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alternatehistory.com
I'm not that great with logistics and politics, but I hope that the feedback of AH.com will help me improve this timeline. I introduce to you:
Chapter I: Preparation for the Invasion of North Africa
Extent of the Western Roman Empire in 460 A.D.
460 A.D.
Emperor Majorian had finished reconquering most of Hispania. Indeed, after a couple of very long and bloody campaigns, Roman rule had come back to most of Gaul and Hispania. Now, stationed in Carthaginensis, Majorian began to create a Roman fleet for the invasion of the Vandal kingdom in North Africa. Only five years ago, in 455, the Vandals had sacked the eternal city, Rome. However, it would only take a bit more time for the Romans to be ready to return the favor.
Though Majorian became Emperor of the West only three years ago, he quickly built a name for himself as a capable emperor, general and most of all, leader. Both Gaul and Hispania were relatively stabilized, and the economy was slowly growing. Though many in the Senate opposed him, Majorian was slowly but steadily gaining popular support among the people of the Western Empire.
While the Emperor was in Carthaginensis, the Magister Militum, Ricimer, stayed in Italy, waiting for an opportunity to betray the Emperor. Ricimer had hoped to make a puppet out of Majorian, but once the Emperor proved himself of being quite a capable ruler, Ricimer knew he could not easily control Majorian. So, Ricimer stayed in Italy and hoped that Majorian would be defeated on the sea. After all, the Roman Navy had been reduced to a shadow of its former self. The golden days known as the Pax Romana were long gone. Ricimer believed that Majorian's invasion would be crushed by the Vandals and their more capable navy. Once the Emperor's fifteen minutes of fame were gone, Ricimer would find a way to install someone else as the Emperor and use him as a puppet.
Western Rome was in a fragile condition. It was weak. However, Majorian proved to the world that it was not a hopeless empire. With proper leadership and reforms, the Roman Empire could restore its glory. Everything was in place for the restoration of Roman power. If Majorian could pull off a victory and regain North Africa, his popularity would skyrocket, not only among the people of Rome, but the Senate as well. With that kind of popularity, Majorian would be able to put several reforms into place and cut down corruption. However, that could only happen if he could successfully prepare for his fight with the Vandals, who were busy making plans to face the Roman threat.
461 A.D.
By May of 461, the fleet being assembled at Carthaginensis was nearly ready. It was predicted that the fleet would finally be ready in June, with a total of 44 ships for the fleet. However, the Vandals had finished preparing for an assault on Cartagena, the port at which the Roman fleet was being constructed.
The Vandals had a plan that they thought was sure to work. They would bribe and turn the Roman captains of the soon-to-be fleet into traitors, then sail in with their fleet of 17 ships and attack. If done correctly, the Romans would lose their entire force and Majorian would not be able to invade North Africa. The Vandals knew of the political tensions within Rome, and they sought to exploit it. Once Majorian was shown as being unable to retake North Africa, he would lose his power and control over the empire, securing the Vandal position.
When the Vandal spies went to Cartagena to bribe the Roman captains, the entire Vandal plan was destroyed, although the Vandals did not know it at the time. One of the captains, Decimus Varro, accepted the Vandal offer. Once the spies left to report their "success", Varro revealed the plot to his higher ups, who in turn informed Majorian himself. Thanks to Varro, Majorian and the other leaders of the invasion weeded out the traitors, throwing them into jail for treason. The captains were replaced just in time for the Vandal attack.
On May 13, the Vandal fleet sailed into Cartagena. They were totally surprised when they saw 40 Roman ships ready for the attack. Varro's ship led the Roman offensive against the Vandals, and soon the confused Vandals were retreating. Out of 17 ships, 9 ships were sunk by the Romans, while the other 8 were captured. The decisive victory at Cartagena meant that Majorian's invasion would be able to take place. The Vandal prisoners were all either executed or turned into slaves. Varro was promoted for his loyalty to the Empire and his ship's performance in the battle. The Vandals, who just lost their main fleet, panicked and desperately tried to negotiate peace with the Romans. Majorian, as well as the Senate, however, would not have it. Both agreed that the Vandals had to be punished for the sacking of Rome, and that North Africa had to come back under Roman control. On the 2nd of June, the Roman fleet and Majorian's legions were finally ready for the Invasion of North Africa.