Majorian
Majorian was a Roman Emperor who ruled the Western Roman Empire from 457 to 461 AD. Originally serving under Aetius, he rose through the military ranks and became the count of the domestics. Following the murder of Aetius, he revolted against Emperor Avitus, successfully deposing him and establishing his authority. Majorian's reign was marked by military campaigns aimed at recapturing territories in Hispania and southern Gaul, where he notably defeated various barbarian tribes, including the Visigoths and Burgundians. He was recognized for his efforts to restore the Western Empire's former glory, but his ambitions were thwarted when his naval fleet was destroyed. Ultimately, Majorian's rule ended tragically when he was executed by Ricimer, marking a significant turning point in the decline of the Western Roman Empire. His death symbolized the loss of hope for reviving the empire amid ongoing political instability and external pressures.
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Majorian
- Born: c. 420
- Birthplace: Danubian provinces
- Died: August 7, 0461
- Place of death: Tortona, Italy
Full name: Julius Valerius Majorianus
Principal wars: Barbarian wars
Principal battles: Vicus Helena (c. 448), Piacenza (456), Elche (460)
Military significance: The last emperor of the Western Roman Empire to have significant successes against the barbarians and to offer hope that the empire could be restored.
As a youth, Majorian served with Aetius, along with the Gallic Aegidius and the barbarian Ricimer. He fought against the Franks at the Battle of Vicus Helena (c. 448). After the murder of Aetius in 454, he was made count of the domestics by Emperor Valentinian III. He retained this position under Petronius Maximus and Eparchius Avitus. When Avitus’s popularity in Italy waned in 456, Majorian and Ricimer, now a military count, revolted, defeating and deposing Avitus at Piacenza.
On February 28, 457, Majorian was named master of soldiers by the Eastern Roman emperor Leo I. In this capacity, he sent Count Burco against Alamanni, who had invaded Italy. The resultant victory led to Majorian’s acclamation as emperor on April 1. Majorian spent his entire reign attempting to consolidate his authority. In 458, he defeated a Vandal party raiding Campania. Soon thereafter, Majorian marched into Gaul. The Visigoths were driven away from Arles, and Majorian made his old friend Aegidius master of soldiers of Gaul. The Burgundians were defeated, and Lyon was besieged and captured. In 459, Majorian reoccupied much of Spain, which he wanted to use as a base to attack the Vandals in Africa. However, the following year, his fleet was destroyed through treachery at Elche, near Cartagena. He then returned to Italy, and on August 7, 461, he was beheaded by Ricimer at Tortona. With him died the last hope of reviving the Western Roman Empire.
Bibliography
Clover, Frank M. The Late Roman West and the Vandals. Brookfield, Vt.: Variorum, 1993.
Hodgkin, Thomas. Italy and Her Invaders. 8 vols. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1880–1899.
Mathisen, Ralph W. “Resistance and Reconciliation: Majorian and the Gallic Aristocracy After the Fall of Avitus.” Francia 7 (1979): 597–627.