Roman History 36 - Libius To Romulus 461-476 AD

Hello and welcome to the history of Hello and welcome to the history of Rome, episode 176, the quote unquote emperor. When Rickr arrested and emperor. When Rickr arrested and executed the Emperor Majorian in August executed the Emperor Majorian in August executed the Emperor Majorian in August 461, it is entirely likely that he 461, it is entirely likely that he 461, it is entirely likely that he didn't think it would be that big of a didn't think it would be that big of a didn't think it would be that big of a deal. Sure, it might be a little deal. Sure, it might be a little deal. Sure, it might be a little scandalous, but as PR problems go, it scandalous, but as PR problems go, it scandalous, but as PR problems go, it would almost certainly blow over. After would almost certainly blow over. After would almost certainly blow over. After all, Rick was the real power behind the all, Rick was the real power behind the all, Rick was the real power behind the throne. Everyone knew it. So, it wasn't throne. Everyone knew it. So, it wasn't throne. Everyone knew it. So, it wasn't like this was a coup or something. More like this was a coup or something. More like this was a coup or something. More like a CEO firing his COO. like a CEO firing his COO. like a CEO firing his COO. But Rickimer underestimated the But Rickimer underestimated the But Rickimer underestimated the popularity of popularity of popularity of Majorian. Living in Italy and surrounded Majorian. Living in Italy and surrounded Majorian. Living in Italy and surrounded by a bunch of Italian aristocrats who by a bunch of Italian aristocrats who by a bunch of Italian aristocrats who had soured on the emperor, it might have had soured on the emperor, it might have had soured on the emperor, it might have seemed to Rick like the whole empire seemed to Rick like the whole empire seemed to Rick like the whole empire hated Majorian and was ready for him to hated Majorian and was ready for him to hated Majorian and was ready for him to go. But this was not so. Majorian's go. But this was not so. Majorian's go. But this was not so. Majorian's policies may have been ticking off Rick policies may have been ticking off Rick policies may have been ticking off Rick and the Italian nobility, but that did and the Italian nobility, but that did and the Italian nobility, but that did not mean that they were ticking off not mean that they were ticking off not mean that they were ticking off anyone else. So when Majorian was anyone else. So when Majorian was anyone else. So when Majorian was killed, these anyone else's were shocked killed, these anyone else's were shocked killed, these anyone else's were shocked and angry, and as we're about to see, and angry, and as we're about to see, and angry, and as we're about to see, they were not going to take it lying down. Two of these anyone else's are of down. Two of these anyone else's are of particular interest. The first was the particular interest. The first was the particular interest. The first was the general I mentioned last week, the guy general I mentioned last week, the guy general I mentioned last week, the guy whose name I told you to remember. Do whose name I told you to remember. Do whose name I told you to remember. Do you remember his name? That's right.

you remember his name? That's right. you remember his name? That's right. It's Agidius. It's Agidius. It's Agidius. Egyptius had risen up through the ranks Egyptius had risen up through the ranks Egyptius had risen up through the ranks with Majorian and as you'll recall one with Majorian and as you'll recall one with Majorian and as you'll recall one of Majorian's first acts as emperor was of Majorian's first acts as emperor was of Majorian's first acts as emperor was to make Agidius Magister Militum the to make Agidius Magister Militum the to make Agidius Magister Militum the commander-in-chief of commander-in-chief of commander-in-chief of Gaul. Egyptius had then spent four years Gaul. Egyptius had then spent four years Gaul. Egyptius had then spent four years repacifying the region and getting it repacifying the region and getting it repacifying the region and getting it back under the thumb of the central back under the thumb of the central back under the thumb of the central imperial government. That mission was imperial government. That mission was imperial government. That mission was about to take an ironic twist. about to take an ironic twist. about to take an ironic twist. Egyptius was up in northern Gaul in 461 Egyptius was up in northern Gaul in 461 Egyptius was up in northern Gaul in 461 when word reached him that his old when word reached him that his old when word reached him that his old friend Majorian had been friend Majorian had been friend Majorian had been killed. Now, I don't know if Ajidius's killed. Now, I don't know if Ajidius's killed. Now, I don't know if Ajidius's reaction to Rick's coup took the form of reaction to Rick's coup took the form of reaction to Rick's coup took the form of a dramatic declaration or if it was just a dramatic declaration or if it was just a dramatic declaration or if it was just passive aggressive cold shouldering, but passive aggressive cold shouldering, but passive aggressive cold shouldering, but the minute Majorian's head hit the the minute Majorian's head hit the the minute Majorian's head hit the ground, Ajidius stopped taking orders ground, Ajidius stopped taking orders ground, Ajidius stopped taking orders from Italy. from Italy. from Italy. the general who had just spent four the general who had just spent four the general who had just spent four years reminding everyone he came across years reminding everyone he came across years reminding everyone he came across that the imperial government was still that the imperial government was still that the imperial government was still the legal sovereign and as such feelalty the legal sovereign and as such feelalty the legal sovereign and as such feelalty was not a suggestion but a duty. Yeah, was not a suggestion but a duty. Yeah, was not a suggestion but a duty. Yeah, that guy is declaring his independence that guy is declaring his independence that guy is declaring his independence from from from Revena and this would not turn out to be Revena and this would not turn out to be Revena and this would not turn out to be a short-lived thing. Historians will a short-lived thing. Historians will a short-lived thing. Historians will wind up calling the territory Agidius wind up calling the territory Agidius wind up calling the territory Agidius controlled in northern Gaul the domain controlled in northern Gaul the domain controlled in northern Gaul the domain of Swisson, named after the modern of Swisson, named after the modern of Swisson, named after the modern French city of Swisson that stands French city of Swisson that stands French city of Swisson that stands roughly at the center of Agidius's roughly at the center of Agidius's roughly at the center of Agidius's little little little kingdom. The domain would continue on as kingdom. The domain would continue on as kingdom. The domain would continue on as a quasi Roman rump state even after the

a quasi Roman rump state even after the a quasi Roman rump state even after the fall of the Western Empire until this fall of the Western Empire until this fall of the Western Empire until this last little outpost of Roman order was last little outpost of Roman order was last little outpost of Roman order was finally overrun by the Franks in 486. Well, okay, said Rickr. We've got a Well, okay, said Rickr. We've got a rogue general up in Gaul refusing to rogue general up in Gaul refusing to rogue general up in Gaul refusing to take orders. That's not such a big deal. take orders. That's not such a big deal. take orders. That's not such a big deal. I can handle that. But that was not all I can handle that. But that was not all I can handle that. But that was not all Rick was up against. Another of Rick was up against. Another of Rick was up against. Another of Majorian's generals, a man named Majorian's generals, a man named Majorian's generals, a man named Marcelinus, had exactly the same Marcelinus, had exactly the same Marcelinus, had exactly the same reaction to Rickmer's coup as Ajidius. reaction to Rickmer's coup as Ajidius. reaction to Rickmer's coup as Ajidius. Marcelinus was in control of Dalmatia, Marcelinus was in control of Dalmatia, Marcelinus was in control of Dalmatia, which at this point in history had which at this point in history had which at this point in history had drifted back into the Western orbit. drifted back into the Western orbit. drifted back into the Western orbit. Though when Majorian died, Marcelinus Though when Majorian died, Marcelinus Though when Majorian died, Marcelinus was in was in was in Sicily. He had been in place there to Sicily. He had been in place there to Sicily. He had been in place there to help run one arm of Majorian's planned help run one arm of Majorian's planned help run one arm of Majorian's planned invasion of North Africa. The invasion invasion of North Africa. The invasion invasion of North Africa. The invasion that had stalled when Majorian's Spanish that had stalled when Majorian's Spanish that had stalled when Majorian's Spanish fleet had been sunk by the Vandals. fleet had been sunk by the Vandals. fleet had been sunk by the Vandals. But when Marcelinus found out that the But when Marcelinus found out that the But when Marcelinus found out that the emperor was dead, he booked it back to emperor was dead, he booked it back to emperor was dead, he booked it back to his home territory double time. And when his home territory double time. And when his home territory double time. And when he got there, he found out that Rickmer he got there, he found out that Rickmer he got there, he found out that Rickmer had already tried to bribe the Dalmatian had already tried to bribe the Dalmatian had already tried to bribe the Dalmatian garrisons, mostly Hun mercenaries, out garrisons, mostly Hun mercenaries, out garrisons, mostly Hun mercenaries, out from under Marcelinus, which as you can from under Marcelinus, which as you can from under Marcelinus, which as you can imagine did not go over too well with imagine did not go over too well with imagine did not go over too well with Marcelinus.

Marcelinus. Marcelinus. So like his colleague Agidius up in So like his colleague Agidius up in So like his colleague Agidius up in Gaul, Marcelinus simply stopped taking Gaul, Marcelinus simply stopped taking Gaul, Marcelinus simply stopped taking orders from orders from orders from Italy. But unlike Agidius who was wedged Italy. But unlike Agidius who was wedged Italy. But unlike Agidius who was wedged between a failing empire, some barbarian between a failing empire, some barbarian between a failing empire, some barbarian kingdoms and the English Channel, kingdoms and the English Channel, kingdoms and the English Channel, Marcelinus was wedged in between the two Marcelinus was wedged in between the two Marcelinus was wedged in between the two halves of the empire. halves of the empire. halves of the empire. So rather than declaring deacto So rather than declaring deacto So rather than declaring deacto independence, Marcelinus simply turned independence, Marcelinus simply turned independence, Marcelinus simply turned east, wrote to Leo in Constantinople and east, wrote to Leo in Constantinople and east, wrote to Leo in Constantinople and said, "Hey, this guy Rick just overthrew said, "Hey, this guy Rick just overthrew said, "Hey, this guy Rick just overthrew the guy you yourself recognized to be the guy you yourself recognized to be the guy you yourself recognized to be the lawful emperor. I'm not going to the lawful emperor. I'm not going to the lawful emperor. I'm not going to follow him anymore, but I'd be happy to follow him anymore, but I'd be happy to follow him anymore, but I'd be happy to follow you." So consider this my follow you." So consider this my follow you." So consider this my declaration of defection. But this was not all Rick was defection. But this was not all Rick was now up against. now up against. now up against. Although most of his problems were Although most of his problems were Although most of his problems were caused by people ticked off about his caused by people ticked off about his caused by people ticked off about his little coup, yet another problem was little coup, yet another problem was little coup, yet another problem was caused by a guy who was not so much caused by a guy who was not so much caused by a guy who was not so much ticked off as excited about the ticked off as excited about the ticked off as excited about the opportunity the coup opportunity the coup opportunity the coup presented. And here we are talking about presented. And here we are talking about presented. And here we are talking about our old friend King Ganserk of the our old friend King Ganserk of the our old friend King Ganserk of the Vandals. Now, before I go on, I would Vandals. Now, before I go on, I would Vandals. Now, before I go on, I would like to say that it sort of feels like like to say that it sort of feels like like to say that it sort of feels like Ganserk has been around forever.

Ganserk has been around forever. Ganserk has been around forever. He first showed up back in 428 AD, which He first showed up back in 428 AD, which He first showed up back in 428 AD, which was 8 episodes back when we were talking was 8 episodes back when we were talking was 8 episodes back when we were talking about the rise of Eus. And now here he about the rise of Eus. And now here he about the rise of Eus. And now here he is 33 years later still going strong. So is 33 years later still going strong. So is 33 years later still going strong. So he's got to be getting old, right? Like he's got to be getting old, right? Like he's got to be getting old, right? Like pretty soon we're going to be dealing pretty soon we're going to be dealing pretty soon we're going to be dealing with a new king of the Vandals, right? with a new king of the Vandals, right? with a new king of the Vandals, right? Wrong. The dude is going to outlive the Wrong. The dude is going to outlive the Wrong. The dude is going to outlive the Western Empire. He isn't going to die Western Empire. He isn't going to die Western Empire. He isn't going to die until January 477 at the age of 88 and until January 477 at the age of 88 and until January 477 at the age of 88 and after having ruled for almost 50 years after having ruled for almost 50 years after having ruled for almost 50 years which is just you know way to go which is just you know way to go which is just you know way to go generic. So anyway, King Ganserk, who generic. So anyway, King Ganserk, who generic. So anyway, King Ganserk, who was by a healthy margin now the senior was by a healthy margin now the senior was by a healthy margin now the senior statesman of the Western Empire and statesman of the Western Empire and statesman of the Western Empire and father-in-law of the Imperial Princess father-in-law of the Imperial Princess father-in-law of the Imperial Princess Udokia the Younger, took the death of Udokia the Younger, took the death of Udokia the Younger, took the death of Majorian as an opportunity to influence Majorian as an opportunity to influence Majorian as an opportunity to influence who would be chosen as his who would be chosen as his who would be chosen as his successor. The man Ganserk backed was a successor. The man Ganserk backed was a successor. The man Ganserk backed was a senator by the name of Anius senator by the name of Anius senator by the name of Anius Olibrius. Why Anisionius Olrius?

Olibrius. Why Anisionius Olrius? Olibrius. Why Anisionius Olrius? Well, because he was married to Well, because he was married to Well, because he was married to Placidia, the other Imperial princess Placidia, the other Imperial princess Placidia, the other Imperial princess currently enjoying the hospitality of currently enjoying the hospitality of currently enjoying the hospitality of the the the Vandals. Once nearly engaged to Majorian Vandals. Once nearly engaged to Majorian Vandals. Once nearly engaged to Majorian and then formally engaged to Etius's and then formally engaged to Etius's and then formally engaged to Etius's son, Placidia had finally wound up son, Placidia had finally wound up son, Placidia had finally wound up married to Senator Olibrius shortly married to Senator Olibrius shortly married to Senator Olibrius shortly after the murder of her father, after the murder of her father, after the murder of her father, Valentinian III. Valentinian III. Valentinian III. Though I don't believe there's any firm Though I don't believe there's any firm Though I don't believe there's any firm proof to this one way or the other. It proof to this one way or the other. It proof to this one way or the other. It is supposed that Librius was related to is supposed that Librius was related to is supposed that Librius was related to Valentinian's Valentinian's Valentinian's executioner/successor Petronius Maximus. executioner/successor Petronius Maximus. executioner/successor Petronius Maximus. You'll recall that when Maximus seized You'll recall that when Maximus seized You'll recall that when Maximus seized power, he tried to give his new and power, he tried to give his new and power, he tried to give his new and ultimately short-lived regime the veneer ultimately short-lived regime the veneer ultimately short-lived regime the veneer of legitimacy by marrying the imperial of legitimacy by marrying the imperial of legitimacy by marrying the imperial widow Lysinia Udokia and then marrying widow Lysinia Udokia and then marrying widow Lysinia Udokia and then marrying the younger Udoxia to his the younger Udoxia to his the younger Udoxia to his son. It is supposed that Librius was a son. It is supposed that Librius was a son. It is supposed that Librius was a cousin or something of Maximus' and his cousin or something of Maximus' and his cousin or something of Maximus' and his marriage to Placidia was a part of this marriage to Placidia was a part of this marriage to Placidia was a part of this larger legitimacy project.

