Maybe so, but even those who are successful will have people gunning for them if the successful person threatens their power. This is the case with Majorian.
Roma Renovata est: A Roman TL
- Thread starter FLAYvian1310
- Start date
32: Fight Against Invasions: Visigoths
A/N: Hello all, I am here with another Chapter of this TL. The fight against rebel traitors is now over, but that doesn't mean Majorian is out of the woods yet. The Franks and Visigoths are still terrorizing the empire. How will Majorian deal with these threats. Only one way to find out.
Fight Against Invasions: Visigoths
Ferox was dead, his rebellion crushed. But Majorian knew that there was still much to do. The Franks under Childeric were invading Gaul, with Aegidius holding them off for the time being. The Visigoths under Thwere invading Hispania, with Nepotianus also doing his best to hold off the Visigoths. The situation was still rather dire for the empire one that would require careful planning.
Majorian looked at the situation at what would have to be dealt with first. In terms of the armies themselves, The Franks seemed the more pressing force, with 30,000 Franks to 25,000 Visigoths.
But it was how Aegidius and Nepotianus were handling their respective threats that decided things for Majorian. Aegidius whilst outnumbered, was managing to hold the Franks in a stalemate, neither gaining or losing. Aegidius could afford to wait, the same could not be said for Nepotianus. Though he had managed to hold out from the time of the start of the Ferox rebellion, the Visigoths had been continuously pushing him back. Now Nepotianus was only holding onto Narbo.
Their was also the matter of the cities being invaded. Noviodunum and Durocortorum weren't of particular importance, but if Narbo was captured Hispania would be cut off from the rest of the empire, and at Theodoric's mercy.
Because of this, Majorian began with the Visigoths. To make sure the Franks were kept back for the time being, Majorian sent Syagrius with his army to reinforce Aegidius. Then he met with Procopius, who had come into the city following the capture of Ravenna. Procopius Soranus would travel up through the Iberian Penninsula to attack the Visigoths from the south, whilst Majorian would go through Italy to attack from the North. Procopius set out first, so that they could arrive at around the same time. Majorian finished his preparations, setting off on the 18th June, beginning a brand new campaign.
Majorian would send a letter to Nepotianus, informing him that he was on his way to help. He would then inform Nepotianus of what he needed to do for Majorian. He and Procopius would met up with Nepotianus on the 26th June, where they would discuss their plans. At the end of this talk, Procopius and Majorian retreated a few miles south and North respectively
This would set up the battle of Narbo, June 30th. The battle began with the Visigoths intent on seizing the city bit Nepotianus met them head on. The 6,500 remaining Roman forces met with 17,000 (the remainder of the original 25,000) Visigoths. The Roman army was nearly overwhelmed, but it's discipline kept it together for long enough. Slowly by surely, the Visigoths began to gain ground. To the Visigoths, it looked to them as if they were winning. In truth, they were being led to their deaths. Nepotianus was deliberately giving ground as required, letting the Visigoths become fully committed.
Then, an hour after the battle began, Majorian and Procopius charged in, smashing into both of the Visigothic flank, 25,000 Romans launching in all at once. This devastated the Gothic line, inducing high casualty in the inital attack, and then even more in the continued assault. The Visigoths broke at this sudden onslaught, and were chased down by the Roman army The Visigoths knew that reinforcements were on the way, what they didn't know is that the Roman reinforcements were already ready to launch their attack. By the time, they had figured out what was going on, it was already too late for them.
The battle was decisive Roman Victory, with 13,000 Visigoths dead to 4,000 Romans (mostly from Nepotianus's group). In the following negotiation, the Visigoths were forced to return all the lands they had gained, returned to Foederati status once again.
This victory would make the senate give Majorian a new title: Gothicus Maximus, due to his efficiency in crushing both the Ostrogoths and Visigoths (twice). The legacy of Majorian was growing by the day.
The Visigothic threat had been dealt with. Now, Majorian set his eye on the other threat to Rome's safety, The Franks, Another piece of the puzzle in the year of 466, a year that would change Rome forever.
A/N: And that is all for this Chapter. I was originally going to have the Visigoths and Franks in one chapter, but I knew that that I would not have the time to be able to cover it in detail in one chapter, so it is now split in two. The next Chapter (as you can guess) will be about how Majorian will deal with the Franks. I hope you all enjoyed this latest chapter, the feedback is always appreciated. See you next Chapter!
Fight Against Invasions: Visigoths
Ferox was dead, his rebellion crushed. But Majorian knew that there was still much to do. The Franks under Childeric were invading Gaul, with Aegidius holding them off for the time being. The Visigoths under Thwere invading Hispania, with Nepotianus also doing his best to hold off the Visigoths. The situation was still rather dire for the empire one that would require careful planning.
Majorian looked at the situation at what would have to be dealt with first. In terms of the armies themselves, The Franks seemed the more pressing force, with 30,000 Franks to 25,000 Visigoths.
But it was how Aegidius and Nepotianus were handling their respective threats that decided things for Majorian. Aegidius whilst outnumbered, was managing to hold the Franks in a stalemate, neither gaining or losing. Aegidius could afford to wait, the same could not be said for Nepotianus. Though he had managed to hold out from the time of the start of the Ferox rebellion, the Visigoths had been continuously pushing him back. Now Nepotianus was only holding onto Narbo.
