Gallic Sack of Rome

Timeline

1. -387Allia River · LazioThe Roman legions met the southward-marching Gauls at the Allia, were surprised and routed, with heavy casualties, leaving the city's defenses open and Rome virtually undefended.
2. -387Rome · LazioThe Gauls entered and plundered Rome; the surviving defenders and senators withdrew to the Capitoline Hill. Legend holds that the honking of sacred geese thwarted a night attack, and after months of siege a ransom of a thousand pounds of gold secured the Gauls' withdrawal.