But so far the marriage had not really But so far the marriage had not really amounted to anything. Olibrius had been amounted to anything. Olibrius had been amounted to anything. Olibrius had been in Constantinople when Genser sacked in Constantinople when Genser sacked in Constantinople when Genser sacked Rome and then spirited away his new Rome and then spirited away his new Rome and then spirited away his new bride. So it's not like the two could bride. So it's not like the two could bride. So it's not like the two could have spent much time around one have spent much time around one have spent much time around one another. But because he was in another. But because he was in another. But because he was in Constantinople when Maximus fell, O Constantinople when Maximus fell, O Constantinople when Maximus fell, O Librius managed to survive the regime Librius managed to survive the regime Librius managed to survive the regime change. And then because he remained in change. And then because he remained in change. And then because he remained in the east in a state of semi-exile, he the east in a state of semi-exile, he the east in a state of semi-exile, he managed to live through the next regime managed to live through the next regime managed to live through the next regime change as change as change as well. So when Rick initiated the third well. So when Rick initiated the third well. So when Rick initiated the third regime change in 6 years, Olrius was regime change in 6 years, Olrius was regime change in 6 years, Olrius was still alive, still married to Placidia, still alive, still married to Placidia, still alive, still married to Placidia, and since he had been living in and since he had been living in and since he had been living in Constantinople for half a decade, on Constantinople for half a decade, on Constantinople for half a decade, on fairly good terms with Leo and the court fairly good terms with Leo and the court fairly good terms with Leo and the court of the East. of the East. of the East. When word came that Majorian was dead, When word came that Majorian was dead, When word came that Majorian was dead, Ganserk stepped forward and boldly Ganserk stepped forward and boldly Ganserk stepped forward and boldly proclaimed that Senator Olibrius was the proclaimed that Senator Olibrius was the proclaimed that Senator Olibrius was the only man in the empire with any kind of only man in the empire with any kind of only man in the empire with any kind of legitimate claim to the imperial legitimate claim to the imperial legitimate claim to the imperial throne. A husband of the unjustly throne. A husband of the unjustly throne. A husband of the unjustly deposed Theodosian family, he would deposed Theodosian family, he would deposed Theodosian family, he would return honor and dignity and blah blah return honor and dignity and blah blah return honor and dignity and blah blah blah. The bottom line is that Olibrius blah. The bottom line is that Olibrius blah. The bottom line is that Olibrius was now as much a part of Genser's was now as much a part of Genser's was now as much a part of Genser's family as he was of the Adosian family.

family as he was of the Adosian family. family as he was of the Adosian family. So Ganserk wanting him on the throne of So Ganserk wanting him on the throne of So Ganserk wanting him on the throne of the west was a the west was a the west was a no-brainer. But Rick wasn't having this no-brainer. But Rick wasn't having this no-brainer. But Rick wasn't having this for a second. If the problem with for a second. If the problem with for a second. If the problem with Majorian had been that Rickr couldn't Majorian had been that Rickr couldn't Majorian had been that Rickr couldn't sufficiently control him, then there was sufficiently control him, then there was sufficiently control him, then there was no way the general was going to accept no way the general was going to accept no way the general was going to accept Olibrius, who would be part creature of Olibrius, who would be part creature of Olibrius, who would be part creature of the Vandals and part creature of the Vandals and part creature of the Vandals and part creature of Constantinople. Constantinople. Constantinople. Plus, Librius' legitimacy was going to Plus, Librius' legitimacy was going to Plus, Librius' legitimacy was going to flow from his marriage to Placidia flow from his marriage to Placidia flow from his marriage to Placidia rather than from the patronage of rather than from the patronage of rather than from the patronage of Rickr. So, in Rickmer's mind, I doubt Rickr. So, in Rickmer's mind, I doubt Rickr. So, in Rickmer's mind, I doubt there was a worse candidate for the there was a worse candidate for the there was a worse candidate for the throne than throne than throne than Librius. Gster stepped up the pressure Librius. Gster stepped up the pressure Librius. Gster stepped up the pressure by intensifying Vandal raids on the by intensifying Vandal raids on the by intensifying Vandal raids on the Italian coast, promising to shut them Italian coast, promising to shut them Italian coast, promising to shut them down only if Oolrius was elevated. But down only if Oolrius was elevated. But down only if Oolrius was elevated. But Rick refused to Rick refused to Rick refused to budge. After a three-month interregnum, budge. After a three-month interregnum, budge. After a three-month interregnum, Rickr finally found a candidate more to Rickr finally found a candidate more to Rickr finally found a candidate more to his liking. Someone dull, weakwilled, his liking. Someone dull, weakwilled, his liking. Someone dull, weakwilled, and entirely dependent on and entirely dependent on and entirely dependent on Rick. Enter Libby Rick. Enter Libby Rick. Enter Libby Severis. Dull, weakwilled, entirely Severis. Dull, weakwilled, entirely Severis. Dull, weakwilled, entirely dependent on Rick. Libby Severis.

dependent on Rick. Libby Severis. dependent on Rick. Libby Severis. We know almost nothing about the new We know almost nothing about the new We know almost nothing about the new wouldbe emperor until he suddenly wouldbe emperor until he suddenly wouldbe emperor until he suddenly appears in Ravena accepting the diadem appears in Ravena accepting the diadem appears in Ravena accepting the diadem in November of 461. Not that it really matters. Libya 461. Not that it really matters. Libya Severis is not exactly the lynch pin of Severis is not exactly the lynch pin of Severis is not exactly the lynch pin of Roman history. Roman history. Roman history. During the reign of Majorian, Rickr may During the reign of Majorian, Rickr may During the reign of Majorian, Rickr may have fancied himself the power behind have fancied himself the power behind have fancied himself the power behind the throne, but it's pretty clear that the throne, but it's pretty clear that the throne, but it's pretty clear that Majorian himself and a good number of Majorian himself and a good number of Majorian himself and a good number of other people considered it to be more of other people considered it to be more of other people considered it to be more of a a a partnership. With the elevation of partnership. With the elevation of partnership. With the elevation of Severis, though, this ambiguity was Severis, though, this ambiguity was Severis, though, this ambiguity was gone. Rick was the power behind the gone. Rick was the power behind the gone. Rick was the power behind the throne. These are the years where you throne. These are the years where you throne. These are the years where you have references to King Rick. Not have references to King Rick. Not have references to King Rick. Not references mocking his hubris, mind you, references mocking his hubris, mind you, references mocking his hubris, mind you, but just straight up references to King but just straight up references to King but just straight up references to King Rick because that's basically what he Rick because that's basically what he Rick because that's basically what he now now now was. As I mentioned a few episodes back, was. As I mentioned a few episodes back, was. As I mentioned a few episodes back, the famous historian JB Barry once said the famous historian JB Barry once said the famous historian JB Barry once said that Rick was the link between Stilico that Rick was the link between Stilico that Rick was the link between Stilico and Odoacer and was the first German to and Odoacer and was the first German to and Odoacer and was the first German to be virtual king of be virtual king of be virtual king of Italy. Now 15 years down the road, we're Italy. Now 15 years down the road, we're Italy. Now 15 years down the road, we're going to have a real German king of going to have a real German king of going to have a real German king of Italy. And the pro-form nature of Italy. And the pro-form nature of Italy. And the pro-form nature of Odoacer's seizure of power finds its Odoacer's seizure of power finds its Odoacer's seizure of power finds its roots here in the days of Rick who roots here in the days of Rick who roots here in the days of Rick who during these years went so far as to during these years went so far as to during these years went so far as to possibly coin money in his own possibly coin money in his own possibly coin money in his own name. We're not 100% sure that he coined name. We're not 100% sure that he coined name. We're not 100% sure that he coined money in his own name, but there are money in his own name, but there are money in his own name, but there are good reasons to believe that he did. And

good reasons to believe that he did. And good reasons to believe that he did. And I think it's telling that if it turns I think it's telling that if it turns I think it's telling that if it turns out to be true, no one is going to be out to be true, no one is going to be out to be true, no one is going to be surprised in the slightest. The elevation of Severis was slightest. The elevation of Severis was of course only really recognized in of course only really recognized in of course only really recognized in Italy and so King Rick's power did not Italy and so King Rick's power did not Italy and so King Rick's power did not really extend that really extend that really extend that far. Up in Gaul, Agidius was essentially far. Up in Gaul, Agidius was essentially far. Up in Gaul, Agidius was essentially in revolt as was Marcelinus in Dalmatia. in revolt as was Marcelinus in Dalmatia. in revolt as was Marcelinus in Dalmatia. The eastern Augustus Leo for his part The eastern Augustus Leo for his part The eastern Augustus Leo for his part never recognized Severis, though for the never recognized Severis, though for the never recognized Severis, though for the moment he was not looking to make or moment he was not looking to make or moment he was not looking to make or break relations with the West over the break relations with the West over the break relations with the West over the issue of Majorian's murder and Severis's issue of Majorian's murder and Severis's issue of Majorian's murder and Severis's elevation. Now, Marcelinus was elevation. Now, Marcelinus was elevation. Now, Marcelinus was apparently prepared to storm Italy as apparently prepared to storm Italy as apparently prepared to storm Italy as soon as the spring of 462 arrived and soon as the spring of 462 arrived and soon as the spring of 462 arrived and asked for Leo's support, but the Eastern asked for Leo's support, but the Eastern asked for Leo's support, but the Eastern Emperor refused to give it, instead Emperor refused to give it, instead Emperor refused to give it, instead counseling patients. counseling patients. counseling patients. Not wanting to make any bold moves Not wanting to make any bold moves Not wanting to make any bold moves without Constantinople's backing, without Constantinople's backing, without Constantinople's backing, Marcelinus took the council and sat on Marcelinus took the council and sat on Marcelinus took the council and sat on his hands. But he was done taking orders his hands. But he was done taking orders his hands. But he was done taking orders from Rick. The de facto king's first concern Rick. The de facto king's first concern though was the situation in Gaul. If he though was the situation in Gaul. If he though was the situation in Gaul. If he tried to attack Marcelinus first, he tried to attack Marcelinus first, he tried to attack Marcelinus first, he might incur the wrath of Leo. So better might incur the wrath of Leo. So better might incur the wrath of Leo. So better to settle the north before worrying to settle the north before worrying to settle the north before worrying about the about the about the east. But if he wanted to maintain his east. But if he wanted to maintain his east. But if he wanted to maintain his iron grip on Italy, Rurkimer knew he iron grip on Italy, Rurkimer knew he iron grip on Italy, Rurkimer knew he couldn't go marching off to retake Gaul

couldn't go marching off to retake Gaul couldn't go marching off to retake Gaul himself. He needed to find a capable himself. He needed to find a capable himself. He needed to find a capable subordinate to do the job for subordinate to do the job for subordinate to do the job for him. Now, he couldn't send the quote him. Now, he couldn't send the quote him. Now, he couldn't send the quote unquote Emperor Severis. Not only was he unquote Emperor Severis. Not only was he unquote Emperor Severis. Not only was he likely thoroughly inexperienced in likely thoroughly inexperienced in likely thoroughly inexperienced in military affairs, but sending an emperor military affairs, but sending an emperor military affairs, but sending an emperor off to win back Gaul had almost off to win back Gaul had almost off to win back Gaul had almost certainly been one of the keys to the certainly been one of the keys to the certainly been one of the keys to the breakdown in the relationship between breakdown in the relationship between breakdown in the relationship between Majorian and Majorian and Majorian and Rick. Major had been starting to forge Rick. Major had been starting to forge Rick. Major had been starting to forge an independent power base for himself, an independent power base for himself, an independent power base for himself, and we can't have and we can't have and we can't have that. Better to find some suitably that. Better to find some suitably that. Better to find some suitably motivated underling and send him off to motivated underling and send him off to motivated underling and send him off to get the job done. Rickr had the perfect get the job done. Rickr had the perfect get the job done. Rickr had the perfect candidate in an old soldier named Agrienis. What recommended Agrainus for Agrienis. What recommended Agrainus for the job? Well, for starters, he had been the job? Well, for starters, he had been the job? Well, for starters, he had been Avitus' magister militum for Gaul, which Avitus' magister militum for Gaul, which Avitus' magister militum for Gaul, which meant that he was the one who had been meant that he was the one who had been meant that he was the one who had been replaced by Agidius when Majorian came replaced by Agidius when Majorian came replaced by Agidius when Majorian came to to to power. But the fun did not stop there.

power. But the fun did not stop there. power. But the fun did not stop there. A native of Gaul himself, Agrainus had A native of Gaul himself, Agrainus had A native of Gaul himself, Agrainus had not gone quietly into that good night, not gone quietly into that good night, not gone quietly into that good night, nor had Agidius given him any reason nor had Agidius given him any reason nor had Agidius given him any reason to. Eventually, the feud between the two to. Eventually, the feud between the two to. Eventually, the feud between the two men led Agidius to accuse Agrienis of men led Agidius to accuse Agrienis of men led Agidius to accuse Agrienis of treason. Sent down to Rome to stand for treason. Sent down to Rome to stand for treason. Sent down to Rome to stand for his crime, Agrainus was found guilty and his crime, Agrainus was found guilty and his crime, Agrainus was found guilty and sentenced to sentenced to sentenced to death. He managed to escape his death. He managed to escape his death. He managed to escape his captivity, however, and then seek asylum captivity, however, and then seek asylum captivity, however, and then seek asylum in the old St. Peters, where he remained in the old St. Peters, where he remained in the old St. Peters, where he remained until he was officially until he was officially until he was officially pardoned. The details of all this are of pardoned. The details of all this are of pardoned. The details of all this are of course really vague, but the assumption course really vague, but the assumption course really vague, but the assumption is that the official pardon came after is that the official pardon came after is that the official pardon came after the death of Majoran, round about the the death of Majoran, round about the the death of Majoran, round about the time Rick was looking for someone to time Rick was looking for someone to time Rick was looking for someone to lead the effort to repacify Gaul and lead the effort to repacify Gaul and lead the effort to repacify Gaul and defeat the rebel Agidius. And what defeat the rebel Agidius. And what defeat the rebel Agidius. And what better man to lead that effort than better man to lead that effort than better man to lead that effort than Agrainis who had lost his job and then Agrainis who had lost his job and then Agrainis who had lost his job and then very nearly lost his life to Agidius. When Agrainus reached Gaul Agidius. When Agrainus reached Gaul sometime in 462, he did exactly the same sometime in 462, he did exactly the same sometime in 462, he did exactly the same thing Majorian had done when he entered thing Majorian had done when he entered thing Majorian had done when he entered Gaul back in 458. He made a beline for Gaul back in 458. He made a beline for Gaul back in 458. He made a beline for the Goths.

the Goths. the Goths. But unlike Majorian who was looking to But unlike Majorian who was looking to But unlike Majorian who was looking to defeat and repacify the Goths, Agrainus defeat and repacify the Goths, Agrainus defeat and repacify the Goths, Agrainus was looking to befriend and reempower was looking to befriend and reempower was looking to befriend and reempower them. And when he arrived in Aquatain, them. And when he arrived in Aquatain, them. And when he arrived in Aquatain, he found the Goths very receptive to the he found the Goths very receptive to the he found the Goths very receptive to the Imperial proposals because said Imperial proposals because said Imperial proposals because said proposals promised the Goths something proposals promised the Goths something proposals promised the Goths something they had been hankering for since they they had been hankering for since they they had been hankering for since they first put down roots in Gaul, a first put down roots in Gaul, a first put down roots in Gaul, a Mediterranean port to call their very Mediterranean port to call their very Mediterranean port to call their very own. own. own. In exchange for Goth's support in a In exchange for Goth's support in a In exchange for Goth's support in a campaign against Agidius, the quote campaign against Agidius, the quote campaign against Agidius, the quote unquote Emperor Severis was willing to unquote Emperor Severis was willing to unquote Emperor Severis was willing to seed them the city of seed them the city of seed them the city of Narbon. The Goth king Theodoric II Narbon. The Goth king Theodoric II Narbon. The Goth king Theodoric II jumped at this jumped at this jumped at this offer. All those battles between his offer. All those battles between his offer. All those battles between his father Theodoric the Elder and Eus back father Theodoric the Elder and Eus back father Theodoric the Elder and Eus back in the day had been all about trying to in the day had been all about trying to in the day had been all about trying to win a Mediterranean port for the Goths. win a Mediterranean port for the Goths. win a Mediterranean port for the Goths. And now the Romans were just going to And now the Romans were just going to And now the Romans were just going to hand one over in exchange for what? hand one over in exchange for what? hand one over in exchange for what? beating down a few rebels. Well, sign us beating down a few rebels. Well, sign us beating down a few rebels. Well, sign us up. We'll be there. But Agidius was not leading some there. But Agidius was not leading some ramshackle band of ramshackle band of ramshackle band of nerdwells. You'll recall that, as I just nerdwells. You'll recall that, as I just nerdwells. You'll recall that, as I just mentioned, the little rump state agitius mentioned, the little rump state agitius mentioned, the little rump state agitius founded was going to outlast the Western founded was going to outlast the Western founded was going to outlast the Western Empire. Well, if it's going to outlast Empire. Well, if it's going to outlast Empire. Well, if it's going to outlast the Western Empire, there isn't really the Western Empire, there isn't really the Western Empire, there isn't really room in the story for a crushing defeat room in the story for a crushing defeat room in the story for a crushing defeat at the hands of Agrainus and the Goths.