Their was also the matter of the cities being invaded. Noviodunum and Durocortorum weren't of particular importance, but if Narbo was captured Hispania would be cut off from the rest of the empire, and at Theodoric's mercy.
Because of this, Majorian began with the Visigoths. To make sure the Franks were kept back for the time being, Majorian sent Syagrius with his army to reinforce Aegidius. Then he met with Procopius, who had come into the city following the capture of Ravenna. Procopius Soranus would travel up through the Iberian Penninsula to attack the Visigoths from the south, whilst Majorian would go through Italy to attack from the North. Procopius set out first, so that they could arrive at around the same time. Majorian finished his preparations, setting off on the 18th June, beginning a brand new campaign.
Majorian would send a letter to Nepotianus, informing him that he was on his way to help. He would then inform Nepotianus of what he needed to do for Majorian. He and Procopius would met up with Nepotianus on the 26th June, where they would discuss their plans. At the end of this talk, Procopius and Majorian retreated a few miles south and North respectively
This would set up the battle of Narbo, June 30th. The battle began with the Visigoths intent on seizing the city bit Nepotianus met them head on. The 6,500 remaining Roman forces met with 17,000 (the remainder of the original 25,000) Visigoths. The Roman army was nearly overwhelmed, but it's discipline kept it together for long enough. Slowly by surely, the Visigoths began to gain ground. To the Visigoths, it looked to them as if they were winning. In truth, they were being led to their deaths. Nepotianus was deliberately giving ground as required, letting the Visigoths become fully committed.
Then, an hour after the battle began, Majorian and Procopius charged in, smashing into both of the Visigothic flank, 25,000 Romans launching in all at once. This devastated the Gothic line, inducing high casualty in the inital attack, and then even more in the continued assault. The Visigoths broke at this sudden onslaught, and were chased down by the Roman army The Visigoths knew that reinforcements were on the way, what they didn't know is that the Roman reinforcements were already ready to launch their attack. By the time, they had figured out what was going on, it was already too late for them.
The battle was decisive Roman Victory, with 13,000 Visigoths dead to 4,000 Romans (mostly from Nepotianus's group). In the following negotiation, the Visigoths were forced to return all the lands they had gained, returned to Foederati status once again.
This victory would make the senate give Majorian a new title: Gothicus Maximus, due to his efficiency in crushing both the Ostrogoths and Visigoths (twice). The legacy of Majorian was growing by the day.
The Visigothic threat had been dealt with. Now, Majorian set his eye on the other threat to Rome's safety, The Franks, Another piece of the puzzle in the year of 466, a year that would change Rome forever.
A/N: And that is all for this Chapter. I was originally going to have the Visigoths and Franks in one chapter, but I knew that that I would not have the time to be able to cover it in detail in one chapter, so it is now split in two. The next Chapter (as you can guess) will be about how Majorian will deal with the Franks. I hope you all enjoyed this latest chapter, the feedback is always appreciated. See you next Chapter!
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With the way Majorian is more popular/successful than ever and with the provinces being filled with appointees of his,even if Ricimer s succcessful in killing Majorian,he is just going to turn into another Aspar.
I actually meant Gainas,not Aspar,though they did meet similar ends.Gainas literally got done in by the Roman mob.
33: Fight Against Invasion: Franks
A/N: Hello all to another Chapter of 'Roma Renovata est'. Last time, Majorian dealt with the Visigoths in Hispania. Now, he heads to Gaul to deal with the Franks. Will he be able to push them back. Only one way to find out.
Fight Against Invasion: Franks
Withe the Visigoths dealt with the immediate danger was lifted, now Majorian had time to think, and organise for dealing with the other invader: The Franks. The Franks had been terrorising Gaul for close to a year by the time Majorian was ready to set off. Majorian started by allowing Procopius to go back to his province, but keeping 3,000 of his men for the time being to serve as reinforcements.
He had been training more soldiers since taking back Ravenna in March. Now in the midst of July, Majorian began to start putting those soldiers into combat, having the soldiers sent to him to further bolster his numbers. As a part of this, many of the Roman forces were added into the official Legions for their service. Over the years, being a legionaire had become a showing of pride to the soldiers, that they could say that they were able to work their way into the official legions, especially the main three, the ones not assigned to a particular province. As a result, the numbers were greatly bolstered, as now Majorian had a good distribution of Legionaires, reserve Roman forces and Foederati.
On the 20th July, now numbering roughly 25,000 men, Majorian set out to Gaul to reinforce Aegidius against the Frankish threat.
On August 5th, Majorian would reach Aegidius and Syagrius at Noviodunum, the Franks not too far away. Majorian then began to take count. With his 25,000 plus the remaining 18,000 of Aegidius, they had 43,000 soldiers to work with. He then began to make his plans. He knew that the Franks fought mainly on foot. They had horses, using them when they could, but that they wouldn't have trained for it like the Goths or Vandals would had. He planned to utilise this advantage this to his advantage, gathering up as much cavalry as he could. The light infantry woukd attack first, using hit and run tactics in case the Franks had anything up their sleeve to try and neutralise Rome's cavalry.
