From a million pages ago, but this happened during the fall of the Roman Empire. Even in the East, which was more developed and continued as a state for 1000 years, during the 5th century reign of Zeno. There were bands of Goths roaming around the countryside (and by bands I mean 1000s of warriors and their families), fighting each other and sacking cities in the middle of the nation.
The govt would play them off against each other and hold the still strong Eastern Roman Army back while citizens complained their cities were being besieged and looted.