at the hands of Agrainus and the Goths. at the hands of Agrainus and the Goths. I mean, maybe there is, but that would I mean, maybe there is, but that would I mean, maybe there is, but that would become a pretty complicated become a pretty complicated become a pretty complicated story. Lucky for us, they decided to story. Lucky for us, they decided to story. Lucky for us, they decided to keep things nice and simple. Agrainus keep things nice and simple. Agrainus keep things nice and simple. Agrainus and a Goth army marched north. Agidius and a Goth army marched north. Agidius and a Goth army marched north. Agidius heard they were coming and drew his line heard they were coming and drew his line heard they were coming and drew his line at Orlon. The two sides met in battle at at Orlon. The two sides met in battle at at Orlon. The two sides met in battle at some point in late 462, and Agidius some point in late 462, and Agidius some point in late 462, and Agidius emerged emerged emerged victorious. Agrainus and the Goths and victorious. Agrainus and the Goths and victorious. Agrainus and the Goths and fled. And though I have no idea what fled. And though I have no idea what fled. And though I have no idea what ultimately happened to him, that's the ultimately happened to him, that's the ultimately happened to him, that's the last we're going to hear from last we're going to hear from last we're going to hear from Agrainus. Whether he died in the battle Agrainus. Whether he died in the battle Agrainus. Whether he died in the battle or simply faded into obscurity, no idea. or simply faded into obscurity, no idea. or simply faded into obscurity, no idea. He just drops off the face of the earth. This nice and simple story is earth. This nice and simple story is only complicated by one small matter. only complicated by one small matter. only complicated by one small matter. Agidius had not been idle since the Agidius had not been idle since the Agidius had not been idle since the death of Majorian, nor was he blind to death of Majorian, nor was he blind to death of Majorian, nor was he blind to the fact that pretty soon Rick would be the fact that pretty soon Rick would be the fact that pretty soon Rick would be coming for him. So he made a sort of coming for him. So he made a sort of coming for him. So he made a sort of mutual defense pact with the mutual defense pact with the mutual defense pact with the Franks. This pact obviously came into Franks. This pact obviously came into Franks. This pact obviously came into force when the Goths started marching force when the Goths started marching force when the Goths started marching north. And though Frankish support was north. And though Frankish support was north. And though Frankish support was likely the difference between victory likely the difference between victory likely the difference between victory and defeat for Agidius, it was also and defeat for Agidius, it was also and defeat for Agidius, it was also likely the difference between victory likely the difference between victory likely the difference between victory and total victory.

and total victory. and total victory. It seems that once they had the Goths on It seems that once they had the Goths on It seems that once they had the Goths on the run, the various Frank nobles fell the run, the various Frank nobles fell the run, the various Frank nobles fell into squabbling amongst themselves about into squabbling amongst themselves about into squabbling amongst themselves about who knows what, shutting down any chance who knows what, shutting down any chance who knows what, shutting down any chance Ajidius had of really crushing the Goths Ajidius had of really crushing the Goths Ajidius had of really crushing the Goths once and for once and for once and for all. Had the Franks held it together, it all. Had the Franks held it together, it all. Had the Franks held it together, it is possible that Agidius could have made is possible that Agidius could have made is possible that Agidius could have made what was left of the Goths into his what was left of the Goths into his what was left of the Goths into his personal personal personal vassels. Then between his alliance with vassels. Then between his alliance with vassels. Then between his alliance with the Franks, his mastery over the Goths, the Franks, his mastery over the Goths, the Franks, his mastery over the Goths, and his control over the rest of Gaul, and his control over the rest of Gaul, and his control over the rest of Gaul, well, he might well have marched into well, he might well have marched into well, he might well have marched into Italy and overthrown Italy and overthrown Italy and overthrown Rick. Get Marcelinus on board with that Rick. Get Marcelinus on board with that Rick. Get Marcelinus on board with that plan. You know, you invade Italy from plan. You know, you invade Italy from plan. You know, you invade Italy from the east while I invade from the north, the east while I invade from the north, the east while I invade from the north, and Rick and his quote unquote emperor and Rick and his quote unquote emperor and Rick and his quote unquote emperor don't stand a don't stand a don't stand a chance. But instead, Agidius's army got chance. But instead, Agidius's army got chance. But instead, Agidius's army got vapor locked at Orlon. And though vapor locked at Orlon. And though vapor locked at Orlon. And though Egyptius would never lose his domain in Egyptius would never lose his domain in Egyptius would never lose his domain in northern Gaul, neither would he ever northern Gaul, neither would he ever northern Gaul, neither would he ever expand expand expand it. While this drama was unfolding in it. While this drama was unfolding in it. While this drama was unfolding in the north, Rickimer was kept busy by the north, Rickimer was kept busy by the north, Rickimer was kept busy by Genseric and the Vandals, who were not Genseric and the Vandals, who were not Genseric and the Vandals, who were not taking his failure to elevate Ool taking his failure to elevate Ool taking his failure to elevate Ool Librius Librius Librius lightly. Throughout 462 and then into lightly. Throughout 462 and then into lightly. Throughout 462 and then into 463 and 464 and 463 and 464 and 463 and 464 and 465, the Vandals continued to harass the 465, the Vandals continued to harass the 465, the Vandals continued to harass the Italian coastline, hitting and running Italian coastline, hitting and running Italian coastline, hitting and running and staying and fighting and then and staying and fighting and then and staying and fighting and then sailing off again before popping up here sailing off again before popping up here sailing off again before popping up here and then there and then here and then there and then here and then there and then here again. The new fleet built by Majorian

again. The new fleet built by Majorian again. The new fleet built by Majorian was maybe somewhat effective, but it was maybe somewhat effective, but it was maybe somewhat effective, but it clearly wasn't the silver bullet the clearly wasn't the silver bullet the clearly wasn't the silver bullet the Romans were looking for to shut down the Romans were looking for to shut down the Romans were looking for to shut down the Vandals. Vandals. Vandals. Plus, Ganserk was now moving forward Plus, Ganserk was now moving forward Plus, Ganserk was now moving forward with an ever more ambitious political with an ever more ambitious political with an ever more ambitious political program. Above and beyond his stated program. Above and beyond his stated program. Above and beyond his stated goal that Alibrius ought to be emperor goal that Alibrius ought to be emperor goal that Alibrius ought to be emperor of the West, Ginserk now began to make of the West, Ginserk now began to make of the West, Ginserk now began to make very Aillaa the Hunesque claims on Roman very Aillaa the Hunesque claims on Roman very Aillaa the Hunesque claims on Roman property. After all, his son Hunri had property. After all, his son Hunri had property. After all, his son Hunri had married Udoxia the Younger. So, wasn't married Udoxia the Younger. So, wasn't married Udoxia the Younger. So, wasn't he entitled to some kind of dowy? he entitled to some kind of dowy? he entitled to some kind of dowy? Now, Ginserk was not so bold as to Now, Ginserk was not so bold as to Now, Ginserk was not so bold as to demand half the Western Empire as demand half the Western Empire as demand half the Western Empire as Attilla had, but he did claim a good Attilla had, but he did claim a good Attilla had, but he did claim a good chunk of the personal fortune controlled chunk of the personal fortune controlled chunk of the personal fortune controlled by the emperors, which he further by the emperors, which he further by the emperors, which he further claimed had been stolen by Rick and his claimed had been stolen by Rick and his claimed had been stolen by Rick and his ilk. That fortune belonged to the ilk. That fortune belonged to the ilk. That fortune belonged to the imperial women under his charge, or at imperial women under his charge, or at imperial women under his charge, or at the very least their husbands, not a the very least their husbands, not a the very least their husbands, not a bunch of thugs who murdered Valentinian bunch of thugs who murdered Valentinian bunch of thugs who murdered Valentinian III. that Rick didn't have anything to III. that Rick didn't have anything to III. that Rick didn't have anything to do with Valentinian's death was do with Valentinian's death was do with Valentinian's death was immaterial. The Theodocian family immaterial. The Theodocian family immaterial. The Theodocian family fortune belonged to the Theodocian fortune belonged to the Theodocian fortune belonged to the Theodocian family. It was just that simple. Now, these sorts of legalistic simple. Now, these sorts of legalistic arguments fell on deaf ears in the west.

arguments fell on deaf ears in the west. arguments fell on deaf ears in the west. It's not like Rick was going to just It's not like Rick was going to just It's not like Rick was going to just hand over the imperial fortune to hand over the imperial fortune to hand over the imperial fortune to Ganserk and the exiled Ganserk and the exiled Ganserk and the exiled princesses. So, it seems reasonable to princesses. So, it seems reasonable to princesses. So, it seems reasonable to assume that these arguments were mostly assume that these arguments were mostly assume that these arguments were mostly directed at Constantinople. directed at Constantinople. directed at Constantinople. Again was well aware of the fact that Again was well aware of the fact that Again was well aware of the fact that Leo was not recognizing the legitimacy Leo was not recognizing the legitimacy Leo was not recognizing the legitimacy of Severis, which meant that there would of Severis, which meant that there would of Severis, which meant that there would probably eventually be some sort of probably eventually be some sort of probably eventually be some sort of effort to remove effort to remove effort to remove him. When that day came, Canerak wanted him. When that day came, Canerak wanted him. When that day came, Canerak wanted to make sure that his own demands were to make sure that his own demands were to make sure that his own demands were on record. on record. on record. Plus, he wanted to make it super obvious Plus, he wanted to make it super obvious Plus, he wanted to make it super obvious to everyone what the price for his help to everyone what the price for his help to everyone what the price for his help in any push to dislodge Rick and Severis in any push to dislodge Rick and Severis in any push to dislodge Rick and Severis was going to was going to was going to be. But Leo was in no hurry to go to war be. But Leo was in no hurry to go to war be. But Leo was in no hurry to go to war with Rick, even if Italy was with Rick, even if Italy was with Rick, even if Italy was increasingly politically, economically, increasingly politically, economically, increasingly politically, economically, and militarily isolated. So, the simmering tensions of isolated. So, the simmering tensions of the early 460s hit a nice equilibrium.

the early 460s hit a nice equilibrium. the early 460s hit a nice equilibrium. skirmishing, jockeying, and maneuvering skirmishing, jockeying, and maneuvering skirmishing, jockeying, and maneuvering amongst the fractured power centers of amongst the fractured power centers of amongst the fractured power centers of the West ruled the day with no one the West ruled the day with no one the West ruled the day with no one really taking anyone else down or really taking anyone else down or really taking anyone else down or suddenly grabbing up more suddenly grabbing up more suddenly grabbing up more territory. Even the death of a Jidius in territory. Even the death of a Jidius in territory. Even the death of a Jidius in 464 did not disrupt things too much. 464 did not disrupt things too much. 464 did not disrupt things too much. Whether he died naturally or was Whether he died naturally or was Whether he died naturally or was poisoned by enemies within the Frankish poisoned by enemies within the Frankish poisoned by enemies within the Frankish kingdom is unknown. Both stories are kingdom is unknown. Both stories are kingdom is unknown. Both stories are reported, but everyone reports that he reported, but everyone reports that he reported, but everyone reports that he was simply succeeded by his son, who was simply succeeded by his son, who was simply succeeded by his son, who continued the independent rule of his continued the independent rule of his continued the independent rule of his father, and who would continue this father, and who would continue this father, and who would continue this independent rule until he and what was independent rule until he and what was independent rule until he and what was left of his little Roman kingdom were left of his little Roman kingdom were left of his little Roman kingdom were overrun by the Franks in 486. This new equilibrium further 486. This new equilibrium further survived an even more potentially survived an even more potentially survived an even more potentially transformative death in transformative death in transformative death in 465. During that summer, the quote 465. During that summer, the quote 465. During that summer, the quote unquote Emperor Severis apparently died unquote Emperor Severis apparently died unquote Emperor Severis apparently died of natural of natural of natural causes. There is some dark hinting that causes. There is some dark hinting that causes. There is some dark hinting that Rickr did him in, but there is little Rickr did him in, but there is little Rickr did him in, but there is little reason to believe this reason to believe this reason to believe this story. We have no idea how old Severis story. We have no idea how old Severis story. We have no idea how old Severis was when he died, but he was allowed to was when he died, but he was allowed to was when he died, but he was allowed to call himself emperor for 4 years. His call himself emperor for 4 years. His call himself emperor for 4 years. His death would do little to impact the death would do little to impact the death would do little to impact the wider political and military dynamics of wider political and military dynamics of wider political and military dynamics of the Mediterranean world. A testament to the Mediterranean world. A testament to the Mediterranean world. A testament to just how insignificant he just how insignificant he just how insignificant he was. He was so insignificant, in fact, was. He was so insignificant, in fact, was. He was so insignificant, in fact, that following his death, the West was

that following his death, the West was that following his death, the West was going to get a sneak preview of what the going to get a sneak preview of what the going to get a sneak preview of what the political order of the future was going political order of the future was going political order of the future was going to be. to be. to be. had stalled for months before picking a had stalled for months before picking a had stalled for months before picking a new emperor after the deposition of new emperor after the deposition of new emperor after the deposition of Avitus and then stalled for months again Avitus and then stalled for months again Avitus and then stalled for months again after the execution of after the execution of after the execution of Majorian. Testing the waters to perhaps Majorian. Testing the waters to perhaps Majorian. Testing the waters to perhaps see what would happen if he just left see what would happen if he just left see what would happen if he just left the office vacant. Next week, Rick will wait out vacant. Next week, Rick will wait out even further into the postimperial even further into the postimperial even further into the postimperial waters. After the death of Severis, the waters. After the death of Severis, the waters. After the death of Severis, the German general will refuse to elevate a German general will refuse to elevate a German general will refuse to elevate a successor and then keep on refusing to successor and then keep on refusing to successor and then keep on refusing to elevate a successor for two full years elevate a successor for two full years elevate a successor for two full years until finally Leo had to step in and put until finally Leo had to step in and put until finally Leo had to step in and put an end to this unprecedented an end to this unprecedented an end to this unprecedented interregnum. interregnum. interregnum. [Music] Hello and welcome to the history of Hello and welcome to the history of Rome. Episode 177, the burning ships.

