A/N: Hello all, here is another Chapter for all of you. This time, having finished with the Vasconnes, Majorian heads East, to deal with a greater threat, The Ostrogoths. Whilst the Ostrogoths havn't been a thorn in the empires side like their Visigothic cousins have, they're certainly one to watch out for. How will Majorian deal with them? Only one way to find out.
The Ostrogoths
February 12th 463 had hit, Majorian had reached Illyria after a brief rest to recover from the first part of his campaign to Vasconia. Now it was time to retake the rest of Illyria for the Roman Empire.
Just as Nepotianus had helped for the Hispanic campaign, Marcellinus would be working with Majorian for the Illyrian Canpaign.
However, this one would be more difficult than that of the war against the Vasconnes, for their opponents this time would be the Ostrogoths, a true force to be reckoned with. Though they hadn't damaged Rome to the extent of their Visigothic cousins, that didn't mean they were any less of a threat. They had made themself a mighty force over the past decades. If they were to be driven back, preparation was needed.
For this, Majorian and Marcellinus gathered as many soldiers as they could for this upcoming campaign into Ostrogothic territory. In total, 35,000 soldiers gathered to fight for Rome.
Their planning was cut short when news reached Majorian that the Ostogoths were launching an attack on Salona, intending on taking all of Illyria for themselves. This Majorian could not allow, mobilising his forces to fight the Ostrogoths.
He was able to reach Salona first, organising 5,000 men to scout the area and then hide near the Ostrogothic line. They would report of 25,000 Ostrogoths heading to Illyria, they were fully intent on taking the land by striking first. What they didn't know was that the Romans were waiting for them.
Night would hit on the 15th February 463, the Ostrogoths were asleep in their tents, with a few guards around the site to watch for any enemies. The soldiers wait patiently, getting the guards attention, before slitting their throats. Many of these soldiers were the Vandal soldiers who were able to launch a successful initial ambush at Thuburbo Maius. They had been practucing to hone their stealth on the order of Majorian. Thanks to they, the Ostrogothic guards are dispatched without a sound. The stealthiest soldiers then make their way around the tent, poisoning the food and slaughtering the Ostrogoths in their tents.
By the time the Ostrogoths realise something is up, 500 soldiers have been slain in their sleep. The soldiers retreat into the woods before the horn is blown. The Ostrogoths were now ready to fight. But first, they needed to track down their attackers. Once several of the Ostrogoths came close enough, the Roman soldier sprang out, launchimg their attack.
In the following pandemonium that insued, a further 1,000 Ostrogoths lay dead before they were able to regroup and launch a counterattack on the Romans. The Roman quickly retreated to avoid being surrounded.
The Ostrogoths gave chase, wanting vengeance. This was a mistake however, the Romans wanted the Ostrogoths to follow them. It was a trap.
Once most of the Ostrogothic army had reached the clearing, the Ostrogoths were surrounded by the Roman forces, would where rested and ready (thanks to Majorian planning for a night battle) compared to the Ostrogoths, who were now tired from both lack of sleep and the previous chase. Combining that with superior numbers, the Ostrogoths stood no chance. The battle was short and frantic, with the Romes decisively crushing the Ostrogoths, forcing them to flee away. Over the course of the battle, 8,000 Ostrogoths died, 1,500 captured, with only 900 Romans dead by the end. It was a major victory for the Romans, so bad that the Ostrogoths would not attack the empire for a decade.
But things weren't done yet.
Following the Battle of Salona, as it would be known, the Ostrogoths would retreat to Siscia to recover, but Rome wasn't done yet. Instead of directly attacking the Ostrogothic forces however, they would go to Sirmium instead. This forced the Ostrogoths to cut their rest short, gathering up as many soldiers as possible.
Again, Romans were waiting for their them at Surmium. The Battle of Surmium would begin when the Roman charged unexpectedly at the Ostrogoths. They smashed into the Ostrogothic front line, carving them to bits. The Ostrogoths would reorganise, and prepare to be defensive. This battle was more hard-fought than at Salona, as 24,500 Ostrogoths would clash with 34,000 Romans.
The Roman would force the wings back whilst allowing the centre of the Ostrogothic line to slowly gain ground. The Ostrogothic King Valamir would eventually realise what was being planned trying to get his forces out, but they were blocked by the Legio III Aureliana, as well as the Cavalry. Valamir then tried to force his way through the centre, but the centre, made up of both the Legio I Augusta and Marcellinus's most experienced heavy cavalry, remained strong against the attack. Valamir aimed for Majorian, the emperor himself, in an attempt to disorganise Roman army. Gaudentius was prepared for this, striking out against the Ostrogothic king. His hit connected, slicing Valamir's face, blinding him. The blow wasn't a lethal one, but it had it's intended effect. The king cried out as he fell, now unable to see. This disorientated the Ostrogothic forces now lacking their main leader.
The Ostrogoths were then surrounded and forced shoulder to shoulder, there was nowhere to go. One by one, Ostrogoths dropped, refusing to surrender after 8,000 Ostrogiths had been killed however, the Ostrogoths had had enough, surrendering to the Roman forces. The remaining Ostrogoths were spared by the Romans, who were satisfied with their victory.
The Ostrogoths were then made to give up all territory south of Poetovio to the Roman Empire, with the King reluctantly agreed to, not having the man power to fight back, and his men now being fearful to.
The Ostrogothic Campaign had been a decisive victory for the Romans, they had only lost 3,500 men compared to the staggeringly high 15,000 Ostrogoths killed, and 1,500 captured, on top of the return of Roman land.
This would result in Majorian being given the name Ostrogothicus Maximus by the senate. This success also invigorated the men, which would be beneficial for the final and largest part of the Grand Campaign.
At the start of March, after some rest and finalizing the transfer of land, the Army under Majorian would head out to Gaul to confront the Burgundians.
A/N: And that is all for this Chapter! It felt good to write about Rome fighting a Germannic kingdom other than the Vandals. Let me know if you enjoyed it, your feedback is always appreciated. See you next Chapter!