Finally, on the 9th August, The Battle of Noviodunum commenced, as 43,000 Romans battled 26,000 Franks. The two armies clashed, shields smashing together. The first of the light cavalry dashed into the enemies flanks, cutting into them before dashing off. The Franks responded, sending out their own cavalry to hold off the Roman's cavalry for the time being. The infantries clashed, with the Franks slowly being pushed back by the numerical advantage.
The Roman Cavalry archers began to shoot at the Franks, keepung themselves out of the Franks reach, whilst the rest of Rome's cavalry tore through the Frankish cavalry. They then turned to the infantry, the light cavalry attacked the unguarded rear, whilst the heavy cavalry attacked the flanks. The Franks, with no other options left, retreated from the battlefield, many more being cut down by the light cavalry.
In the battle 5,000 Franks lost their lives, compared to 3,000 Romans.
With another victory for Rome, the Roman army gave chase, hoping to finish the Frankish threat. But this is what the Franks wanted. In contrast to the Visigoths, who rushed in to reclaim land, the Franks had played it safe, making sure they got a good visual on what was happening with the Roman army. They had made sure to keep some of the army back, ready to strike. They intentionally made sure that they were close enough to the Romans that they could see what the Roman's were doing whilst being far enough away to keep out of the Roman armies range, charging at the Romans if and when they diverted to a different town/city. Finally, on the 13th August, the armies would clash at Samarobriva.
Smelling blood in the water the Romans charged the seemingly weakened Franks. This was when the trap was launched, 15,000 Franks ambushed the Roman forces, starting with the Cavalry. The light cavalry was scattered, whilst the heavy cavalry was weakened enough that the Frankish cavalry could hold off the Roman cavalry for the duration of the battle. The reserves then charged the Roman flanks, crashing into them hard. After an hour of fighting the franks on three sides, the newly recruited Romans broke, retreating from the battlefield. At this point, Majorian thought it better to retreat to a better position than sacrifice more lives needlessly. Romans retreated holding back the Franks as they went.
Over the course of the battle, 5,500 Romans met their end, compared to 3,800 Franks.
A fortnight later, Childeric would send a letter to Majorian, requesting his surrender and negotiations. Majorian stood firm, rejecting this proposal. Though his army was defeated, but not crippled. He was still capable of fighting. Not only that, he had not had time to prepare to endure, disiplining his army as much as he could.
At this rejection, Childeric was infuriated, marching his army to Rotomagus, where Majorian and his army were currently residing. If he could defeat Majorian in another decisive battle, he could potentially force Majorian into surrendering.
On the last day of August, the armies met,34,500 Romans to 1 beginning the Battle of Rotomagus, the third and final battle of the First Frankish War (as it would come to be known).
The two armies clashed on an open field, no trick, just brute force, perfect for the Romans. They soon began pushing the Franks back, slamming into their frontlines. The Franks for their part, did well to push back. The day passed into night, forcing the armies to retire to their tents for the time being. The next 3 days happened the same, the Romans gradually forcing the Franks back. Both armies were becoming tired, but the Franks were reaching their boiling point faster.
Finally on the 5th day of fighting, Majorian called for negotiations. Childeric wanted to reject out of spite, but he knew if he did, his army, already under heavy stress, would likely snap, with him being the first one they would target.
Thus, The Treaty of Rotomagus took place on the 5th September. The borders remauned unchanged, as neither side wished to press their luck. Both Majorian and Childeric agreed to 5 years of peace, neither side were to encroach on the other territory, or attack the others people/allies, unless provoked to. One of the most interesting parts of this treaty was that Majorian also extended this to include that the Franks could not attack the Alemanni for that same period of time, unless provoked to do so, despite the Alemanni not being official allies of Rome.
At least not yet. Whilst not official, talks between Majorian and Barodur had been going on, with talks going well between them. Whilst the prospect of letting the Burgundians deal with trying to conquer another kingdom rather than Rome was tempting, the prospect of finally finishing off the Burgundians and getting the one that would replace them on Rome's border as Rome's ally was even more so. Majorian hoped that this would help in the negotiations.
He also wanted to be prepared for incase the Franks did attack the Alemanni. If he did make the Alemanni his allies, then he needed to make sure they were protected for the time being. If he didn't include the clause about the Alemanni, then the Alemanni woukd still be vulnerable to Frankish invasion, as the Franks could claim that the Alemanni weren't allies of Rome when the treaty was signed. He was preemptively taking that oppertunity away for the time being, until the Alemanni could deal with the Burgundians.
With the treaty signed, Majorian returned to Ravenna, having dealt with Rome's most pressing threats.
But that didn't mean he was safe yet. Ricimer was nearly ready to put his plan into motion. This would be the final assassination attempt by the conspiracy, for better or worse.
A/N: And that's all for now, Ricimer is readying himself to deal with Majorian once and for all. Will he succeed? Only time will tell. Thank you all for reading this latest chapter, the feedback is much appreciated. See you next Chapter!
Fight Against Invasion: Franks
Withe the Visigoths dealt with the immediate danger was lifted, now Majorian had time to think, and organise for dealing with the other invader: The Franks. The Franks had been terrorising Gaul for close to a year by the time Majorian was ready to set off. Majorian started by allowing Procopius to go back to his province, but keeping 3,000 of his men for the time being to serve as reinforcements.