In the summer of 465, the quote unquote In the summer of 465, the quote unquote emperor Libya Severis died. No one paid emperor Libya Severis died. No one paid emperor Libya Severis died. No one paid him much mind while he was alive, and so him much mind while he was alive, and so him much mind while he was alive, and so no one paid him much mind when he no one paid him much mind when he no one paid him much mind when he died. But though the emperors of the died. But though the emperors of the died. But though the emperors of the West had been rendered so ineffectual West had been rendered so ineffectual West had been rendered so ineffectual that it literally didn't matter whether that it literally didn't matter whether that it literally didn't matter whether they lived or died, no one thought that they lived or died, no one thought that they lived or died, no one thought that a successor wouldn't soon be appointed. a successor wouldn't soon be appointed. a successor wouldn't soon be appointed. The new appointee would be another The new appointee would be another The new appointee would be another puppet of course, but the show must go puppet of course, but the show must go puppet of course, but the show must go on, you on, you on, you know. But while the Mediterranean world know. But while the Mediterranean world know. But while the Mediterranean world wondered who would be the next emperor, wondered who would be the next emperor, wondered who would be the next emperor, a funny thing happened. No next emperor a funny thing happened. No next emperor a funny thing happened. No next emperor appeared. The virtual king of Italy, appeared. The virtual king of Italy, appeared. The virtual king of Italy, Rickr, was done with all that rot. He Rickr, was done with all that rot. He Rickr, was done with all that rot. He was in charge of Italy. He had been in was in charge of Italy. He had been in was in charge of Italy. He had been in charge of Italy. So why should he have charge of Italy. So why should he have charge of Italy. So why should he have to share power with anyone? to share power with anyone? to share power with anyone? So from the summer of 465 until April of So from the summer of 465 until April of So from the summer of 465 until April of 467, he didn't share power with anyone. 467, he didn't share power with anyone. 467, he didn't share power with anyone. There just wasn't an emperor of the There just wasn't an emperor of the There just wasn't an emperor of the Western Empire. Over in Constantinople, the Empire. Over in Constantinople, the Eastern Emperor Leo was not thrilled Eastern Emperor Leo was not thrilled Eastern Emperor Leo was not thrilled about this development, but he was in no about this development, but he was in no about this development, but he was in no immediate position to do anything about immediate position to do anything about immediate position to do anything about it. Through all of 466, the Eastern it. Through all of 466, the Eastern it. Through all of 466, the Eastern Empire was dealing with fairly serious Empire was dealing with fairly serious Empire was dealing with fairly serious raids by the Huns and the Goths. Leo had raids by the Huns and the Goths. Leo had raids by the Huns and the Goths. Leo had his hands full, and so Rickmer got away his hands full, and so Rickmer got away his hands full, and so Rickmer got away with his deacto with his deacto with his deacto kingship. But as 466 gave way to 467, kingship. But as 466 gave way to 467, kingship. But as 466 gave way to 467, the Western Empire's problems started

the Western Empire's problems started the Western Empire's problems started becoming the Eastern Empire's problems. becoming the Eastern Empire's problems. becoming the Eastern Empire's problems. And so Leo felt obliged to finally do And so Leo felt obliged to finally do And so Leo felt obliged to finally do something about the vacant Imperial something about the vacant Imperial something about the vacant Imperial throne in Italy. throne in Italy. throne in Italy. And which problem was it that And which problem was it that And which problem was it that specifically was becoming the Eastern specifically was becoming the Eastern specifically was becoming the Eastern Empire's problem? The Vandals, of Empire's problem? The Vandals, of Empire's problem? The Vandals, of course. Ginserk was still hankering to course. Ginserk was still hankering to course. Ginserk was still hankering to get Librius in power. And with Rick get Librius in power. And with Rick get Librius in power. And with Rick refusing to listen, the Vandal King refusing to listen, the Vandal King refusing to listen, the Vandal King decided to turn up the heat on decided to turn up the heat on decided to turn up the heat on Constantinople. So Ginserk extended Constantinople. So Ginserk extended Constantinople. So Ginserk extended Vandal piracy into eastern waters and Vandal piracy into eastern waters and Vandal piracy into eastern waters and started raiding Greece. His strategy, I started raiding Greece. His strategy, I started raiding Greece. His strategy, I think, was to trade stopping the piracy think, was to trade stopping the piracy think, was to trade stopping the piracy in Greece for the elevation of in Greece for the elevation of in Greece for the elevation of Librius. But if this was the point, then Librius. But if this was the point, then Librius. But if this was the point, then it backfired it backfired it backfired spectacularly because mostly these new spectacularly because mostly these new spectacularly because mostly these new raids just made Leo really, really mad raids just made Leo really, really mad raids just made Leo really, really mad and convince him that it was finally and convince him that it was finally and convince him that it was finally time to do something about the illegal time to do something about the illegal time to do something about the illegal Vandal Kingdom that had been squatting Vandal Kingdom that had been squatting Vandal Kingdom that had been squatting in Roman North Africa for the last 30 in Roman North Africa for the last 30 in Roman North Africa for the last 30 years.

But before he could do something about But before he could do something about the squatters in North Africa, Leo the squatters in North Africa, Leo the squatters in North Africa, Leo wanted to make sure that the resources wanted to make sure that the resources wanted to make sure that the resources of the West would be properly mustered of the West would be properly mustered of the West would be properly mustered to help out the cause. And with King to help out the cause. And with King to help out the cause. And with King Rick not exactly the most dependable Rick not exactly the most dependable Rick not exactly the most dependable bloke on the block, Leo decided that it bloke on the block, Leo decided that it bloke on the block, Leo decided that it was high time he filled the almost was high time he filled the almost was high time he filled the almost 2-year-old Imperial 2-year-old Imperial 2-year-old Imperial vacancy. But who to elevate? Who to vacancy. But who to elevate? Who to vacancy. But who to elevate? Who to elevate? elevate? elevate? He wasn't going to give Genseric the He wasn't going to give Genseric the He wasn't going to give Genseric the satisfaction of elevating Librius satisfaction of elevating Librius satisfaction of elevating Librius because Librius might wind up being even because Librius might wind up being even because Librius might wind up being even less dependable than less dependable than less dependable than Rickr because at some point in here Rickr because at some point in here Rickr because at some point in here Genser had made the grand gesture of Genser had made the grand gesture of Genser had made the grand gesture of releasing the old empress Lysini Udokia releasing the old empress Lysini Udokia releasing the old empress Lysini Udokia and her daughter Placidia and putting and her daughter Placidia and putting and her daughter Placidia and putting them on a boat to Constantinople. them on a boat to Constantinople. them on a boat to Constantinople. Reunited with his wife, or should I say Reunited with his wife, or should I say Reunited with his wife, or should I say probably united for the first time with probably united for the first time with probably united for the first time with his wife, Olivius might be thinking that his wife, Olivius might be thinking that his wife, Olivius might be thinking that Gerak wasn't such a bad guy after all Gerak wasn't such a bad guy after all Gerak wasn't such a bad guy after all and maybe worth allying with if he ever and maybe worth allying with if he ever and maybe worth allying with if he ever got the chance to be Western Emperor. So got the chance to be Western Emperor. So got the chance to be Western Emperor. So for Leo, Librius was ruled for Leo, Librius was ruled for Leo, Librius was ruled out. So who did that leave?

out. So who did that leave? out. So who did that leave? Interestingly, it left the man who very Interestingly, it left the man who very Interestingly, it left the man who very nearly became emperor of the east just nearly became emperor of the east just nearly became emperor of the east just before Leo wound up getting the job back before Leo wound up getting the job back before Leo wound up getting the job back in in in 457, Precopius 457, Precopius 457, Precopius Anthemus. Anmius, as you'll recall, was Anthemus. Anmius, as you'll recall, was Anthemus. Anmius, as you'll recall, was the grandson of the old Ptorian prefect the grandson of the old Ptorian prefect the grandson of the old Ptorian prefect Anthemus, and he was married to the late Anthemus, and he was married to the late Anthemus, and he was married to the late Emperor Marcian's Emperor Marcian's Emperor Marcian's daughter. Near the end of Marcian's daughter. Near the end of Marcian's daughter. Near the end of Marcian's life, the emperor had heaped honor upon life, the emperor had heaped honor upon life, the emperor had heaped honor upon honor upon his son-in-law, and it looked honor upon his son-in-law, and it looked honor upon his son-in-law, and it looked a lot like Marcian himself expected a lot like Marcian himself expected a lot like Marcian himself expected Anthemus to succeed Anthemus to succeed Anthemus to succeed him. But then Leo was crowned him. But then Leo was crowned him. But then Leo was crowned instead. This meant that for the last instead. This meant that for the last instead. This meant that for the last few years, Anthemus had just been kind few years, Anthemus had just been kind few years, Anthemus had just been kind of lurking around Constantinople, of lurking around Constantinople, of lurking around Constantinople, offering a totally plausible alternative offering a totally plausible alternative offering a totally plausible alternative should a bunch of conspirators get should a bunch of conspirators get should a bunch of conspirators get together and decide to do away with Leo. together and decide to do away with Leo. together and decide to do away with Leo. So Leo decided to kill two birds with So Leo decided to kill two birds with So Leo decided to kill two birds with one one one stone. By appointing Anthemus Emperor of stone. By appointing Anthemus Emperor of stone. By appointing Anthemus Emperor of the West, he was not only getting a the West, he was not only getting a the West, he was not only getting a rock-solid military commander eminently rock-solid military commander eminently rock-solid military commander eminently capable of doing his part in the coming capable of doing his part in the coming capable of doing his part in the coming war with the Vandals, but he was also war with the Vandals, but he was also war with the Vandals, but he was also getting rid of a dangerous rival. So in getting rid of a dangerous rival. So in getting rid of a dangerous rival. So in the spring of 467, Athemus headed off to the spring of 467, Athemus headed off to the spring of 467, Athemus headed off to Italy to assume his new position. But what about Rick, you ask?

position. But what about Rick, you ask? Was he just going to accept Anthemus's Was he just going to accept Anthemus's Was he just going to accept Anthemus's elevation? Well, maybe he would and elevation? Well, maybe he would and elevation? Well, maybe he would and maybe he wouldn't. But Anthemus didn't maybe he wouldn't. But Anthemus didn't maybe he wouldn't. But Anthemus didn't just throw on a backpack and wander into just throw on a backpack and wander into just throw on a backpack and wander into Italy like some random tourist. As he Italy like some random tourist. As he Italy like some random tourist. As he approached the Alps, he swung through approached the Alps, he swung through approached the Alps, he swung through Dalmatia and picked up Marcelinus and Dalmatia and picked up Marcelinus and Dalmatia and picked up Marcelinus and Marcelinus's army. Then he crossed over Marcelinus's army. Then he crossed over Marcelinus's army. Then he crossed over into into into Italy. Rigomer could either get with the Italy. Rigomer could either get with the Italy. Rigomer could either get with the program or fight to the death. But just program or fight to the death. But just program or fight to the death. But just remember that even if you beat me, Leo remember that even if you beat me, Leo remember that even if you beat me, Leo is probably going to take it personally is probably going to take it personally is probably going to take it personally and turn that armada he's building to and turn that armada he's building to and turn that armada he's building to fight the Vandals against you. So why fight the Vandals against you. So why fight the Vandals against you. So why don't you just get with the don't you just get with the don't you just get with the program? But that said, it's not like program? But that said, it's not like program? But that said, it's not like Anthemus wasn't aware that he was a Anthemus wasn't aware that he was a Anthemus wasn't aware that he was a Greekeaking outsider in Greekeaking outsider in Greekeaking outsider in Italy. Rick and the Italian nobility Italy. Rick and the Italian nobility Italy. Rick and the Italian nobility formed a pretty tight click these days. formed a pretty tight click these days. formed a pretty tight click these days. So for Anthemus, leveraging his way into So for Anthemus, leveraging his way into So for Anthemus, leveraging his way into power was one thing. staying in power power was one thing. staying in power power was one thing. staying in power and being able to do anything with that and being able to do anything with that and being able to do anything with that power. That was a whole different ball power. That was a whole different ball power. That was a whole different ball of of of wax. So, straight away he arranged a wax. So, straight away he arranged a wax. So, straight away he arranged a good old-fashioned political marriage good old-fashioned political marriage good old-fashioned political marriage between his only daughter and Rickr.

between his only daughter and Rickr. between his only daughter and Rickr. Look, now we're all one big happy Look, now we're all one big happy Look, now we're all one big happy family, right? Cool. Good. Because we're family, right? Cool. Good. Because we're family, right? Cool. Good. Because we're about to launch like a six-pronged about to launch like a six-pronged about to launch like a six-pronged assault of the Vandals, and it's assault of the Vandals, and it's assault of the Vandals, and it's important that we're all on the same important that we're all on the same important that we're all on the same page. At almost exactly the same time, page. At almost exactly the same time, page. At almost exactly the same time, Leo was having these same sorts of Leo was having these same sorts of Leo was having these same sorts of thoughts. And so, he married his thoughts. And so, he married his thoughts. And so, he married his daughter to Anthemus's son. So, now daughter to Anthemus's son. So, now daughter to Anthemus's son. So, now we're all one big happy family, right? we're all one big happy family, right? we're all one big happy family, right? Cool. Because seriously, this is going Cool. Because seriously, this is going Cool. Because seriously, this is going to be a very complicated operation, and to be a very complicated operation, and to be a very complicated operation, and we all need to be together on this thing. But there was one member of this thing. But there was one member of this big, happy family who wasn't cool. Leo's big, happy family who wasn't cool. Leo's big, happy family who wasn't cool. Leo's brother-in-law, Basiliscus. brother-in-law, Basiliscus. brother-in-law, Basiliscus. And unfortunately for everyone, And unfortunately for everyone, And unfortunately for everyone, Basiliscus was about to be named the Basiliscus was about to be named the Basiliscus was about to be named the pointman for this very complicated pointman for this very complicated pointman for this very complicated operation. Depending on who you believe, operation. Depending on who you believe, operation. Depending on who you believe, Basiliscus was either too dumb or too Basiliscus was either too dumb or too Basiliscus was either too dumb or too clever by half to be leading the clever by half to be leading the clever by half to be leading the invasion. But under pressure from his invasion. But under pressure from his invasion. But under pressure from his wife, Leo agreed to put her brother in wife, Leo agreed to put her brother in wife, Leo agreed to put her brother in charge of the charge of the charge of the war. And it's not like this war was war. And it's not like this war was war. And it's not like this war was going to be some little PR stunt.

going to be some little PR stunt. going to be some little PR stunt. The East had sent armies west to keep a The East had sent armies west to keep a The East had sent armies west to keep a lid on the Vandals at least twice lid on the Vandals at least twice lid on the Vandals at least twice before, but both of those were more before, but both of those were more before, but both of those were more shows of force or negotiating tactics shows of force or negotiating tactics shows of force or negotiating tactics than anything else. But Leo was going than anything else. But Leo was going than anything else. But Leo was going big. This was not about negotiation. big. This was not about negotiation. big. This was not about negotiation. This was about This was about This was about conquest. Our forever exaggerated conquest. Our forever exaggerated conquest. Our forever exaggerated sources are probably just a little sources are probably just a little sources are probably just a little exaggerated, but still just to give you exaggerated, but still just to give you exaggerated, but still just to give you an idea of the scope of this thing. They an idea of the scope of this thing. They an idea of the scope of this thing. They say that Leo spent tens of thousands of say that Leo spent tens of thousands of say that Leo spent tens of thousands of pounds of gold building a fleet. That he pounds of gold building a fleet. That he pounds of gold building a fleet. That he spent hundreds of thousands of pounds of spent hundreds of thousands of pounds of spent hundreds of thousands of pounds of silver. They say that,00 ships bearing silver. They say that,00 ships bearing silver. They say that,00 ships bearing 100,000 men set sail from Constantinople 100,000 men set sail from Constantinople 100,000 men set sail from Constantinople in the spring of in the spring of in the spring of 468. Like I say, this was not about 468. Like I say, this was not about 468. Like I say, this was not about negotiation. This was about conquest. While this fleet sailed, the conquest. While this fleet sailed, the western forces prepared to do their western forces prepared to do their western forces prepared to do their part. part. part. The general Marcelinus and his army were The general Marcelinus and his army were The general Marcelinus and his army were tasked with the mission of dislodging tasked with the mission of dislodging tasked with the mission of dislodging the Vandals from their bases in Sardinia the Vandals from their bases in Sardinia the Vandals from their bases in Sardinia and Sicily and then providing logistical and Sicily and then providing logistical and Sicily and then providing logistical support to the main eastern invasion support to the main eastern invasion support to the main eastern invasion army. There is also some scanty evidence army. There is also some scanty evidence army. There is also some scanty evidence that Anthemus tried to either send Roman that Anthemus tried to either send Roman that Anthemus tried to either send Roman forces up around through Spain or that forces up around through Spain or that forces up around through Spain or that he tried to induce local forces there to he tried to induce local forces there to he tried to induce local forces there to join in the campaign, opening up what join in the campaign, opening up what join in the campaign, opening up what would have been a fourth front of the would have been a fourth front of the would have been a fourth front of the war. But it doesn't appear to have come war. But it doesn't appear to have come war. But it doesn't appear to have come to anything. At first, the invasion went as

anything. At first, the invasion went as well as the Romans might expect given well as the Romans might expect given well as the Romans might expect given their firepower. The massive eastern their firepower. The massive eastern their firepower. The massive eastern fleet was met by a force of Vandal fleet was met by a force of Vandal fleet was met by a force of Vandal ships, but the Vandals were completely ships, but the Vandals were completely ships, but the Vandals were completely overmatched and is reported that overmatched and is reported that overmatched and is reported that hundreds of their ships were hundreds of their ships were hundreds of their ships were sunk. Following this initial victory, sunk. Following this initial victory, sunk. Following this initial victory, the two main fronts of the war were the two main fronts of the war were the two main fronts of the war were officially opened. A land army was officially opened. A land army was officially opened. A land army was deposited near Tripoli under the deposited near Tripoli under the deposited near Tripoli under the direction of a general named direction of a general named direction of a general named Heraclus. This army would approach the Heraclus. This army would approach the Heraclus. This army would approach the Vandal capital of Carthage while Vandal capital of Carthage while Vandal capital of Carthage while Basiliscus led the rest of the fleet Basiliscus led the rest of the fleet Basiliscus led the rest of the fleet around to blockade the around to blockade the around to blockade the city. Heraclus had no trouble with the city. Heraclus had no trouble with the city. Heraclus had no trouble with the locals and as he approached Carthage, he locals and as he approached Carthage, he locals and as he approached Carthage, he captured every city he captured every city he captured every city he passed. Meanwhile, up north, Marcelinus passed. Meanwhile, up north, Marcelinus passed. Meanwhile, up north, Marcelinus had opened up the third front of the war had opened up the third front of the war had opened up the third front of the war off the Italian coast. And after driving off the Italian coast. And after driving off the Italian coast. And after driving the Vandals off Sardinia with relative the Vandals off Sardinia with relative the Vandals off Sardinia with relative ease, he turned and began the slightly ease, he turned and began the slightly ease, he turned and began the slightly more difficult task of winning back more difficult task of winning back more difficult task of winning back control of control of control of Sicily. At this point, all was going Sicily. At this point, all was going Sicily. At this point, all was going well. All was going according to plan, well. All was going according to plan, well. All was going according to plan, and it looked like North Africa would be and it looked like North Africa would be and it looked like North Africa would be retaken in a matter of months, if not weeks. But then things started to weeks. But then things started to unravel.

