 In the disturbances which followed the downfall and execution of Stilicho, the wives and children of barbarian "foederati" throughout Italy were slain by the local Romans.The natural consequence was that these men (estimates describe their numbers as perhaps 30,000 strong) flocked to the protection of Alaric, clamoring to be led against their enemies.The Visigothic warlord accordingly crossed the Julian Alps and began a campaign through the heart of Italy.