tc9gp]

Yeah sadly America is doomed to the same fate. By the end of this century, it will almost certainly not be the most powerful country on earth, if it's still one country at all

[@itsatrap8283]

And like in modern day europe staates

[@thanoscube8573]

Everything must come to an end, even the greatest Empires that seem to live for an eternity will fall to the balancing hands of time.

[@DualAxer]

America rises as a rebel state against Britain, rich trader families brainwashing the people into believing that their lives are worse than elsewhere. You reap what you sow.

[@dragonbones3885]

Kind of wish you mentioned Aetius and Majorian, they did their best too to keep the Western Roman Empire together

[@lessonslearned6760]

I’ve heard the story of the fall of the western empire told more times than I can recall but this narration was truly moving and really sets its self apart. Subscribed!

[@deathreiz]

Felt like I just watched 5 seasons of an epic HBO original series, and was actually satisfied by the ending. Great stuff!

[@miketacos9034]

Dude I'm tearing up over Stilicho. No good deed goes unpunished.

[@johnny307]

Not going to lie, this was very captivating . The music and the way you narrated made this so enjoyable. I'm definitely binge watching your vids when I have time !

[@HistoryDose]

Let us know what you think of the others!

[@divifilius2357]

Dude this gave me goosebumps all the way through. Plenty of great topics that are not mainstream so they don’t get covered as much. “Barbarian” generals such as Stilico deserve more coverage

[@tiffanyhendricks1860]

Alaric really just avenged his greatest rival. The irony.

[@MrAwrsomeness]

His death was avenged by his Germanic bodyguards, blood and honor

[@matthewbabao9684]

and as for aetius it was his scythian body guards that avenged for him

[@powerist209]

Interestingly, it was Petronius Maximus who planned it. Also goaded Valentinian III into murdering Aetius (a powerful rival) and later ordered the death of Valentinian III. Basically Syndrome from Incredibles or Hank Pym’s wife beating incident (he wanted to use a robot to destroy NY and stop it to make himself a fake hero but his wife tried to stop him but slap her in response).

[@justaguy723]

That's oddly specific phrasing at the end there.

[@MrAwrsomeness]

@@justaguy723 very based indeed

[@justaguy723]

@@MrAwrsomeness just so we're clear, that phrasing was intentional and you know the context of that phrase?

[@Luey_Luey]

SOMEWHERE THAT'S SPECIAL FOR ME

[@1108penguin]

Great video, I just came here after watching the Unbiased History episode on the same topic. Weird to see Alaric not portrayed as a literal demon.

[@RABartlett]

The History Channel series portrayed him even more sympathetically, and that while he and Stillico may have had their differences, would also things considered like to have worked together.

[@wardrm5598]

Stilicho was a man of great character to the end of this life. Perseverance through constant adversity. Touching story. Best documentary about Stilicho I've seen on KZbin. Subscribed.

[@rodneybarton-hall3867]

A wonderfully powerful video of one of history's great dramas. I first became fascinated by the decline and fall of the Roman empire when I was a boy sixty years ago. You have made this story as thrilling for me now as I found it then. Thank you.

[@d.m.collins1501]

Too bad Shakespeare didn't write a play about this! Or George R. R. Martin! Luckily we have you, dude. This was a fantastic spotlight shown on a piece of history that always seemed convoluted when read in history books, but you gave it legs, pathos, drama, and tragedy. I feel like I finally "get" it. Thank you.

[@HistoryDose]

Thanks so much. Lots of work goes into each episode so I'm glad it clicked with you

[@Worldtimes1]

In a way Its the same fate of Ned Stark

[@gangstalker47]

Why can't I stop watching this MY HEART CAN'T TAKE IT!!!!!!! STILICHO WHY!!!?!??

[@ililililili9726]

I don't know why but i'm happy that finally this man is getting the appreciation he deserves it.

[@noahjohnson935]

I saw a video the other day saying how "If Rome wasn't full of so many different cultures it wouldn't have fallen" but honestly? Stilicho proves that notion wrong. Stilicho was in many ways the embodiment of "Barbarians" integrating themselves into Rome and being of extreme use to the Empire. It was incompetence and corruption that doomed Rome ultimately, combined with foreign invaders taking advantage of said incompetence and corruption.