He had been training more soldiers since taking back Ravenna in March. Now in the midst of July, Majorian began to start putting those soldiers into combat, having the soldiers sent to him to further bolster his numbers. As a part of this, many of the Roman forces were added into the official Legions for their service. Over the years, being a legionaire had become a showing of pride to the soldiers, that they could say that they were able to work their way into the official legions, especially the main three, the ones not assigned to a particular province. As a result, the numbers were greatly bolstered, as now Majorian had a good distribution of Legionaires, reserve Roman forces and Foederati.
On the 20th July, now numbering roughly 25,000 men, Majorian set out to Gaul to reinforce Aegidius against the Frankish threat.
On August 5th, Majorian would reach Aegidius and Syagrius at Noviodunum, the Franks not too far away. Majorian then began to take count. With his 25,000 plus the remaining 18,000 of Aegidius, they had 43,000 soldiers to work with. He then began to make his plans. He knew that the Franks fought mainly on foot. They had horses, using them when they could, but that they wouldn't have trained for it like the Goths or Vandals would had. He planned to utilise this advantage this to his advantage, gathering up as much cavalry as he could. The light infantry woukd attack first, using hit and run tactics in case the Franks had anything up their sleeve to try and neutralise Rome's cavalry.
Finally, on the 9th August, The Battle of Noviodunum commenced, as 43,000 Romans battled 26,000 Franks. The two armies clashed, shields smashing together. The first of the light cavalry dashed into the enemies flanks, cutting into them before dashing off. The Franks responded, sending out their own cavalry to hold off the Roman's cavalry for the time being. The infantries clashed, with the Franks slowly being pushed back by the numerical advantage.
The Roman Cavalry archers began to shoot at the Franks, keepung themselves out of the Franks reach, whilst the rest of Rome's cavalry tore through the Frankish cavalry. They then turned to the infantry, the light cavalry attacked the unguarded rear, whilst the heavy cavalry attacked the flanks. The Franks, with no other options left, retreated from the battlefield, many more being cut down by the light cavalry.
In the battle 5,000 Franks lost their lives, compared to 3,000 Romans.
With another victory for Rome, the Roman army gave chase, hoping to finish the Frankish threat. But this is what the Franks wanted. In contrast to the Visigoths, who rushed in to reclaim land, the Franks had played it safe, making sure they got a good visual on what was happening with the Roman army. They had made sure to keep some of the army back, ready to strike. They intentionally made sure that they were close enough to the Romans that they could see what the Roman's were doing whilst being far enough away to keep out of the Roman armies range, charging at the Romans if and when they diverted to a different town/city. Finally, on the 13th August, the armies would clash at Samarobriva.
Smelling blood in the water the Romans charged the seemingly weakened Franks. This was when the trap was launched, 15,000 Franks ambushed the Roman forces, starting with the Cavalry. The light cavalry was scattered, whilst the heavy cavalry was weakened enough that the Frankish cavalry could hold off the Roman cavalry for the duration of the battle. The reserves then charged the Roman flanks, crashing into them hard. After an hour of fighting the franks on three sides, the newly recruited Romans broke, retreating from the battlefield. At this point, Majorian thought it better to retreat to a better position than sacrifice more lives needlessly. Romans retreated holding back the Franks as they went.
Over the course of the battle, 5,500 Romans met their end, compared to 3,800 Franks.
A fortnight later, Childeric would send a letter to Majorian, requesting his surrender and negotiations. Majorian stood firm, rejecting this proposal. Though his army was defeated, but not crippled. He was still capable of fighting. Not only that, he had not had time to prepare to endure, disiplining his army as much as he could.
At this rejection, Childeric was infuriated, marching his army to Rotomagus, where Majorian and his army were currently residing. If he could defeat Majorian in another decisive battle, he could potentially force Majorian into surrendering.
On the last day of August, the armies met,34,500 Romans to 1 beginning the Battle of Rotomagus, the third and final battle of the First Frankish War (as it would come to be known).
The two armies clashed on an open field, no trick, just brute force, perfect for the Romans. They soon began pushing the Franks back, slamming into their frontlines. The Franks for their part, did well to push back. The day passed into night, forcing the armies to retire to their tents for the time being. The next 3 days happened the same, the Romans gradually forcing the Franks back. Both armies were becoming tired, but the Franks were reaching their boiling point faster.
Finally on the 5th day of fighting, Majorian called for negotiations. Childeric wanted to reject out of spite, but he knew if he did, his army, already under heavy stress, would likely snap, with him being the first one they would target.
Thus, The Treaty of Rotomagus took place on the 5th September. The borders remauned unchanged, as neither side wished to press their luck. Both Majorian and Childeric agreed to 5 years of peace, neither side were to encroach on the other territory, or attack the others people/allies, unless provoked to. One of the most interesting parts of this treaty was that Majorian also extended this to include that the Franks could not attack the Alemanni for that same period of time, unless provoked to do so, despite the Alemanni not being official allies of Rome.
At least not yet. Whilst not official, talks between Majorian and Barodur had been going on, with talks going well between them. Whilst the prospect of letting the Burgundians deal with trying to conquer another kingdom rather than Rome was tempting, the prospect of finally finishing off the Burgundians and getting the one that would replace them on Rome's border as Rome's ally was even more so. Majorian hoped that this would help in the negotiations.
