Robert Guiscard was advancing with thirty thousand infantry and six thousand cavalry, and Henry fled before the redoubtable prince, whom he had provoked by an alliance with Alexis, the Emperor of the East.

Abandoned by Henry, who had returned to Austria, the treacherous Romans barred their gates.

Robert asked admission, but in vain; and his irritated soldiers forced their way at midnight through the Flaminian gate.

The city was crimsoned with flame and sword.

A body of Saracens formed part of the Norman's army, and their fury knew no bounds.