The Roman Empire is the world's first superpower, but it has grown so large that its size is more of a weakness than an advantage. Furthermore, the high cost of keeping barbarians under control, both in gold and in human resources, weakens the once powerful Army. Rome is divided into two empires with two emperors: that of the East and that of the West, and when the leaders of both sides attack each other, the Goths are again caught in the crossfire. Alaric leads his own to the gates of Rome and delivers the first in a series of deadly blows to imperial power. (thetvdb.com)