He also wanted to be prepared for incase the Franks did attack the Alemanni. If he did make the Alemanni his allies, then he needed to make sure they were protected for the time being. If he didn't include the clause about the Alemanni, then the Alemanni woukd still be vulnerable to Frankish invasion, as the Franks could claim that the Alemanni weren't allies of Rome when the treaty was signed. He was preemptively taking that oppertunity away for the time being, until the Alemanni could deal with the Burgundians.
With the treaty signed, Majorian returned to Ravenna, having dealt with Rome's most pressing threats.
But that didn't mean he was safe yet. Ricimer was nearly ready to put his plan into motion. This would be the final assassination attempt by the conspiracy, for better or worse.
A/N: And that's all for now, Ricimer is readying himself to deal with Majorian once and for all. Will he succeed? Only time will tell. Thank you all for reading this latest chapter, the feedback is much appreciated. See you next Chapter!
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I hope that future Western emperors will be inaugurated with the words of: "May you be luckier than Majorian and better than Aurelian," rather than the words of "May you be luckier than Augustus and better than Trajan."
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34: Moment of Truth
A/N: Hello everyone! Here with another Chapter. Majorian has finally dealt with the invasions for the time being. He can now return to some form of peace. At least that's what he thinks. What will happen next? We shall see...
Moment of Truth
Majorian breathed a sigh of relief. He had now defeated all of Rome's biggest threats for the time being. There was still much more to be done of course, but for the time being, Majorian was free to relax for the first time in over a year.
That September, Majorian returned to Ravenna, to enjoy some time with his family. Theodosius (now 5 years old) was a quiet, shy child, not that realy liked to talk much. Even as a baby, Theodosius had been a more quiet child, not being very energetic. Honorius was very much the opposite, very energetic and roudy, full of life and confidence, feeling ready to take on the world. And soon, their would be a younger sibling to the two boys. Eudocia was 5 months pregnant with yet another child, having concieved another child sometime in April. For Majorian, life was as good as it got.
But that didn't mean all was good with the imperial family. Olybrius had contracted a sickness in December of 465. Overtime, the illness got worse, eventually ending result in the illness taking his life in July of 466. He was offcially given his burial in August of the same year. Placidia mourned openly (though whether it was genuine has been questioned in the years since).
Despite this, life was good of Majorian and the Imperial family. But the good times weren't to last, for whilst Majorian celebrated, Ricimer schemed. Ricimer had been preparing for the right moment. He knew that at this point he had no control over Majorian left, Majorian was fully independent, not bound to Ricimer's influence. Any chance of reigning in Majorian was now gone. He couldn't depose Majorian either. His victories, conquests and reforms had made his extremely popular with the people and the army. If he simply deposed Majorian, those groups would do whatever it took to put him back on the throne. If he wanted to get his power back and keep it, Majorian had to be dealt with. Permenantly.
But he couldn't simply off Majorian however. If he just did it willie nillie, people would easily trace it back to him. He needed to wait for the right time. Luckly for him, he would not have to wait long for his golden oppertunity. Majorian would be meeting with Alemanni ambassadors in roughly one months time. This would allow Ricimer to blame it on the Alemanni; he could claim that they were assassins, sent by Barodur to execute the emperor, he could claim that they had set their eyes on the empire after dealing with the Burgundians. This would then allow him to place Theodosius as a puppet emperor, as well as support Gundioc, his brother-in-law.
To Ricimer, there was no better oppertunity. For this mission he contracted the best assassins he could get (without rousing suspicion). 6 of them in total. The moment was almost here.
The day would come, the 21st October 466, Majorian would meet up with the Alemanni ambassadors. To begin Majorian gave them one of his general, Iunian, to help with the war effort. Majorian remembered how Iunian was initially on the side of Ferox during the Ferox Rebellion. He felt that making Iunian help a foreign nation would be a fitting punishment for the general.
Things started as usual, then the assassins put the plan into motion. Through Ricimer, they were assigned as a part helpers in the talks. When they weren't needed, they challenged one of the lessor ambassadors to a drinking contest, one that was also not needed for the time being. But this contest had been rigged, the wine that the assassins were drinking was more diluted than the ambassadors. Eventually, the ambassador couldn't drink anymore. The assassins then offered to take him to the bathroom stalls. Another of the lesser ambassadors joined in to help.
The 2 ambassadors soon found themselves knocked out. The assassins then smeered them in pigs blood, which they had brought in using one of the palaces vases. 2 of the assassins smeered them in blood and then washed the blood off of themselves. The rest retreated to a private part of the palace, told to them by Ricimer, getting into position not long before the meeting took a break. All was going according to plan.
Soon, Majorian came round the corner, right into the waiting ambush. The first of the assassins struck out against Majorian. The knife stabbed into Majorian, but the assassin had misfired, the knife slashed Majorian's side, but failed to hit internal organs. Majorian kicked the assassin away, before turning and running.
2 of the assassins chased after the emperor, the rest blocked his escape, checking for any passerbys. They had Majorian trapped. Though not fatal, the wound was severe and Majorian was losing alot of blood. In a desperate act, Majorian charged one of the assassins pushing them out of the way. One of the other assassin took a swing at Majorian's neck. Majorian was able to move his head out of the blades range, dodging what would have been a killing blow. He ran as fast as he could, the assassins in persuit. Majorian began shouting at the top of his lungs, hoping someone would hear. His vision was beginning to blur.