unravel. unravel. I'm not sure exactly when this happened, I'm not sure exactly when this happened, I'm not sure exactly when this happened, but it had to have been shortly after but it had to have been shortly after but it had to have been shortly after winning back Sicily, but Marcelinus was winning back Sicily, but Marcelinus was winning back Sicily, but Marcelinus was on the island preparing ships to on the island preparing ships to on the island preparing ships to continue on to North Africa, either as continue on to North Africa, either as continue on to North Africa, either as logistical support for the land army or logistical support for the land army or logistical support for the land army or to simply sail down with an army of his to simply sail down with an army of his to simply sail down with an army of his own and join the own and join the own and join the fight. Whatever he was up to, he never fight. Whatever he was up to, he never fight. Whatever he was up to, he never got off the island. He was betrayed by got off the island. He was betrayed by got off the island. He was betrayed by some of his officers and murdered almost some of his officers and murdered almost some of his officers and murdered almost certainly at the instigation of Rickr, certainly at the instigation of Rickr, certainly at the instigation of Rickr, who feared that his rival was gaining who feared that his rival was gaining who feared that his rival was gaining too much too much too much power. Rick then refused to let any of power. Rick then refused to let any of power. Rick then refused to let any of the Western ships leave for North the Western ships leave for North the Western ships leave for North Africa. No supply runs, no Africa. No supply runs, no Africa. No supply runs, no reinforcements. Okay, well that's not reinforcements. Okay, well that's not reinforcements. Okay, well that's not ideal, but the Eastern Army is like a ideal, but the Eastern Army is like a ideal, but the Eastern Army is like a 100,000 strong, right? More than enough 100,000 strong, right? More than enough 100,000 strong, right? More than enough to finish the job on their own. As I just mentioned, there are two As I just mentioned, there are two possible explanations for why this possible explanations for why this possible explanations for why this invasion is about to turn into such a invasion is about to turn into such a invasion is about to turn into such a disaster. The first is that Basiliscus disaster. The first is that Basiliscus disaster. The first is that Basiliscus was incompetent. Just straight up didn't was incompetent. Just straight up didn't was incompetent. Just straight up didn't have what it took to walk a ball over to have what it took to walk a ball over to have what it took to walk a ball over to a can and drop it in, which was just a can and drop it in, which was just a can and drop it in, which was just about all that was left for him to do.

about all that was left for him to do. about all that was left for him to do. The other explanation was that he was a The other explanation was that he was a The other explanation was that he was a sneaky snake and he botched the thing on sneaky snake and he botched the thing on sneaky snake and he botched the thing on purpose. In this telling, Basiliscus had purpose. In this telling, Basiliscus had purpose. In this telling, Basiliscus had imperial ambitions of his own and he was imperial ambitions of his own and he was imperial ambitions of his own and he was in league with the eastern general Aspar in league with the eastern general Aspar in league with the eastern general Aspar to undermine Leo by wrecking the to undermine Leo by wrecking the to undermine Leo by wrecking the emperor's signature emperor's signature emperor's signature initiative. As Rick had discovered, a initiative. As Rick had discovered, a initiative. As Rick had discovered, a finding a good puppet was not as easy as finding a good puppet was not as easy as finding a good puppet was not as easy as you might think. And following Marcian's you might think. And following Marcian's you might think. And following Marcian's death, Aspar had pushed for Leo over death, Aspar had pushed for Leo over death, Aspar had pushed for Leo over Anthemus because he thought Leo would be Anthemus because he thought Leo would be Anthemus because he thought Leo would be easy to easy to easy to control. But Leo had not been so easy to control. But Leo had not been so easy to control. But Leo had not been so easy to control. And indeed, Aspar suspected control. And indeed, Aspar suspected control. And indeed, Aspar suspected that the emperor was in the middle of a that the emperor was in the middle of a that the emperor was in the middle of a little side project to completely shut little side project to completely shut little side project to completely shut Aspar and Aspar's Germanic allies out of Aspar and Aspar's Germanic allies out of Aspar and Aspar's Germanic allies out of power. power. power. So the thinking goes, Aspar had gotten So the thinking goes, Aspar had gotten So the thinking goes, Aspar had gotten together with Basiliscus, and the two together with Basiliscus, and the two together with Basiliscus, and the two had hatched a plan to intentionally had hatched a plan to intentionally had hatched a plan to intentionally screw up the invasion to humiliate screw up the invasion to humiliate screw up the invasion to humiliate Leo. This had been a massively expensive Leo. This had been a massively expensive Leo. This had been a massively expensive campaign. If it ended badly, people campaign. If it ended badly, people campaign. If it ended badly, people would start asking why the emperor had would start asking why the emperor had would start asking why the emperor had nearly bankrupted the East on some nearly bankrupted the East on some nearly bankrupted the East on some boondoggle in the West.

boondoggle in the West. boondoggle in the West. Maybe those questions would get hostile Maybe those questions would get hostile Maybe those questions would get hostile enough that Leo could be overthrown and enough that Leo could be overthrown and enough that Leo could be overthrown and Basiliscus installed in his Basiliscus installed in his Basiliscus installed in his place. This was a clever plan, but as we place. This was a clever plan, but as we place. This was a clever plan, but as we will see, probably too clever by half, will see, probably too clever by half, will see, probably too clever by half, because duh, Basiliscus is about to come because duh, Basiliscus is about to come because duh, Basiliscus is about to come off looking like quite a fool. And off looking like quite a fool. And off looking like quite a fool. And really, who wants a fool for an really, who wants a fool for an really, who wants a fool for an emperor? With the noose quickly emperor? With the noose quickly emperor? With the noose quickly tightening around his neck, Ganserk tightening around his neck, Ganserk tightening around his neck, Ganserk scrambled to figure a way out of what scrambled to figure a way out of what scrambled to figure a way out of what appeared to be his certain appeared to be his certain appeared to be his certain doom. Romans were coming by land. Romans doom. Romans were coming by land. Romans doom. Romans were coming by land. Romans were coming by sea. In a few days, were coming by sea. In a few days, were coming by sea. In a few days, Carthage would be blockaded, and that Carthage would be blockaded, and that Carthage would be blockaded, and that would probably be all she wrote for the would probably be all she wrote for the would probably be all she wrote for the Vandal Kingdom of North Vandal Kingdom of North Vandal Kingdom of North Africa. But Genserk was a survivor. So, Africa. But Genserk was a survivor. So, Africa. But Genserk was a survivor. So, as Basiliskus approached, Ganserk sent as Basiliskus approached, Ganserk sent as Basiliskus approached, Ganserk sent out envoys to meet with the Romans and out envoys to meet with the Romans and out envoys to meet with the Romans and work something out. work something out. work something out. These envoys came bearing uh let's call These envoys came bearing uh let's call These envoys came bearing uh let's call them gifts and they begged Basiliscus to them gifts and they begged Basiliscus to them gifts and they begged Basiliscus to give Ganserk a few days to work out the give Ganserk a few days to work out the give Ganserk a few days to work out the logistics of his logistics of his logistics of his surrender. Basiliscus accepted these surrender. Basiliscus accepted these surrender. Basiliscus accepted these gifts and decided that giving the Vandal gifts and decided that giving the Vandal gifts and decided that giving the Vandal some breathing space at this critical some breathing space at this critical some breathing space at this critical juncture seemed like a fine juncture seemed like a fine juncture seemed like a fine idea. But Ganserk isn't planning to idea. But Ganserk isn't planning to idea. But Ganserk isn't planning to surrender, you dummy. He's preparing to surrender, you dummy. He's preparing to surrender, you dummy. He's preparing to fight it out to the death. He just wants fight it out to the death. He just wants fight it out to the death. He just wants to make sure the final battle is fought to make sure the final battle is fought to make sure the final battle is fought on his terms because he's, you know,

on his terms because he's, you know, on his terms because he's, you know, smart. As the Roman fleet sat at anchor smart. As the Roman fleet sat at anchor smart. As the Roman fleet sat at anchor twiddling its thumbs and refusing to twiddling its thumbs and refusing to twiddling its thumbs and refusing to bring the hammer down on Carthage, bring the hammer down on Carthage, bring the hammer down on Carthage, Ganserk laid his plants Ganserk laid his plants Ganserk laid his plants carefully. Some of his ships he loaded carefully. Some of his ships he loaded carefully. Some of his ships he loaded with every man he could find who could with every man he could find who could with every man he could find who could carry a sword. Soldier, civilian, didn't carry a sword. Soldier, civilian, didn't carry a sword. Soldier, civilian, didn't really matter. Here's a spear. You get really matter. Here's a spear. You get really matter. Here's a spear. You get on this ship. Here's an axe. you get on on this ship. Here's an axe. you get on on this ship. Here's an axe. you get on that ship. But a few of these ships he that ship. But a few of these ships he that ship. But a few of these ships he left empty. These he loaded with left empty. These he loaded with left empty. These he loaded with flammable material. And ah yes, I can flammable material. And ah yes, I can flammable material. And ah yes, I can see where this is going. Then generic see where this is going. Then generic see where this is going. Then generic waited until the winds were right. And waited until the winds were right. And waited until the winds were right. And on the fifth day after buying off on the fifth day after buying off on the fifth day after buying off Basiliscus, the winds were right. The Basiliscus, the winds were right. The Basiliscus, the winds were right. The Vandal fleet set sail. Maybe Basiliscus Vandal fleet set sail. Maybe Basiliscus Vandal fleet set sail. Maybe Basiliscus thought they were just abandoning the thought they were just abandoning the thought they were just abandoning the city. Or maybe he realized that he had city. Or maybe he realized that he had city. Or maybe he realized that he had been duped. Who knows? But as the been duped. Who knows? But as the been duped. Who knows? But as the vandals approached, some of the ships vandals approached, some of the ships vandals approached, some of the ships started coming ahead of the rest. And oh started coming ahead of the rest. And oh started coming ahead of the rest. And oh my goodness, those ships are on fire. We my goodness, those ships are on fire. We my goodness, those ships are on fire. We should probably do something. And oh, should probably do something. And oh, should probably do something. And oh, it's too late, isn't it? The fire ships it's too late, isn't it? The fire ships it's too late, isn't it? The fire ships smashed into the totally surprised and smashed into the totally surprised and smashed into the totally surprised and tightly bunched Roman fleet, and the tightly bunched Roman fleet, and the tightly bunched Roman fleet, and the fires quickly fires quickly fires quickly spread. As soon as the fiery chaos had spread. As soon as the fiery chaos had spread. As soon as the fiery chaos had the Romans thoroughly distracted, the the Romans thoroughly distracted, the the Romans thoroughly distracted, the rest of the Vandal fleet rest of the Vandal fleet rest of the Vandal fleet descended. Though I'm sure Genser lost a descended. Though I'm sure Genser lost a descended. Though I'm sure Genser lost a few ships of his own to the fires, it few ships of his own to the fires, it few ships of his own to the fires, it was nothing compared to the Romans who was nothing compared to the Romans who was nothing compared to the Romans who lost something like 600 ships, just lost something like 600 ships, just lost something like 600 ships, just about half their fleet. And who knows

about half their fleet. And who knows about half their fleet. And who knows how many men went down with those ships. With the invasion in utter bloody ships. With the invasion in utter bloody fiery chaos, Basiliscus, who did not go fiery chaos, Basiliscus, who did not go fiery chaos, Basiliscus, who did not go down with any of his ships, decided to down with any of his ships, decided to down with any of his ships, decided to throw in the towel and withdraw. If his plan all along had been to botch If his plan all along had been to botch the invasion to make Leo look bad, then the invasion to make Leo look bad, then the invasion to make Leo look bad, then Basiliscus A totally succeeded, but B Basiliscus A totally succeeded, but B Basiliscus A totally succeeded, but B was about to discover something he had was about to discover something he had was about to discover something he had obviously obviously obviously overlooked. A debacle of this magnitude overlooked. A debacle of this magnitude overlooked. A debacle of this magnitude might reflect badly on an emperor, but might reflect badly on an emperor, but might reflect badly on an emperor, but it's also going to reflect really badly it's also going to reflect really badly it's also going to reflect really badly on the guy who actually led the debacle. on the guy who actually led the debacle. on the guy who actually led the debacle. disgraced. Basiliscus basically had to disgraced. Basiliscus basically had to disgraced. Basiliscus basically had to go into hiding upon his return to go into hiding upon his return to go into hiding upon his return to Constantinople. Which is why the whole Constantinople. Which is why the whole Constantinople. Which is why the whole make Leo look bad explanation, while make Leo look bad explanation, while make Leo look bad explanation, while juicy, is not really a complete juicy, is not really a complete juicy, is not really a complete meal. Basiliscus had to have known that meal. Basiliscus had to have known that meal. Basiliscus had to have known that it would be bad for him too, right? I it would be bad for him too, right? I it would be bad for him too, right? I mean, obviously it wasn't supposed to go mean, obviously it wasn't supposed to go mean, obviously it wasn't supposed to go down as horribly as it did, but still, down as horribly as it did, but still, down as horribly as it did, but still, what could he have been thinking? Either what could he have been thinking? Either what could he have been thinking? Either way, Basiliscus is a dingbat. Seriously, way, Basiliscus is a dingbat. Seriously, way, Basiliscus is a dingbat. Seriously, go look this guy up. He is a jackass. The failed attempt to retake jackass. The failed attempt to retake North Africa nearly bankrupted the North Africa nearly bankrupted the North Africa nearly bankrupted the treasuries of both East and West and treasuries of both East and West and treasuries of both East and West and produced no tangible benefits. It would

produced no tangible benefits. It would produced no tangible benefits. It would be 65 years before Constantinople made be 65 years before Constantinople made be 65 years before Constantinople made another stab at retaking North Africa. After the failures of 468, Africa. After the failures of 468, however, Anthemus refused to simply give however, Anthemus refused to simply give however, Anthemus refused to simply give up the ghost and accept that being up the ghost and accept that being up the ghost and accept that being emperor of the west basically meant emperor of the west basically meant emperor of the west basically meant being the kind of ruler of the Italian being the kind of ruler of the Italian being the kind of ruler of the Italian peninsula. So like peninsula. So like peninsula. So like Majorian attempted to keep pressing back Majorian attempted to keep pressing back Majorian attempted to keep pressing back against the tide of history and in 469 against the tide of history and in 469 against the tide of history and in 469 he instigated a campaign to retake he instigated a campaign to retake he instigated a campaign to retake Gaul. During the uncertain years of the Gaul. During the uncertain years of the Gaul. During the uncertain years of the interregnum when Rickr ruled alone, the interregnum when Rickr ruled alone, the interregnum when Rickr ruled alone, the Goths up an Aquitane became filled with Goths up an Aquitane became filled with Goths up an Aquitane became filled with a new expansionist a new expansionist a new expansionist spirit. In 466, Theodoric II had been spirit. In 466, Theodoric II had been spirit. In 466, Theodoric II had been killed by his far more ambitious younger killed by his far more ambitious younger killed by his far more ambitious younger brother, Urick. And under Uric's brother, Urick. And under Uric's brother, Urick. And under Uric's leadership, the Goths began to spread leadership, the Goths began to spread leadership, the Goths began to spread deeper into both Spain and Gaul, slowly deeper into both Spain and Gaul, slowly deeper into both Spain and Gaul, slowly annexing more and more territory. With his treasury drained, territory. With his treasury drained, Anthemus was unable to halt this spread Anthemus was unable to halt this spread Anthemus was unable to halt this spread himself. But he did induce Rioamus, the himself. But he did induce Rioamus, the himself. But he did induce Rioamus, the king of the Breton, to fight on Rome's king of the Breton, to fight on Rome's king of the Breton, to fight on Rome's behalf. Possibly coming down from the behalf. Possibly coming down from the behalf. Possibly coming down from the island of Britain, but more likely island of Britain, but more likely island of Britain, but more likely coming in from the Britany Peninsula, coming in from the Britany Peninsula, coming in from the Britany Peninsula, Riaamus did indeed march on Rome's Riaamus did indeed march on Rome's Riaamus did indeed march on Rome's behalf, but he was beaten and driven behalf, but he was beaten and driven behalf, but he was beaten and driven back by the newly empowered Goths.