[@kevincordero3063]

I wanna cry every time I hear this story

[@alexanderfaust4192]

I spend so much time studying the late republic and early empire up through M Aurelius I haven't done a whole lot of reading on anything else. What an AMAZING but truly sad story :( FANTASTIC video btw. SUBBED!

[@ryebread716]

This is a beautifully well put documentary. Thank you!

[@olsaaan]

This is one of the best history videos i've ever seen such good use of music and amazing storytelling.

[@sebis2009]

Just found this channel, will definitely be keeping a close eye on it. Everything is so slick and well represented, good work!

[@number3545]

The quality of your videos is truly unmatched. This video is spectacular!

[@johnborris3222]

Finally, a great video on this man. I had told my family about Stilicho, now I can show them this video.

[@MetalxMasters]

God, what a heartbreaking story. You make amazing content.

[@nickleon58]

WOW! I just found your channel and have to say I am extremely impressed. As a long time history buff it’s so amazing to see these historic events played out in a story driven form like this; almost as if it’s a presentation of humankind’s “lore” in a grand epic. You just earned yourself a new sub!

[@FiikusMaximus]

The production quality on this is wonderful!!! I absolutely loved watching this. Better than many historical films I've seen.

[@Beta_007]

Your voice makes me feel like I am actually there experiencing the events unfold in person. Like wow... Keep up the great videos!

[@brutongaster859]

Great video! Had never heard of Stilicho before

[@erisu69]

This video is insanely well-produced and the storytelling is excellent. I've seen a lot of videos about Caesar and the gang at the end of the Republic, but not a lot about this later period. You brought it to life in a really compelling way!

[@eduardogutierrez4698]

The only thing that will end my grief over this video is you making another video on Flavius Belisarius

[@john26razor340]

what needs to be pointed out, beyond the brilliant visuals, is the even more brilliant sound design of this video. It makes the video so much more engaging, immersive, and beautiful. Thank you.

[@rahul87184]

This was made wonderfully. The visuals and narration are beyond professional. If I may suggest, a series on Belisarius would be amazing.

[@cowmoo4255]

amazing work man, keep it up

[@moobles2998]

This video is really well done, the composition, the music, the narration. It all flows together to make for a very entertaining showing. Truly well done! I will definitively subscribe!

[@Kealdiax]

Amazing work and storytelling. Bravo.

[@julianpuig8465]

This has allways been my favourite episode in roman history, you truly did it justice, I've genuinely cried watching this art piece!

[@connorgolden4]

The production quality of this video is amazing. Goddamn.

[@HistoryDose]

Thanks! Glad you liked it

[@connorgolden4]

History Dose Could you do a video on Majorian? He’s another interesting and underrated Roman leader that has so much potential.

[@easternhistorian4763]

This was amazingly edited, I’m quite curious about the tools used here. Very well done!

[@cheeseburgerrunner5217]

Your story telling approach is fantastic and the sound track to this video was great. Love these videos man.

[@sanitizerwilliam2911]

towards the end, i almost cried man, GRWEAT VIDEO yet again

[@andrew_bao]

Very few short documentaries bring tears to my eyes. That was an amazing story. Someone should make a tv series about this!

[@HistoryDose]

Thanks so much. It's a great story we just felt compelled to tell

[@Boss70305]

One of my favorite history channels out there right now. The music, the editing, the storytelling - everything is perfect! Keep doing what you’re doing.

[@HistoryDose]

Thank you! Comments like these make all the time and effort we put into these videos worth it.

[@Samwise_01]

So glad i’ve found this channel, i can tell you really enjoy retelling the stories of history, and i never knew about stilicho until now, great vid

[@borec2468]

This video was in my recomended section.... I am truly amazed by how great this video was!! Keep it up king.

[@lorbor1050]

Its pretty cool and ironic that a half barbarian was one of the last true defenders of rome

[@kevinmarron5231]

Nice video! 👍

[@mattjackson]

Absolutely fascinating. Well done.