Ricimer killed, Emperor Majorian triumphant

Assuming Emperor Majorian eliminates Ricimer in 461. Furthermore the roman fleet isn`t destroyed by traitors, so Majorian is actually able to conduct his invasion of Africa where he defeats the vandals in battle.

Can Majorian stabilize the Western Roman Empire? Or is it beyond saving already?
 

GdwnsnHo

Banned
Oddly enough, if Majorian hadn't been cut off from invading Africa, then he wouldn't have disbanded his mercenaries. Now, if we assume that he succeeds in this invasion (as he did in Spain and Gaul), then the glory earned, and the wealth looted, can probably be to bribe, intimidate, or genuinely win over his opponents - and raise an army in S.Italy made of Romans to consolidate his rule.

In that position, even if he doesn't somehow remove Ricimer from the picture, then he's pretty much restored control (however nominal) of the Empire back to Italia. Ricimer however, needs to go at this point.

However, if we're looking for the killing of Ricimer in 461, other than enraging his supporters - if they can get a significant leader to oppose Majorian, then the could lead to a civil war (That could again, be averted with a victory in Africa).

All in all, I think this leads to good things, although the potential civil war is a risk, I think the best plan is that after a victory against the Vandals, to travel the length of Italy, hold a triumph in Rome - try and gain recognition in the east as the legitimate Emperor, and beyond stopping in Rome and N.Italy to resupply - invade the Ostrogoths, bring them to heel, and move through the Rugiland, taking all lands south of the Danube, the Alamammic kingdom south of the Danube and West of the Rhine, complete his subjegation of the Burgndians (probably possible with an intimidation at this point), and then prepare and invasion of the Frankish lands on the Roman side of the Rhine.

Optimistic as hell of course (the above) - smaller victories may be wiser, but the Ostrogoths are a worthwhile target, as are the Burgundians. If even those are followed up with a campaign to further control Africa, then Majorian is probably going to go down as one of the most successful Emperors in history - and if further reforms and stabilise the Empire, then even better.
 
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