Majorian stumbled to the floor, his vision beginning to blur. The assassins closed in, beginning to stab at the Emperor. He twisted and turned as much as possible, trying to avoid the assassins blade. The end seemed inevitable.
But then the guards charged in, scaring the Assassins into retreat. One of the ambassadors had heard his shouting and ran to the nearest pair of guards. The assassins were chased down by the guard. 1 of the assassins died in the chaos, 3 were captured and 2 escaped.
Majorian was alive, but barely. The guards rushed to get doctors as soon as possible. Majorian eventually faded, passing out.
A/N: And that is all for now, I hope you all enjoyed. Thank you all for reading the feedback is appreciated. See you next chapter!
Moment of Truth
Majorian breathed a sigh of relief. He had now defeated all of Rome's biggest threats for the time being. There was still much more to be done of course, but for the time being, Majorian was free to relax for the first time in over a year.
That September, Majorian returned to Ravenna, to enjoy some time with his family. Theodosius (now 5 years old) was a quiet, shy child, not that realy liked to talk much. Even as a baby, Theodosius had been a more quiet child, not being very energetic. Honorius was very much the opposite, very energetic and roudy, full of life and confidence, feeling ready to take on the world. And soon, their would be a younger sibling to the two boys. Eudocia was 5 months pregnant with yet another child, having concieved another child sometime in April. For Majorian, life was as good as it got.
But that didn't mean all was good with the imperial family. Olybrius had contracted a sickness in December of 465. Overtime, the illness got worse, eventually ending result in the illness taking his life in July of 466. He was offcially given his burial in August of the same year. Placidia mourned openly (though whether it was genuine has been questioned in the years since).
Despite this, life was good of Majorian and the Imperial family. But the good times weren't to last, for whilst Majorian celebrated, Ricimer schemed. Ricimer had been preparing for the right moment. He knew that at this point he had no control over Majorian left, Majorian was fully independent, not bound to Ricimer's influence. Any chance of reigning in Majorian was now gone. He couldn't depose Majorian either. His victories, conquests and reforms had made his extremely popular with the people and the army. If he simply deposed Majorian, those groups would do whatever it took to put him back on the throne. If he wanted to get his power back and keep it, Majorian had to be dealt with. Permenantly.
But he couldn't simply off Majorian however. If he just did it willie nillie, people would easily trace it back to him. He needed to wait for the right time. Luckly for him, he would not have to wait long for his golden oppertunity. Majorian would be meeting with Alemanni ambassadors in roughly one months time. This would allow Ricimer to blame it on the Alemanni; he could claim that they were assassins, sent by Barodur to execute the emperor, he could claim that they had set their eyes on the empire after dealing with the Burgundians. This would then allow him to place Theodosius as a puppet emperor, as well as support Gundioc, his brother-in-law.
To Ricimer, there was no better oppertunity. For this mission he contracted the best assassins he could get (without rousing suspicion). 6 of them in total. The moment was almost here.
The day would come, the 21st October 466, Majorian would meet up with the Alemanni ambassadors. To begin Majorian gave them one of his general, Iunian, to help with the war effort. Majorian remembered how Iunian was initially on the side of Ferox during the Ferox Rebellion. He felt that making Iunian help a foreign nation would be a fitting punishment for the general.
Things started as usual, then the assassins put the plan into motion. Through Ricimer, they were assigned as a part helpers in the talks. When they weren't needed, they challenged one of the lessor ambassadors to a drinking contest, one that was also not needed for the time being. But this contest had been rigged, the wine that the assassins were drinking was more diluted than the ambassadors. Eventually, the ambassador couldn't drink anymore. The assassins then offered to take him to the bathroom stalls. Another of the lesser ambassadors joined in to help.
The 2 ambassadors soon found themselves knocked out. The assassins then smeered them in pigs blood, which they had brought in using one of the palaces vases. 2 of the assassins smeered them in blood and then washed the blood off of themselves. The rest retreated to a private part of the palace, told to them by Ricimer, getting into position not long before the meeting took a break. All was going according to plan.
Soon, Majorian came round the corner, right into the waiting ambush. The first of the assassins struck out against Majorian. The knife stabbed into Majorian, but the assassin had misfired, the knife slashed Majorian's side, but failed to hit internal organs. Majorian kicked the assassin away, before turning and running.
2 of the assassins chased after the emperor, the rest blocked his escape, checking for any passerbys. They had Majorian trapped. Though not fatal, the wound was severe and Majorian was losing alot of blood. In a desperate act, Majorian charged one of the assassins pushing them out of the way. One of the other assassin took a swing at Majorian's neck. Majorian was able to move his head out of the blades range, dodging what would have been a killing blow. He ran as fast as he could, the assassins in persuit. Majorian began shouting at the top of his lungs, hoping someone would hear. His vision was beginning to blur.
Majorian stumbled to the floor, his vision beginning to blur. The assassins closed in, beginning to stab at the Emperor. He twisted and turned as much as possible, trying to avoid the assassins blade. The end seemed inevitable.
