Rome stands as the eternal gateway to one of history's greatest unsolved mysteries - the lost treasure of Visigoth King Alaric I, who sacked the mighty Roman Empire in 410 CE. This archaeological wonderland offers visitors the chance to walk in the footsteps of Josh Gates from Expedition Unknown, exploring the very streets and ruins where Alaric once marched with his plundered riches of gold, silver, and priceless Roman artifacts. From the Colosseum to the Roman Forum, every ancient stone tells part of this captivating treasure hunt story.
Rome, Italy's capital and most populous city, sprawls across 1,287.36 km² (497.1 mi²) along the Tiber Valley in central Italy, with a population of approximately 2.7 million within city limits. Often called the "Eternal City," Rome's history spans 28 centuries, from its legendary founding around 753 BC through its role as capital of the Roman Empire to its present status as a cradle of Western civilization. In Expedition Unknown, Gates investigates Rome as the starting point for his search for the lost treasure of Visigoth king Alaric I, who sacked the city in 410 CE and made off with massive quantities of Roman gold, silver, and precious artifacts. The episode explores whether clues in Rome's historical records and archaeological sites might point toward the location of Alaric's tomb and the plundered imperial wealth buried with him somewhere in southern Italy.
Traditional founding date of Rome according to Roman mythology
Visigoth king Alaric I sacks Rome, looting vast quantities of imperial treasure before dying shortly after in southern Italy
Rome becomes the capital of the Kingdom of Italy
Gates begins his investigation of Alaric's lost treasure in Expedition Unknown
The sack of Rome in 410 CE by Alaric I marked a pivotal moment in world history — the first time in nearly 800 years that the capital of the Roman Empire had fallen to a foreign army. Historical sources record that the Visigoths spent three days systematically plundering the city, removing enormous quantities of gold, silver, precious gems, and religious artifacts. Ancient historians documented the scale of the looting, though the exact inventory of what Alaric took remains a matter of scholarly debate. What is certain is that Alaric died shortly after leaving Rome, somewhere in southern Italy, and according to tradition was buried in a secret location along with at least some of the Roman treasure.
Mainstream historians and archaeologists have long been fascinated by the mystery of Alaric's burial site. According to the ancient historian Jordanes, Alaric's followers diverted the Busento River near Cosenza in southern Italy, buried their king in the riverbed along with his treasure, then returned the river to its course and killed all the workers to preserve the secret. While this account has the flavor of legend, the core fact remains that neither Alaric's tomb nor the Roman treasure has ever been found despite numerous searches over the centuries. Scholars generally agree that if the burial happened as described, the treasure would represent one of the most significant archaeological discoveries possible, offering unparalleled insight into late Roman material culture.
Gates' investigation in Rome represents the first phase of a multi-location search, examining where the trail begins rather than where it ends. By consulting historical records and archaeological experts in the capital, the episode establishes the context for Alaric's raid and the subsequent mystery. The episode does not claim to solve the mystery but rather explores the historical evidence and sets up the broader investigation that continues in southern Italy. Gates' approach respects the genuine uncertainty surrounding the treasure's fate — after more than 1,600 years, the location of Alaric's tomb remains one of archaeology's enduring enigmas.
Rome is the only city in the world to contain an entire independent nation within its boundaries — Vatican City, the world's smallest country
The city is built on seven hills and has been continuously inhabited for over three millennia, making it one of Europe's oldest continuously occupied cities
The poet Tibullus first called Rome 'The Eternal City' in the 1st century BC, a nickname later adopted by Ovid, Virgil, and Livy
Rome served as the capital of three distinct political entities: the Roman Kingdom, the Roman Republic, and the Roman Empire before becoming the center of the Papal States and eventually modern Italy
Rome is one of the world's most accessible and tourist-friendly cities, with ancient sites, museums, and historical landmarks throughout the urban area. The city hosted 8.6 million tourists in 2019, making it the third most visited city in Europe. Visitors can explore ancient Roman ruins, Renaissance masterpieces, and baroque architecture, though sites specifically connected to the 410 CE Visigoth sack are primarily documented in museum collections and historical records rather than standing monuments.
Rome itself is a major international hub; the investigation focuses on the capital city before continuing to southern Italy.
Spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) offer mild weather and somewhat smaller crowds than the peak summer months. Winter can be pleasant for sightseeing with fewer tourists, though some sites may have reduced hours.
The Historic Centre of Rome is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Cosenza
Cosenza in southern Italy is where Gates continues his search for Alaric's tomb along the Busento River, following the trail from Rome
Alexandria
Alexandria was another major city of the late Roman Empire that suffered significant historical upheavals and treasure dispersals during the period of Rome's decline
Istanbul
Istanbul (ancient Constantinople) became the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire and inherited much of Rome's imperial legacy after the western empire's fall
Best time to visit: Visit Rome during spring (April-May) or fall (September-October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds while exploring the extensive archaeological sites.
Travel tip: Purchase a Roma Pass for skip-the-line access to major archaeological sites and free public transportation to efficiently cover Alaric's treasure trail across the city.
Historical data sourced from Wikipedia