 But before the place could be besieged and the emperor captured Stilicho finally arrived on the scene, heavily reinforced by barbarians from Germany; Alaric retreated westwards, setting up his camp near Pollentia.Stilicho pursued, and the two armies met at Pollentia in early April 402, where Alaric was probably badly beaten.By all accounts, however, the Gothic king emerged from the battle with his cavalry arm intact, and with a hearty contempt of his adversary, he marched south intending to take Rome undefended while Honorius and his venal court was celebrating Stilicho's victory.