What if Emperor Majorian's fleet was not destroyed and he invaded the Vandals?

In 460, Emperor Majorian who had reconquered Gaul and Hispania was preparing to invade Africa and reconquer it, but traitors paid by the Vandals destroyed his ships.

What if they didn't?
 
Well if he manages to go through with his plan and land, the Vandals might be screwed. The reason this would probably be more successful than the 468 debacle is because he isn't trying to land right on top of Carthage, but instead in Mauretania and Numidia and work his way up the coast.

The Vandals at least thought that if Majorian landed they were screwed judging from their frantic attempts to strike a peace deal, and giant roll of the dice that was their attack on Majorian's fleet.

Assuming he reincorporates North Africa, the Western Roman Empire is all of a sudden in a MUCH better position. Having pacified large parts of Gaul, Spain, and now North Africa, they have a large financial base now. More importantly, Majorian's position is cemented as the senior partner in his duumvirate with Ricimer. Though I don't think he would attempt to get rid of him unless Ricimer does some funny business because it seems Majorian really trusted Ricimer.
 
Assuming Ricimer doesn't bump him off for being too successful! The last thing anyone needs now is a successful and able ruler of the WRE.
 
I like to think that Majorian was indeed last chance for Roman Empire (western) to recover. Considering how well he fared against barbarians in Empire borders and how his reforms invigorated WRE...

Still- I think that sooner or later he'd have to deal with Ricimer... Or Ricimer would deal with him. But nonetheless I can see Majorian reconquering and consolidating WRE strength over whole continental former Empire territories.

Only one question remains- what after Majorian death (even if he outlives Ricimer)?
 
How much longer does anyone think the WRE could hold on? Would this be the end of a hypothetical "Crisis of the Fifth Century?"
 
Assuming Ricimer doesn't bump him off for being too successful! The last thing anyone needs now is a successful and able ruler of the WRE.

Ricimer was able (and willing) to get rid of Majorian because of his failure. The Italian aristocracy had already been less than happy with Majorian, and Ricimer had to deal with the Italian nobility- when they saw he was returning as a failure, they pressed Ricimer into acting. Not that Ricimer had many problems with doing so, but it was already a big risk for him-Majorian had the full backing of the eastern emperor, something Ricimer would (and didn't) not have if he killed him. Killing a Majorian (who wouldn't be very touchable anyway because the Italian nobility hold their tongues after his triumph) that has the conquest of Africa and essentially stabilization of the empire under his belt, would be suicide for Ricimer from the perspective of what the east (and the rest of the western empire) would do to him.

Aegidius would certainly have much more support in his rebellion against Ricimer, enough to make a go at Italy, of course probably being supported by Leo.
 

Dorozhand

Banned
How much longer does anyone think the WRE could hold on? Would this be the end of a hypothetical "Crisis of the Fifth Century?"

Only if Majorian is able and willing to implement drastic reforms to the Roman army and state, and get away with it without getting himself deposed. Once back in control of the empire, he needs to capitalize on his position and allow Rome some desperately needed breathing room to recover. If he is able to do that, then yes, I think history might be talking about the "Majorian Restoration" of the fifth century rather than the fall of the empire, although future prospects will rest on whether he can find an adequate successor to cement it all.
 
Only if Majorian is able and willing to implement drastic reforms to the Roman army and state, and get away with it without getting himself deposed. Once back in control of the empire, he needs to capitalize on his position and allow Rome some desperately needed breathing room to recover. If he is able to do that, then yes, I think history might be talking about the "Majorian Restoration" of the fifth century rather than the fall of the empire, although future prospects will rest on whether he can find an adequate successor to cement it all.

Majorian did seek to reform the administration and root out corruption and injustices in it. Wikipedia actually gives a nice rundown of his domestic policy: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Majorian#Fiscal_policy_and_coinage

So the potential is definitely there, as Majorian seemed genuinely interested in instituting some serious reform.

About succession:
Any successor requires the support of the east, which Majorian is sure to have. Now, a good way to cement the succession would be to find a wife with ties to the eastern court. There's Placidia, daughter of Valentinian III, and the woman who Valentinian intended to marry to Majoriaan in 451 until Aetius got wind of it and quickly ended those plans. She married Anicius Olybrius in 455, but if he were to die suddenly, then she is available for Majorian. Incidentally, she was captured by Genseric in the sack of Rome, so Majorian would be liberating her when he conquered Vandal Africa.
 
Majorian did seek to reform the administration and root out corruption and injustices in it. Wikipedia actually gives a nice rundown of his domestic policy: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Majorian#Fiscal_policy_and_coinage

So the potential is definitely there, as Majorian seemed genuinely interested in instituting some serious reform.

About succession:
Any successor requires the support of the east, which Majorian is sure to have. Now, a good way to cement the succession would be to find a wife with ties to the eastern court. There's Placidia, daughter of Valentinian III, and the woman who Valentinian intended to marry to Majoriaan in 451 until Aetius got wind of it and quickly ended those plans. She married Anicius Olybrius in 455, but if he were to die suddenly, then she is available for Majorian. Incidentally, she was captured by Genseric in the sack of Rome, so Majorian would be liberating her when he conquered Vandal Africa.

Oh, that would make such an excellent movie. It's got enough cliches to have broad appeal, but enough difference to be interesting.
 
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