back by the newly empowered Goths. back by the newly empowered Goths. This brief little war is hardly worth This brief little war is hardly worth This brief little war is hardly worth mentioning in itself, but it is mentioning in itself, but it is mentioning in itself, but it is interesting in that Rioamus is one of interesting in that Rioamus is one of interesting in that Rioamus is one of the possible candidates for the title of the possible candidates for the title of the possible candidates for the title of historical King Arthur. The next year saw no time for Arthur. The next year saw no time for any kind of positive steps forward for any kind of positive steps forward for any kind of positive steps forward for the West because the brief honeymoon the West because the brief honeymoon the West because the brief honeymoon period between Rick and Anthemus was period between Rick and Anthemus was period between Rick and Anthemus was about to come to an abrupt end as we all about to come to an abrupt end as we all about to come to an abrupt end as we all knew that it would. knew that it would. knew that it would. At some point in 470, a plot to At some point in 470, a plot to At some point in 470, a plot to assassinate Anthemus was uncovered in assassinate Anthemus was uncovered in assassinate Anthemus was uncovered in the upper reaches of the imperial the upper reaches of the imperial the upper reaches of the imperial court. This plot centered around the court. This plot centered around the court. This plot centered around the master of offices, a man named Romanus. master of offices, a man named Romanus. master of offices, a man named Romanus. And after the plot was discovered, And after the plot was discovered, And after the plot was discovered, Anthemus understandably responded by Anthemus understandably responded by Anthemus understandably responded by executing Romanis for his executing Romanis for his executing Romanis for his treachery. The only hitch was that treachery. The only hitch was that treachery. The only hitch was that Romanis was a Rickr man through and Romanis was a Rickr man through and Romanis was a Rickr man through and through. And the virtual king of Italy through. And the virtual king of Italy through. And the virtual king of Italy did not appreciate it when one of his did not appreciate it when one of his did not appreciate it when one of his close associates was killed by some close associates was killed by some close associates was killed by some foreign aristocrat who thought himself foreign aristocrat who thought himself foreign aristocrat who thought himself emperor. Immediately after the emperor. Immediately after the emperor. Immediately after the execution, Rick gathered up 6,000 men execution, Rick gathered up 6,000 men execution, Rick gathered up 6,000 men and marched them into Milan, shutting and marched them into Milan, shutting and marched them into Milan, shutting the gates behind the gates behind the gates behind them. And was down in Rome when Rickr them. And was down in Rome when Rickr them. And was down in Rome when Rickr decided to occupy Milan. And it was very decided to occupy Milan. And it was very decided to occupy Milan. And it was very clear to everyone that some kind of clear to everyone that some kind of clear to everyone that some kind of civil war was about to break out.

But just as things were about to get out But just as things were about to get out of hand, both sides decided to pull of hand, both sides decided to pull of hand, both sides decided to pull back. The bishop of Pavia, a man named back. The bishop of Pavia, a man named back. The bishop of Pavia, a man named Epiponius, acted as a go-between, and Epiponius, acted as a go-between, and Epiponius, acted as a go-between, and the two rival leaders agreed to a the two rival leaders agreed to a the two rival leaders agreed to a one-year truce. one-year truce. one-year truce. Eponius, incidentally, was just getting Eponius, incidentally, was just getting Eponius, incidentally, was just getting started on a long and distinguished started on a long and distinguished started on a long and distinguished diplomatic career and was eventually diplomatic career and was eventually diplomatic career and was eventually made Saint made Saint made Saint Epiponius. And incidentally, a biography Epiponius. And incidentally, a biography Epiponius. And incidentally, a biography written in the early 500s detailing the written in the early 500s detailing the written in the early 500s detailing the bishop's adventures through the crazy bishop's adventures through the crazy bishop's adventures through the crazy post Roman western world forms a key post Roman western world forms a key post Roman western world forms a key primary source for a lot of what we're primary source for a lot of what we're primary source for a lot of what we're talking about here talking about here talking about here today. Anyway, with a civil war averted, today. Anyway, with a civil war averted, today. Anyway, with a civil war averted, Anthemus took his one-year truce with Anthemus took his one-year truce with Anthemus took his one-year truce with Rick and used it to once again attempt Rick and used it to once again attempt Rick and used it to once again attempt to reassert some control in Gaul and to reassert some control in Gaul and to reassert some control in Gaul and push back the encroaching push back the encroaching push back the encroaching Goths. An army led by Anthemus's own son Goths. An army led by Anthemus's own son Goths. An army led by Anthemus's own son crossed the Alps in crossed the Alps in crossed the Alps in 471, but history had turned decisively 471, but history had turned decisively 471, but history had turned decisively against the imperial authorities in against the imperial authorities in against the imperial authorities in Italy. The Romans were beaten back and Italy. The Romans were beaten back and Italy. The Romans were beaten back and the Goths wound up stronger than ever, the Goths wound up stronger than ever, the Goths wound up stronger than ever, controlling virtually all of southern controlling virtually all of southern controlling virtually all of southern Gaul and severing the last link between Gaul and severing the last link between Gaul and severing the last link between Rome and the domain of the Swisson, the Rome and the domain of the Swisson, the Rome and the domain of the Swisson, the last remnant of Roman authority left in last remnant of Roman authority left in last remnant of Roman authority left in the north. With Anthem failing to make north. With Anthem failing to make headway in Gaul, his popularity in Italy headway in Gaul, his popularity in Italy headway in Gaul, his popularity in Italy faltered badly. His standing with the

faltered badly. His standing with the faltered badly. His standing with the Italians had never been that great since Italians had never been that great since Italians had never been that great since they all saw him as some foreigner they all saw him as some foreigner they all saw him as some foreigner butdding his head into their affairs, butdding his head into their affairs, butdding his head into their affairs, but they were willing to go along with but they were willing to go along with but they were willing to go along with him since he had the backing of the him since he had the backing of the him since he had the backing of the East. And who knows, maybe he can pull a East. And who knows, maybe he can pull a East. And who knows, maybe he can pull a rabbit out of his rabbit out of his rabbit out of his hat. But when he failed to pull out the hat. But when he failed to pull out the hat. But when he failed to pull out the rabbit, they turned on him. When the rabbit, they turned on him. When the rabbit, they turned on him. When the one-year truce with Rick expired, the one-year truce with Rick expired, the one-year truce with Rick expired, the virtual king was crouched and ready to virtual king was crouched and ready to virtual king was crouched and ready to pounce. pounce. pounce. Andius's position was so weak that he Andius's position was so weak that he Andius's position was so weak that he didn't even bother trying to meet didn't even bother trying to meet didn't even bother trying to meet strength with strength. Instead, he strength with strength. Instead, he strength with strength. Instead, he feigned an illness and asked for asylum feigned an illness and asked for asylum feigned an illness and asked for asylum within St. within St. within St. Peter's. This move bought him time to Peter's. This move bought him time to Peter's. This move bought him time to send word to Leo that the natives had send word to Leo that the natives had send word to Leo that the natives had gotten restless and that maybe some gotten restless and that maybe some gotten restless and that maybe some muscle from the east was in muscle from the east was in muscle from the east was in order. But Leo was still reeling from order. But Leo was still reeling from order. But Leo was still reeling from the disastrous misadventure in North the disastrous misadventure in North the disastrous misadventure in North Africa. And plus, he really didn't have Africa. And plus, he really didn't have Africa. And plus, he really didn't have any muscle to send. So instead, he sent any muscle to send. So instead, he sent any muscle to send. So instead, he sent one man who had some standing in the one man who had some standing in the one man who had some standing in the west to broker another truce, O west to broker another truce, O west to broker another truce, O Librius. Now sending O Librius was Librius. Now sending O Librius was Librius. Now sending O Librius was perhaps a curious choice. Sure, the perhaps a curious choice. Sure, the perhaps a curious choice. Sure, the nobility of the West was bound to at nobility of the West was bound to at nobility of the West was bound to at least hear him out. He was, after all, least hear him out. He was, after all, least hear him out. He was, after all, one of them. But at the same time, this one of them. But at the same time, this one of them. But at the same time, this is a guy who has a reasonably valid is a guy who has a reasonably valid is a guy who has a reasonably valid claim to the throne himself.

claim to the throne himself. claim to the throne himself. Certainly, Ginserk would back him at the Certainly, Ginserk would back him at the Certainly, Ginserk would back him at the first chance he got. So, how did Leo not first chance he got. So, how did Leo not first chance he got. So, how did Leo not think that Librius wouldn't just show think that Librius wouldn't just show think that Librius wouldn't just show up, cut a deal with Rick, oust Anthemus, up, cut a deal with Rick, oust Anthemus, up, cut a deal with Rick, oust Anthemus, and then make common cause with the and then make common cause with the and then make common cause with the Vandals? Well, for starters, O Librius Vandals? Well, for starters, O Librius Vandals? Well, for starters, O Librius had to leave his wife and daughter had to leave his wife and daughter had to leave his wife and daughter behind in behind in behind in Constantinople, which is enough to keep Constantinople, which is enough to keep Constantinople, which is enough to keep most men most men most men honest. But beyond that, there is one honest. But beyond that, there is one honest. But beyond that, there is one other small point of importance. other small point of importance. other small point of importance. Leo did not really want Ool Librius to Leo did not really want Ool Librius to Leo did not really want Ool Librius to broker a truce between Rick and broker a truce between Rick and broker a truce between Rick and Anthemus. What Leo really wanted was for Anthemus. What Leo really wanted was for Anthemus. What Leo really wanted was for Anthemus' rule to be made perfectly Anthemus' rule to be made perfectly Anthemus' rule to be made perfectly secure. Rick threatened that security. O secure. Rick threatened that security. O secure. Rick threatened that security. O Librius with his own claims to power Librius with his own claims to power Librius with his own claims to power also threatened that also threatened that also threatened that security. So right before the diplomatic security. So right before the diplomatic security. So right before the diplomatic mission sailed, Leo went to one of the mission sailed, Leo went to one of the mission sailed, Leo went to one of the subsearies and entrusted him with the subsearies and entrusted him with the subsearies and entrusted him with the real plan. real plan. real plan. This subsecary was given a note for This subsecary was given a note for This subsecary was given a note for Anthemus's eyes only. I want you to kill Anthemus's eyes only. I want you to kill Anthemus's eyes only. I want you to kill Rick and O Librius as soon as you get this. Next week though, we will see how this. Next week though, we will see how maybe Leo should not have put this in maybe Leo should not have put this in maybe Leo should not have put this in writing. Rick had men stationed all over writing. Rick had men stationed all over writing. Rick had men stationed all over Italy. And when the diplomatic mission Italy. And when the diplomatic mission Italy. And when the diplomatic mission from Constantinople arrived at the port from Constantinople arrived at the port from Constantinople arrived at the port of Oia, Rick had men there, too. men of Oia, Rick had men there, too. men of Oia, Rick had men there, too. men with orders to search everyone and with orders to search everyone and with orders to search everyone and everything aboard to determine whether

everything aboard to determine whether everything aboard to determine whether this thing was on the level. When Rickr this thing was on the level. When Rickr this thing was on the level. When Rickr discovered Leo's note, that's going to discovered Leo's note, that's going to discovered Leo's note, that's going to be the end of Anthemus, even though be the end of Anthemus, even though be the end of Anthemus, even though technically he had nothing to do with technically he had nothing to do with technically he had nothing to do with anything. anything. anything. [Music] Hello and welcome to the history of Hello and welcome to the history of Rome. Episode 178. Not with a bang, but Rome. Episode 178. Not with a bang, but Rome. Episode 178. Not with a bang, but a whimper. Last time we left off with Anthemus Last time we left off with Anthemus holed up in Rome and Rickmer making all holed up in Rome and Rickmer making all holed up in Rome and Rickmer making all kinds of noises about ousting the kinds of noises about ousting the kinds of noises about ousting the eastern appointed emperor and replacing eastern appointed emperor and replacing eastern appointed emperor and replacing him with someone more him with someone more him with someone more pliable. When Librius and his little pliable. When Librius and his little pliable. When Librius and his little diplomatic mission showed up from diplomatic mission showed up from diplomatic mission showed up from Constantinople in the spring of 472, Constantinople in the spring of 472, Constantinople in the spring of 472, those noises turned into direct action.

those noises turned into direct action. those noises turned into direct action. Hidden among the papers of one of the Hidden among the papers of one of the Hidden among the papers of one of the secretaries was a message from Leo to secretaries was a message from Leo to secretaries was a message from Leo to Anthemus directing his western colleague Anthemus directing his western colleague Anthemus directing his western colleague to kill Rickr and Alibrius in order to to kill Rickr and Alibrius in order to to kill Rickr and Alibrius in order to eliminate these two most obvious threats eliminate these two most obvious threats eliminate these two most obvious threats to Anthemus's to Anthemus's to Anthemus's rule. When Rick's men discovered the rule. When Rick's men discovered the rule. When Rick's men discovered the message, they showed it to their boss message, they showed it to their boss message, they showed it to their boss who showed it to Librius. Both were who showed it to Librius. Both were who showed it to Librius. Both were outraged and agreed that they should outraged and agreed that they should outraged and agreed that they should join forces and kill Anthemus before he join forces and kill Anthemus before he join forces and kill Anthemus before he could kill them. Their agreement was could kill them. Their agreement was could kill them. Their agreement was sealed right then and there when Rick sealed right then and there when Rick sealed right then and there when Rick ordered his men to hail Alibrius as the ordered his men to hail Alibrius as the ordered his men to hail Alibrius as the new Augustus of the new Augustus of the new Augustus of the West. Now, this is never mentioned in West. Now, this is never mentioned in West. Now, this is never mentioned in the sources, but I can't help but wonder the sources, but I can't help but wonder the sources, but I can't help but wonder about the credibility of Rick in all about the credibility of Rick in all about the credibility of Rick in all this. I mean, think about it. Rick's men this. I mean, think about it. Rick's men this. I mean, think about it. Rick's men just so happened to find a written note just so happened to find a written note just so happened to find a written note from Leo that leaves O Librius with no from Leo that leaves O Librius with no from Leo that leaves O Librius with no choice but to side with the virtual king choice but to side with the virtual king choice but to side with the virtual king of Italy instead of carrying out his of Italy instead of carrying out his of Italy instead of carrying out his original mission of brokering a peace. I original mission of brokering a peace. I original mission of brokering a peace. I mean, it might very well be true that mean, it might very well be true that mean, it might very well be true that Leo sent along handwritten murderous Leo sent along handwritten murderous Leo sent along handwritten murderous orders, but it's not like it's orders, but it's not like it's orders, but it's not like it's implausible that Rick just made the implausible that Rick just made the implausible that Rick just made the whole thing up, you whole thing up, you whole thing up, you know. Word quickly reached Rome that a know. Word quickly reached Rome that a know. Word quickly reached Rome that a coup had begun down the road, and coup had begun down the road, and coup had begun down the road, and Anthemus rushed out of hiding to direct Anthemus rushed out of hiding to direct Anthemus rushed out of hiding to direct the gates of the city be shut and the the gates of the city be shut and the the gates of the city be shut and the defenses manned. He then sent messengers defenses manned. He then sent messengers defenses manned. He then sent messengers up the imperial post roads to Gaul to up the imperial post roads to Gaul to up the imperial post roads to Gaul to summon all the available forces there summon all the available forces there summon all the available forces there left undermperial command.