But then the guards charged in, scaring the Assassins into retreat. One of the ambassadors had heard his shouting and ran to the nearest pair of guards. The assassins were chased down by the guard. 1 of the assassins died in the chaos, 3 were captured and 2 escaped.
Majorian was alive, but barely. The guards rushed to get doctors as soon as possible. Majorian eventually faded, passing out.
A/N: And that is all for now, I hope you all enjoyed. Thank you all for reading the feedback is appreciated. See you next chapter!
Oh no, he had guards all over the palace, but they managed to catch Majorian at near his personnal headquarters, where most people don't know.
Although you are probably right that Majorian is dumb like that, at least this version.
But this event will have impacts on Majorians life for a while.
I do think he has too much luck here.But I guess he still has much to offer.
Yeah, fair enough.
Then again, Ceasar is also someone that seemed as if he had too much luck, at least until he recieved 27 stab wounds.
Some men like Caesar, Napoleon, Alexander the Great etc lived lives, that if you didn’t learn about them from a history book, you would think that they were a product of self indulgent fiction writing. I can see how a person of the time could be convinced to worship Caesar as a God
I can also see how this can make it hard to write men with similarly amazing lives without making seem unbelievable to a casual reader. But I think as long as it is justified within the storyline of an alternate history fiction like this it is perfectly acceptable.
Enjoying the timeline so far as I haven’t seen much focused on Majorian on this site before. Keep up the good work!
Dovahhatty scene
r*cimer: W-WAIT! I CAN EXPLAIN!
Majorian: Explain this, then!
Majorian holding a letter written by r*cimer that reads:
HAHAHA YES,
I'M GONNA USURP THAT MAJORIAN,
CONTROL HIS SON,
AND BE LIKE STILICHO
YEEEESSSS
t. r*cimer
Majorian: Nevermind, just kill him.
r*cimer: WAIT NO!
r*cimer: W-WAIT! I CAN EXPLAIN!
Majorian: Explain this, then!
Majorian holding a letter written by r*cimer that reads:
HAHAHA YES,
I'M GONNA USURP THAT MAJORIAN,
CONTROL HIS SON,
AND BE LIKE STILICHO
YEEEESSSS
t. r*cimer
Majorian: Nevermind, just kill him.
r*cimer: WAIT NO!
Majorian: First off, that's an insult to Stilicho.
R*cimer: oh
Majorian: Second, you would waste nearly a decade of reclaiming Roman territory, just to gain back POWER?!
R*cimer: Oh
Majorian: Third, after everything we've been through, your just going to turn on me like this? I know your a g*rm, but at least most g*rms have the courtesy to stab you in the front, not in the back.
R*cimer: OH!
35: Confrontation
A/N: Hello all! I am back with another Chapter of 'Roma Renovata est'. And this is a special birthday chapter. I'm writing this chapter on my birthday! I hope you enjoy this latest chapter.
Confrontations
Following his near death experience, Majorian has spent the next month afterwards cursing himself for his own naiveity. He thought he had been prepared, setting up guards all around the palace and having them stationed beside him during negotistions. But soon after dismissing them for the break in negotiations, he had been attacked right when he thought himself most safe. He had been heading to a section of the imperial palace that Majorian had made him own private headquarter, a place to be all by himself for a while. Only a few people knew of this, being his generals (Ricimer, Aegidius, Marcellinus and Nepotianus) and his family.
The assassin shouldn't have known of that area, they wouldn't have. Perhaps they were very thorough, but Majorian didn't buy it. In the time it would have taken to find it and realise that it was a private spot, their wouldn't have been that much time, since they had spent some of that time playing dress up with a couple of the negotiators.
If they were to be able to do all that they did as efficiently as they did, they would have needed someone on the inside.
At he quickly guessed who it was. After all, he was they only one who had shown himself willing to betray Majorian in the past: Ricimer.
But he needed evidence of Ricimer's guilt befire he could arrest him. Luckily, he had 3 people there to interrogate. The 3 prisoners, not wanting to have their own lives ended, spilled everything, they assassinated to survive, and they had no personal loyalty ro Ricimer, so they had no reservations in tellibg the emperor. As a result, they were to be banished once they were no longer useful, but that time was not now. Over his month of rehabilitation, he had intentionally made sure that some of the wound scarred over. He wanted to prove to the people Ricimer's treachery, and his body would be the proof.
Finally on the 22nd November 466, Majorian travelled to Mediolanum. Majorian had the assassins reveal anybody that was allied to Ricimer. He then bribed on of the conspirators into revealing the hideout. Majorian was intent on arresting the man who he had previously considered a friend.
When he arrived he began to search the city for Ricimer. But he was nowhere to be found, he was gone. But this made no sense he had used the bribed conspirator to find out when the next meeting was going to be. Why was he not there. He found his answer quickly. Some of the guards accompanying him found a couple of sheet scattered across the floor in one of the buildings. There weren't many and most of them weren't very useful, but there was one that stuck out. One of the sheet waa one of the contact for one of the assassins.
At this point Majorians suspicions had been confirmed. In truth, before this point he wasn't totally sure that it wasn't Ricimer. Perhaps it was Aegidius or Marcellinus. Perhaps it was his wife, wanting to place their son on the throne and control him, like some empresses had done before. But Ricimer's flight, combined with the papers proved his guilt. Majorian now had the task of preparing to arrest one of his oldest friends.
