Majorian

Name commonly known as: Majorian *** Latin Roman Name: Julius Valerius Maiorianus *** Reigned as Roman Emperor / Caesar: April 457 - August 2, 461 ***

Dynasty / Historical Period: Western Empire (394 - 476) which led to the disintegration of Roman authority and the Fall of the Roman Empire *** Place and Date of Death: August 7, 461 in Rome ***

For the names of the next Roman emperors in the East and the West of the Empire refer to the Timeline of Roman Emperors

Interesting facts about the life of Majorian
Obtain a fast overview of the times of the Roman Emperor Majorian from the following facts and information about his life. Majorian was an extremely successful general who had claimed great victories over the Franks and the Vandals. Majorian was declared Emperor of the Western Roman Empire on 28 December 457 by the regent Ricimer, who was a military leader and the grandson of Wallia, king of the Visigoths. Leo I,  the Emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire, who was based in Constantinople, tried to control Italian affairs through Ricimer. They agree to put Majorian on the throne.  Although he originally approved the appointment this created problems with Leo I. Emperor Leo I subsequently declared Majorian a usurper. Majorian continued to wage war against the Vandals, but in 458 he lost his fleet in battle. In 459 Ricimer was made consul. Although these two powerful men were at first allies by 461 Ricimer, fearing Majorian was becoming too independent, forced him to resign. Not content with his resignation Ricimer ordered his execution, although word was spread that Majorian had died of an illness. Majorian died on August 7, 461 in Rome.