left undermperial command. left undermperial command. But by the time the messengers arrived, But by the time the messengers arrived, But by the time the messengers arrived, whatever forces were left in Gaul had whatever forces were left in Gaul had whatever forces were left in Gaul had already begun to already begun to already begun to fracture. The available soldiers split fracture. The available soldiers split fracture. The available soldiers split between the Magister Militum, a general between the Magister Militum, a general between the Magister Militum, a general named Bilmer, and a Burgundian chief named Bilmer, and a Burgundian chief named Bilmer, and a Burgundian chief named Gundabad, who just so happened to named Gundabad, who just so happened to named Gundabad, who just so happened to be Rick's nephew. be Rick's nephew. be Rick's nephew. Gundabad had at one point served as Gundabad had at one point served as Gundabad had at one point served as magister militum for Gaul, but at some magister militum for Gaul, but at some magister militum for Gaul, but at some point he had been replaced by Bilmer, point he had been replaced by Bilmer, point he had been replaced by Bilmer, either following the near civil war of either following the near civil war of either following the near civil war of the previous year or right at this very the previous year or right at this very the previous year or right at this very moment. By which I mean that knowing he moment. By which I mean that knowing he moment. By which I mean that knowing he couldn't trust Gundabad, Anthemus sent couldn't trust Gundabad, Anthemus sent couldn't trust Gundabad, Anthemus sent his plea for help to Bilmer, officially his plea for help to Bilmer, officially his plea for help to Bilmer, officially making him magister militum in the same making him magister militum in the same making him magister militum in the same breath. breath. breath. Whichever way it went down, when the Whichever way it went down, when the Whichever way it went down, when the coup erupted, two forces wound up coup erupted, two forces wound up coup erupted, two forces wound up marching down from Gaul to help. One led marching down from Gaul to help. One led marching down from Gaul to help. One led by Bmer to reinforce Anthemus and the by Bmer to reinforce Anthemus and the by Bmer to reinforce Anthemus and the other led by Gundabad to reinforce Rick other led by Gundabad to reinforce Rick other led by Gundabad to reinforce Rick and Librius. It is hard to see this ever Librius. It is hard to see this ever really working out for Anthemus. He was, really working out for Anthemus. He was, really working out for Anthemus. He was, after all, a stranger in a strange land, after all, a stranger in a strange land, after all, a stranger in a strange land, and most of the local nobility was and most of the local nobility was and most of the local nobility was solidly in Rick's camp. But the emperor solidly in Rick's camp. But the emperor solidly in Rick's camp. But the emperor did somehow manage to keep Rome shut did somehow manage to keep Rome shut did somehow manage to keep Rome shut tight at least into the early tight at least into the early tight at least into the early summer. It seems pretty clear though summer. It seems pretty clear though summer. It seems pretty clear though that he was pinning all his hopes on that he was pinning all his hopes on that he was pinning all his hopes on reinforcements from Gaul and morale reinforcements from Gaul and morale reinforcements from Gaul and morale within Rome was almost entirely based on within Rome was almost entirely based on within Rome was almost entirely based on the assumption that relief was on its the assumption that relief was on its the assumption that relief was on its way. When that relief showed up in July way. When that relief showed up in July way. When that relief showed up in July though, the air really went out of

though, the air really went out of though, the air really went out of anus's sails. Bilmer arrived with his anus's sails. Bilmer arrived with his anus's sails. Bilmer arrived with his troops from Gaul. All right. but he was troops from Gaul. All right. but he was troops from Gaul. All right. but he was promptly defeated in battle by Rick's promptly defeated in battle by Rick's promptly defeated in battle by Rick's forces. This brief battle is interesting forces. This brief battle is interesting forces. This brief battle is interesting to us for two reasons. First, it pretty to us for two reasons. First, it pretty to us for two reasons. First, it pretty much ended any hope Anthemus had of much ended any hope Anthemus had of much ended any hope Anthemus had of escaping this thing with his life. And escaping this thing with his life. And escaping this thing with his life. And second, it marks the first appearance in second, it marks the first appearance in second, it marks the first appearance in the historical record of Odoacer, who the historical record of Odoacer, who the historical record of Odoacer, who was a commander of some highlevel was a commander of some highlevel was a commander of some highlevel bodyguards who had gone over to Rick bodyguards who had gone over to Rick bodyguards who had gone over to Rick back in the spring. With Bmer defeated, the entire spring. With Bmer defeated, the entire citizen body of Rome essentially citizen body of Rome essentially citizen body of Rome essentially deserted Anthemus as there was deserted Anthemus as there was deserted Anthemus as there was absolutely no reason for any one of them absolutely no reason for any one of them absolutely no reason for any one of them to suffer or die on his behalf. He was to suffer or die on his behalf. He was to suffer or die on his behalf. He was simply not a ship worth going down simply not a ship worth going down simply not a ship worth going down with. So, as the gates of Rome were with. So, as the gates of Rome were with. So, as the gates of Rome were opened and Rick's men came pouring in, opened and Rick's men came pouring in, opened and Rick's men came pouring in, once again, Anthemus took refuge within once again, Anthemus took refuge within once again, Anthemus took refuge within a church. There is some disagreement as a church. There is some disagreement as a church. There is some disagreement as to whether he went back to St. Peters or to whether he went back to St. Peters or to whether he went back to St. Peters or whether he holed up in Santa Maria of whether he holed up in Santa Maria of whether he holed up in Santa Maria of Trustiver, but it doesn't make much Trustiver, but it doesn't make much Trustiver, but it doesn't make much difference because it didn't do him any difference because it didn't do him any difference because it didn't do him any good. He was tracked down by a search good. He was tracked down by a search good. He was tracked down by a search party led by Gundabad. And when the party led by Gundabad. And when the party led by Gundabad. And when the fallen emperor was found, Gundabad paid fallen emperor was found, Gundabad paid fallen emperor was found, Gundabad paid very little attention to the sanctity of very little attention to the sanctity of very little attention to the sanctity of the church. And Themus was immediately the church. And Themus was immediately the church. And Themus was immediately beheaded. He was about 50 years old and beheaded. He was about 50 years old and beheaded. He was about 50 years old and had been emperor for just over 5 years.

had been emperor for just over 5 years. had been emperor for just over 5 years. There are now four emperors left. There are now four emperors left. There are now four emperors left. Anthemus was the last who had any sort Anthemus was the last who had any sort Anthemus was the last who had any sort of talent or ability. With Anthemus dead and O ability. With Anthemus dead and O Librius now elevated in his place, the Librius now elevated in his place, the Librius now elevated in his place, the Italian nobility, who were already Italian nobility, who were already Italian nobility, who were already mostly with Rick, were now doubly happy mostly with Rick, were now doubly happy mostly with Rick, were now doubly happy because O Librius, one of their own, was because O Librius, one of their own, was because O Librius, one of their own, was back in back in back in power. But the man who had to have been power. But the man who had to have been power. But the man who had to have been happiest of all was the Vandal King happiest of all was the Vandal King happiest of all was the Vandal King Gansk. Gansk. Gansk. He had been fighting and arguing and He had been fighting and arguing and He had been fighting and arguing and pleading and cajoling to get Ool Librius pleading and cajoling to get Ool Librius pleading and cajoling to get Ool Librius on the throne for years going all the on the throne for years going all the on the throne for years going all the way back to the fall of Avitus and way back to the fall of Avitus and way back to the fall of Avitus and Rick's initial rise to power back in Rick's initial rise to power back in Rick's initial rise to power back in 458. Now he finally had what he wanted. 458. Now he finally had what he wanted. 458. Now he finally had what he wanted. The brother-in-law of his The brother-in-law of his The brother-in-law of his daughter-in-law now sat on the throne of daughter-in-law now sat on the throne of daughter-in-law now sat on the throne of the West. These were happy days for the the West. These were happy days for the the West. These were happy days for the Vandal King. Just a few years after it Vandal King. Just a few years after it Vandal King. Just a few years after it looked like he was going to be toppled looked like he was going to be toppled looked like he was going to be toppled from power by a massive invasion fleet, from power by a massive invasion fleet, from power by a massive invasion fleet, not only was he still standing, but he not only was he still standing, but he not only was he still standing, but he had finally gotten his way. Happy, happy had finally gotten his way. Happy, happy had finally gotten his way. Happy, happy days. But fate, oh fate, she has a days. But fate, oh fate, she has a days. But fate, oh fate, she has a wicked sense of humor. First she giveth wicked sense of humor. First she giveth wicked sense of humor. First she giveth and then she taketh away.

and then she taketh away. and then she taketh away. But at first she appeared to be truly in But at first she appeared to be truly in But at first she appeared to be truly in the giving sort of mood, at least from the giving sort of mood, at least from the giving sort of mood, at least from Ganserk's point of view, because in Ganserk's point of view, because in Ganserk's point of view, because in August of 472, just a month after August of 472, just a month after August of 472, just a month after Anthemus's fall, Rick, the virtual king Anthemus's fall, Rick, the virtual king Anthemus's fall, Rick, the virtual king of Italy, keeled over of Italy, keeled over of Italy, keeled over dead. The historical diagnosis is dead. The historical diagnosis is dead. The historical diagnosis is massive hemorrhage. He was about 67 massive hemorrhage. He was about 67 massive hemorrhage. He was about 67 years old and had been the virtual king years old and had been the virtual king years old and had been the virtual king of Italy for 15 years, bridging the gap of Italy for 15 years, bridging the gap of Italy for 15 years, bridging the gap between Stilico and Odoacer. between Stilico and Odoacer. between Stilico and Odoacer. So from Ganserk's point of view, this So from Ganserk's point of view, this So from Ganserk's point of view, this all could not be working out better. The all could not be working out better. The all could not be working out better. The only thing that would have stopped him only thing that would have stopped him only thing that would have stopped him from exerting a huge amount of influence from exerting a huge amount of influence from exerting a huge amount of influence over Olrius was Rick. And now Rick was over Olrius was Rick. And now Rick was over Olrius was Rick. And now Rick was dead. The only thing that could possibly dead. The only thing that could possibly dead. The only thing that could possibly screw this up is if Ool Librius were to screw this up is if Ool Librius were to screw this up is if Ool Librius were to like suddenly keel over dead himself. like suddenly keel over dead himself. like suddenly keel over dead himself. And what are the odds of that happening? And what are the odds of that happening? And what are the odds of that happening? What's that you say? Oh, come on. You've What's that you say? Oh, come on. You've What's that you say? Oh, come on. You've got to be kidding me. In late October or got to be kidding me. In late October or got to be kidding me. In late October or early November 472, O Librius died of early November 472, O Librius died of early November 472, O Librius died of Dropsy. Though no one seems to want to Dropsy. Though no one seems to want to Dropsy. Though no one seems to want to give me a solid birth date. He was maybe give me a solid birth date. He was maybe give me a solid birth date. He was maybe in his mid-40s when he died and had been in his mid-40s when he died and had been in his mid-40s when he died and had been emperor for 6 months or 3 months emperor for 6 months or 3 months emperor for 6 months or 3 months depending on whether you date his reign depending on whether you date his reign depending on whether you date his reign from his elevation by Rick or from the from his elevation by Rick or from the from his elevation by Rick or from the fall of fall of fall of Anthemus. Just like that, there are only Anthemus. Just like that, there are only Anthemus. Just like that, there are only three emperors left. Well, two if you three emperors left. Well, two if you three emperors left. Well, two if you happen to be a partisan of Julius Nepos, happen to be a partisan of Julius Nepos, happen to be a partisan of Julius Nepos, but mainstream history does not appear but mainstream history does not appear but mainstream history does not appear to be a partisan of Julius

to be a partisan of Julius to be a partisan of Julius Nepos. When Rickr died, he was Nepos. When Rickr died, he was Nepos. When Rickr died, he was immediately succeeded by his nephew immediately succeeded by his nephew immediately succeeded by his nephew Gundabad, who after killing Anthemus in Gundabad, who after killing Anthemus in Gundabad, who after killing Anthemus in a church, had proven himself to be a man a church, had proven himself to be a man a church, had proven himself to be a man you did not want to mess around with. So you did not want to mess around with. So you did not want to mess around with. So when Alibrius died a few months later, when Alibrius died a few months later, when Alibrius died a few months later, the power that had normally been the power that had normally been the power that had normally been reverting to Rick instead reverted to reverting to Rick instead reverted to reverting to Rick instead reverted to Gundabad, the new virtual king of Italy Gundabad, the new virtual king of Italy Gundabad, the new virtual king of Italy pondered what he was going to do about pondered what he was going to do about pondered what he was going to do about the vacant throne over the winner of the vacant throne over the winner of the vacant throne over the winner of 472-473 and then in March decided to 472-473 and then in March decided to 472-473 and then in March decided to elevate the unknown, well unknown to us elevate the unknown, well unknown to us elevate the unknown, well unknown to us anyway, captain of the elite court anyway, captain of the elite court anyway, captain of the elite court bodyguard, Gicarius, about whom we know bodyguard, Gicarius, about whom we know bodyguard, Gicarius, about whom we know next to nothing before he becomes Emp. next to nothing before he becomes Emp. next to nothing before he becomes Emp. emperor in March of 473. Glicius's elevation, like I should 473. Glicius's elevation, like I should note the elevation of O Librius the year note the elevation of O Librius the year note the elevation of O Librius the year before, was never recognized in the before, was never recognized in the before, was never recognized in the east. For Leo and Themus had been the east. For Leo and Themus had been the east. For Leo and Themus had been the legitimate emperor of the West, and legitimate emperor of the West, and legitimate emperor of the West, and everything that had happened since his everything that had happened since his everything that had happened since his death amounted to illegal death amounted to illegal death amounted to illegal usurppation. Had Librius lived, Leo usurppation. Had Librius lived, Leo usurppation. Had Librius lived, Leo would have certainly tried to toss him would have certainly tried to toss him would have certainly tried to toss him out and replace him with another Eastern out and replace him with another Eastern out and replace him with another Eastern candidate. But Librius died before Leo candidate. But Librius died before Leo candidate. But Librius died before Leo could even begin to plan a could even begin to plan a could even begin to plan a counterrevolution. So it was left to counterrevolution. So it was left to counterrevolution. So it was left to Giccarius to deal with the wrath of Giccarius to deal with the wrath of Giccarius to deal with the wrath of Constantinople. Well, not exactly the Constantinople. Well, not exactly the Constantinople. Well, not exactly the wrath of wrath of wrath of Constantinople. Though the East had Constantinople. Though the East had Constantinople. Though the East had recovered somewhat from its debacle in recovered somewhat from its debacle in recovered somewhat from its debacle in North Africa, I doubt Leo had any