Meanwhile, Ricimer was riding away, riding on horses to the Visigoths. He had made sure to try and pack away as much as possible before leaving. He had been caught, their was no more fooling Majorian now. If he wanted power, he would have to do the one thing he intended to avoid most. He would have to fight. He knew that more civil war would only destabilise Rome more than it had been after the Ferox Rebellion. If Ferox, a senator with little to no combat experience could kick up that much of a row, then a civil war between him and Majorian would lead to chaos in not only Rome, but all of Western Europe.
But it was the only option left. So he rode, rode to the Visigothic Kngdom. After all, he was half Visigoth. If he could appeal to the new Visigothic King, Euric. Euric had murdered Theodoric II after his failure against Majorian. He hoped to use his connections in the Visigothic Kingdom, and to use the Visigoths ambition to reclaim Hispania to help him gather an army.
He knew that there would be hell to pay if he didn't strike out soon. The die had been cast, it was time to see who would be the first one to take the bait.
A/N: And that is all for this special Birthday edition! The lie is up, now Civil War is beginning to brew between the two sides, as now only either Majorian or Ricimer can survive. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, the feedback is alway appreciated. See you next Chapter!
Confrontations
Following his near death experience, Majorian has spent the next month afterwards cursing himself for his own naiveity. He thought he had been prepared, setting up guards all around the palace and having them stationed beside him during negotistions. But soon after dismissing them for the break in negotiations, he had been attacked right when he thought himself most safe. He had been heading to a section of the imperial palace that Majorian had made him own private headquarter, a place to be all by himself for a while. Only a few people knew of this, being his generals (Ricimer, Aegidius, Marcellinus and Nepotianus) and his family.
The assassin shouldn't have known of that area, they wouldn't have. Perhaps they were very thorough, but Majorian didn't buy it. In the time it would have taken to find it and realise that it was a private spot, their wouldn't have been that much time, since they had spent some of that time playing dress up with a couple of the negotiators.
If they were to be able to do all that they did as efficiently as they did, they would have needed someone on the inside.
At he quickly guessed who it was. After all, he was they only one who had shown himself willing to betray Majorian in the past: Ricimer.
But he needed evidence of Ricimer's guilt befire he could arrest him. Luckily, he had 3 people there to interrogate. The 3 prisoners, not wanting to have their own lives ended, spilled everything, they assassinated to survive, and they had no personal loyalty ro Ricimer, so they had no reservations in tellibg the emperor. As a result, they were to be banished once they were no longer useful, but that time was not now. Over his month of rehabilitation, he had intentionally made sure that some of the wound scarred over. He wanted to prove to the people Ricimer's treachery, and his body would be the proof.
Finally on the 22nd November 466, Majorian travelled to Mediolanum. Majorian had the assassins reveal anybody that was allied to Ricimer. He then bribed on of the conspirators into revealing the hideout. Majorian was intent on arresting the man who he had previously considered a friend.
When he arrived he began to search the city for Ricimer. But he was nowhere to be found, he was gone. But this made no sense he had used the bribed conspirator to find out when the next meeting was going to be. Why was he not there. He found his answer quickly. Some of the guards accompanying him found a couple of sheet scattered across the floor in one of the buildings. There weren't many and most of them weren't very useful, but there was one that stuck out. One of the sheet waa one of the contact for one of the assassins.
At this point Majorians suspicions had been confirmed. In truth, before this point he wasn't totally sure that it wasn't Ricimer. Perhaps it was Aegidius or Marcellinus. Perhaps it was his wife, wanting to place their son on the throne and control him, like some empresses had done before. But Ricimer's flight, combined with the papers proved his guilt. Majorian now had the task of preparing to arrest one of his oldest friends.
Meanwhile, Ricimer was riding away, riding on horses to the Visigoths. He had made sure to try and pack away as much as possible before leaving. He had been caught, their was no more fooling Majorian now. If he wanted power, he would have to do the one thing he intended to avoid most. He would have to fight. He knew that more civil war would only destabilise Rome more than it had been after the Ferox Rebellion. If Ferox, a senator with little to no combat experience could kick up that much of a row, then a civil war between him and Majorian would lead to chaos in not only Rome, but all of Western Europe.
But it was the only option left. So he rode, rode to the Visigothic Kngdom. After all, he was half Visigoth. If he could appeal to the new Visigothic King, Euric. Euric had murdered Theodoric II after his failure against Majorian. He hoped to use his connections in the Visigothic Kingdom, and to use the Visigoths ambition to reclaim Hispania to help him gather an army.
He knew that there would be hell to pay if he didn't strike out soon. The die had been cast, it was time to see who would be the first one to take the bait.
A/N: And that is all for this special Birthday edition! The lie is up, now Civil War is beginning to brew between the two sides, as now only either Majorian or Ricimer can survive. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, the feedback is alway appreciated. See you next Chapter!
Happy Birthday!
Nice chapter, looking forward to read about Ricimer's fate. If I were the visigothic king, though, I would capture Ricimer and send him as a gift to Majorian to get on Majorian's good side.
Nice chapter, looking forward to read about Ricimer's fate. If I were the visigothic king, though, I would capture Ricimer and send him as a gift to Majorian to get on Majorian's good side.