North Africa, I doubt Leo had any North Africa, I doubt Leo had any interest in sending another army off to interest in sending another army off to interest in sending another army off to the west. for example, it probably would the west. for example, it probably would the west. for example, it probably would have been political have been political have been political suicide. So instead, he got in touch suicide. So instead, he got in touch suicide. So instead, he got in touch with the aforementioned Julius Nepos and with the aforementioned Julius Nepos and with the aforementioned Julius Nepos and talked him into mounting an expedition talked him into mounting an expedition talked him into mounting an expedition to oust the usurpers in to oust the usurpers in to oust the usurpers in Italy. Nepos was the nephew of the Italy. Nepos was the nephew of the Italy. Nepos was the nephew of the general Marcelinus, and he had inherited general Marcelinus, and he had inherited general Marcelinus, and he had inherited his uncle's quasi independent territory his uncle's quasi independent territory his uncle's quasi independent territory of Dalatia, and as such had access to a of Dalatia, and as such had access to a of Dalatia, and as such had access to a good number of Hun and Goth mercenaries. good number of Hun and Goth mercenaries. good number of Hun and Goth mercenaries. Leo essentially told Nepos that Leo essentially told Nepos that Leo essentially told Nepos that Constantinople was prepared to recognize Constantinople was prepared to recognize Constantinople was prepared to recognize him as emperor of the west should he him as emperor of the west should he him as emperor of the west should he decide to go seize the throne from decide to go seize the throne from decide to go seize the throne from Gicarius. This sounded like a pretty Gicarius. This sounded like a pretty Gicarius. This sounded like a pretty good deal to Nepos. So he started to good deal to Nepos. So he started to good deal to Nepos. So he started to prepare for an invasion. But Julius Nepos's invasion invasion. But Julius Nepos's invasion was not the only invasion Garius and was not the only invasion Garius and was not the only invasion Garius and Gundabad had to contend Gundabad had to contend Gundabad had to contend with. Up in Gaul, the Goth king Urick with. Up in Gaul, the Goth king Urick with. Up in Gaul, the Goth king Urick was getting even more ambitious. And it was getting even more ambitious. And it was getting even more ambitious. And it appears that he had designed on perhaps appears that he had designed on perhaps appears that he had designed on perhaps sweeping down and seizing northern Italy sweeping down and seizing northern Italy sweeping down and seizing northern Italy for for for himself. At the same time, another Goth himself. At the same time, another Goth himself. At the same time, another Goth king named Vitimer, who ran a little king named Vitimer, who ran a little king named Vitimer, who ran a little autonomous kingdom between the Danube autonomous kingdom between the Danube autonomous kingdom between the Danube and Dalatia, also appears to have been and Dalatia, also appears to have been and Dalatia, also appears to have been considering making a run at considering making a run at considering making a run at Italy. Which brings me to a point that I Italy. Which brings me to a point that I Italy. Which brings me to a point that I probably should have made a long time probably should have made a long time probably should have made a long time ago, but I didn't for decent reasons, ago, but I didn't for decent reasons, ago, but I didn't for decent reasons, but eventually became a little but eventually became a little but eventually became a little ridiculous.

ridiculous. ridiculous. Back during the initial run-up to the Back during the initial run-up to the Back during the initial run-up to the battle of Adrian Opople, we distinguish battle of Adrian Opople, we distinguish battle of Adrian Opople, we distinguish between the Turvingi and Gutangai between the Turvingi and Gutangai between the Turvingi and Gutangai branches of the Goth nation. But ever branches of the Goth nation. But ever branches of the Goth nation. But ever since then, it's just sort of been Goth since then, it's just sort of been Goth since then, it's just sort of been Goth this and Goth this and Goth this and Goth that. This is mostly because for the that. This is mostly because for the that. This is mostly because for the last century, we've been dealing last century, we've been dealing last century, we've been dealing exclusively with all Alaric Goths, the exclusively with all Alaric Goths, the exclusively with all Alaric Goths, the Turving, whose descendants are now Turving, whose descendants are now Turving, whose descendants are now firmly established in Gaul. So there was firmly established in Gaul. So there was firmly established in Gaul. So there was no need to make any distinction. no need to make any distinction. no need to make any distinction. But what about that most famous of Goth But what about that most famous of Goth But what about that most famous of Goth distinctions? If you listen to the distinctions? If you listen to the distinctions? If you listen to the history of Rome, you would never know history of Rome, you would never know history of Rome, you would never know that there was something called a that there was something called a that there was something called a Visigothth and something called an Visigothth and something called an Visigothth and something called an Ostrogoth. So what is an Ostrogoth and Ostrogoth. So what is an Ostrogoth and Ostrogoth. So what is an Ostrogoth and what is a what is a what is a Visigothth? Well, at first I avoided the Visigothth? Well, at first I avoided the Visigothth? Well, at first I avoided the terminology because it was not invented terminology because it was not invented terminology because it was not invented until way later and is often until way later and is often until way later and is often anacronistically misapplied to the anacronistically misapplied to the anacronistically misapplied to the groups that we've been dealing with and groups that we've been dealing with and groups that we've been dealing with and I didn't want to get caught in the trap. I didn't want to get caught in the trap. I didn't want to get caught in the trap. But by this point, the late 400s, even But by this point, the late 400s, even But by this point, the late 400s, even if the labels weren't contemporaneously if the labels weren't contemporaneously if the labels weren't contemporaneously used, everyone agrees that we call these used, everyone agrees that we call these used, everyone agrees that we call these guys Visigothths and those guys guys Visigothths and those guys guys Visigothths and those guys Ostrogoths. So, who were they? Well, Ostrogoths. So, who were they? Well, Ostrogoths. So, who were they? Well, essentially all Visigothth means is essentially all Visigothth means is essentially all Visigothth means is western Goth and all Ostrogoth means is western Goth and all Ostrogoth means is western Goth and all Ostrogoth means is eastern Goth. So, all Goths who had eastern Goth. So, all Goths who had eastern Goth. So, all Goths who had moved into Italy and then up into Gaul moved into Italy and then up into Gaul moved into Italy and then up into Gaul became known as the Visigothths.

became known as the Visigothths. became known as the Visigothths. The Goths who stayed behind straddling The Goths who stayed behind straddling The Goths who stayed behind straddling the Danube and contending with the Huns the Danube and contending with the Huns the Danube and contending with the Huns became known as the became known as the became known as the Ostrogoths. So for example, history Ostrogoths. So for example, history Ostrogoths. So for example, history books often speak of the Visiggoth sack books often speak of the Visiggoth sack books often speak of the Visiggoth sack of Rome in 410 and the Ostrogoth kingdom of Rome in 410 and the Ostrogoth kingdom of Rome in 410 and the Ostrogoth kingdom that was established in Italy following that was established in Italy following that was established in Italy following the fall of the Western the fall of the Western the fall of the Western Empire. In terms of reality, these Empire. In terms of reality, these Empire. In terms of reality, these signifiers mean very little. But in signifiers mean very little. But in signifiers mean very little. But in terms of understanding history and terms of understanding history and terms of understanding history and keeping things straight in your head, keeping things straight in your head, keeping things straight in your head, Visigothth and Ostrogoth is actually a Visigothth and Ostrogoth is actually a Visigothth and Ostrogoth is actually a fairly important distinction. So now you fairly important distinction. So now you fairly important distinction. So now you know what that means is that up in Gaul, know what that means is that up in Gaul, know what that means is that up in Gaul, the Visigothth King Urick was likely the Visigothth King Urick was likely the Visigothth King Urick was likely planning an invasion of Italy. And over planning an invasion of Italy. And over planning an invasion of Italy. And over south of the Danube, his counterpart, south of the Danube, his counterpart, south of the Danube, his counterpart, the Ostrogoth King Vitimer, was the Ostrogoth King Vitimer, was the Ostrogoth King Vitimer, was contemplating the same contemplating the same contemplating the same thing. The great fear down in Ravena, thing. The great fear down in Ravena, thing. The great fear down in Ravena, where Gicarius had taken up residence, where Gicarius had taken up residence, where Gicarius had taken up residence, was that the two great branches of the was that the two great branches of the was that the two great branches of the Goth nation would join forces and crush Goth nation would join forces and crush Goth nation would join forces and crush what was left of the what was left of the what was left of the empire. Possibly to Gicarius's great empire. Possibly to Gicarius's great empire. Possibly to Gicarius's great credit, though, or maybe it was just credit, though, or maybe it was just credit, though, or maybe it was just luck, not only did the two Goth branches luck, not only did the two Goth branches luck, not only did the two Goth branches not link up, but neither wound up not link up, but neither wound up not link up, but neither wound up invading Italy.

invading Italy. invading Italy. This may have been the work of Gundabad This may have been the work of Gundabad This may have been the work of Gundabad though, who right around this same time though, who right around this same time though, who right around this same time returned to Gaul to attend to some returned to Gaul to attend to some returned to Gaul to attend to some family business. It is not unreasonable family business. It is not unreasonable family business. It is not unreasonable to assume that the ethnic Burggundian to assume that the ethnic Burggundian to assume that the ethnic Burggundian used his contacts within the neighboring used his contacts within the neighboring used his contacts within the neighboring Visiggoth community to secure a peace. But neither Gundabed nor Glicius was But neither Gundabed nor Glicius was able to do anything about Julius Nepos, able to do anything about Julius Nepos, able to do anything about Julius Nepos, who was not going to be deterred by who was not going to be deterred by who was not going to be deterred by anything unless his patron Leo died and anything unless his patron Leo died and anything unless his patron Leo died and threw Constantinople's backing of the threw Constantinople's backing of the threw Constantinople's backing of the adventure into doubt. But that's not adventure into doubt. But that's not adventure into doubt. But that's not going to ha Oh, you've got to be kidding going to ha Oh, you've got to be kidding going to ha Oh, you've got to be kidding me. In January of 474, Leo the Thrian me. In January of 474, Leo the Thrian me. In January of 474, Leo the Thrian died. He was 74 years old and had been died. He was 74 years old and had been died. He was 74 years old and had been emperor of the East for 17 years. emperor of the East for 17 years. emperor of the East for 17 years. When he died, he was officially When he died, he was officially When he died, he was officially succeeded by his grandson, Leo II. But succeeded by his grandson, Leo II. But succeeded by his grandson, Leo II. But since the new emperor was maybe only 6 since the new emperor was maybe only 6 since the new emperor was maybe only 6 years old, power really wound up in the years old, power really wound up in the years old, power really wound up in the hands of Leo I son-in-law and Leo II's hands of Leo I son-in-law and Leo II's hands of Leo I son-in-law and Leo II's father, the Isurian general, father, the Isurian general, father, the Isurian general, Zeno. Zeno had risen to prominence as Zeno. Zeno had risen to prominence as Zeno. Zeno had risen to prominence as part of Emperor Leo's push to get out part of Emperor Leo's push to get out part of Emperor Leo's push to get out from under the domination of Aspar and from under the domination of Aspar and from under the domination of Aspar and the Germanic commanders who had the Germanic commanders who had the Germanic commanders who had dominated the court of Constantinople.

dominated the court of Constantinople. dominated the court of Constantinople. Leo had used the debacle in North Leo had used the debacle in North Leo had used the debacle in North Africa, among other things, as an excuse Africa, among other things, as an excuse Africa, among other things, as an excuse to turn on the man who had made him to turn on the man who had made him to turn on the man who had made him emperor all those years ago. And in 471, emperor all those years ago. And in 471, emperor all those years ago. And in 471, Aspar and his son, Ardore, were Aspar and his son, Ardore, were Aspar and his son, Ardore, were executed. Zeno, meanwhile, was a leading executed. Zeno, meanwhile, was a leading executed. Zeno, meanwhile, was a leading member of Leo's new favorite click of member of Leo's new favorite click of member of Leo's new favorite click of military officers, and he was married to military officers, and he was married to military officers, and he was married to the emperor's daughter in the emperor's daughter in the emperor's daughter in 466. When Aspar fell, Zeno stepped into 466. When Aspar fell, Zeno stepped into 466. When Aspar fell, Zeno stepped into his place. When Leo died, Zeno became his place. When Leo died, Zeno became his place. When Leo died, Zeno became co-emperor along with his son Leo co-emperor along with his son Leo co-emperor along with his son Leo II. When Leo II died that November, Zeno II. When Leo II died that November, Zeno II. When Leo II died that November, Zeno claimed imperial power for claimed imperial power for claimed imperial power for himself. The official report says that himself. The official report says that himself. The official report says that Leo II died of natural causes, but Leo II died of natural causes, but Leo II died of natural causes, but conspiracy theories abound about who conspiracy theories abound about who conspiracy theories abound about who really killed the boy. And I, of course, really killed the boy. And I, of course, really killed the boy. And I, of course, tend to believe that Livia did it. tend to believe that Livia did it. tend to believe that Livia did it. But fortunately for Julius Nepos, Zeno But fortunately for Julius Nepos, Zeno But fortunately for Julius Nepos, Zeno seemed amendable to the idea of ousting seemed amendable to the idea of ousting seemed amendable to the idea of ousting Gicarius and backing Nepos's claim to Gicarius and backing Nepos's claim to Gicarius and backing Nepos's claim to the throne. After all, as Leo's chief the throne. After all, as Leo's chief the throne. After all, as Leo's chief military adviser, Zeno had almost military adviser, Zeno had almost military adviser, Zeno had almost certainly come up with the idea himself.

certainly come up with the idea himself. certainly come up with the idea himself. So in June of 474, Julius Nepos and his So in June of 474, Julius Nepos and his So in June of 474, Julius Nepos and his army sailed from Dalatia down around the army sailed from Dalatia down around the army sailed from Dalatia down around the Italian peninsula and landed at the Italian peninsula and landed at the Italian peninsula and landed at the mouth of the Tyber, probably on the mouth of the Tyber, probably on the mouth of the Tyber, probably on the right bank at the imperial port of right bank at the imperial port of right bank at the imperial port of Portis. Glicius appears to have been Portis. Glicius appears to have been Portis. Glicius appears to have been alerted to the fact that Nepos was alerted to the fact that Nepos was alerted to the fact that Nepos was sailing around Italy and he rushed down sailing around Italy and he rushed down sailing around Italy and he rushed down to Rome to meet him. Whether he intended to Rome to meet him. Whether he intended to Rome to meet him. Whether he intended to offer up any resistance is an open to offer up any resistance is an open to offer up any resistance is an open question. But when Julius Nepo docked, question. But when Julius Nepo docked, question. But when Julius Nepo docked, it was immediately obvious that his it was immediately obvious that his it was immediately obvious that his forces were much stronger than anything forces were much stronger than anything forces were much stronger than anything Gicarius had at his Gicarius had at his Gicarius had at his disposal. As I said, Gundabad was still disposal. As I said, Gundabad was still disposal. As I said, Gundabad was still up in Gaul while all this was happening, up in Gaul while all this was happening, up in Gaul while all this was happening, leaving Gliccarius to deal with the leaving Gliccarius to deal with the leaving Gliccarius to deal with the invasion by invasion by invasion by himself. It is also possible that he himself. It is also possible that he himself. It is also possible that he rushed down to Rome to take the pulse of rushed down to Rome to take the pulse of rushed down to Rome to take the pulse of the Senate and see where they stood. the Senate and see where they stood. the Senate and see where they stood. Were they disposed to back him or would Were they disposed to back him or would Were they disposed to back him or would they abandon him for the newcomer? they abandon him for the newcomer? they abandon him for the newcomer? With the answer appearing to be back the With the answer appearing to be back the With the answer appearing to be back the newcomer, Glicarius gave it up. When newcomer, Glicarius gave it up. When newcomer, Glicarius gave it up. When Nepos arrived, Clicarius was there to Nepos arrived, Clicarius was there to Nepos arrived, Clicarius was there to meet him and he surrendered without so meet him and he surrendered without so meet him and he surrendered without so much as a sword being much as a sword being much as a sword being drawn. Glicius was in his mid-50s and drawn. Glicius was in his mid-50s and drawn. Glicius was in his mid-50s and had been emperor for just over a had been emperor for just over a had been emperor for just over a year. Nepos, for his part, took this year. Nepos, for his part, took this year. Nepos, for his part, took this bloodless victory well, and instead of bloodless victory well, and instead of bloodless victory well, and instead of killing Gliccarius, he followed the lead killing Gliccarius, he followed the lead killing Gliccarius, he followed the lead of Rickmer and Majorian and made Glicius of Rickmer and Majorian and made Glicius of Rickmer and Majorian and made Glicius a bishop. specifically the bishop of a bishop. specifically the bishop of a bishop. specifically the bishop of Salona, the major port city in Nepos' Salona, the major port city in Nepos' Salona, the major port city in Nepos' home province of Dalatia, which is more home province of Dalatia, which is more home province of Dalatia, which is more famous to students of Roman history as

famous to students of Roman history as famous to students of Roman history as the city where Diolesian retired to the city where Diolesian retired to the city where Diolesian retired to following his abdication in following his abdication in following his abdication in 305. With Gicarius out of the picture, 305. With Gicarius out of the picture, 305. With Gicarius out of the picture, there are now just two emperors left, there are now just two emperors left, there are now just two emperors left, unless you believe Julius Nepos. And unless you believe Julius Nepos. And unless you believe Julius Nepos. And lots of good people think that we really lots of good people think that we really lots of good people think that we really ought to believe Julius ought to believe Julius ought to believe Julius Nepos. After being accepted as emperor Nepos. After being accepted as emperor Nepos. After being accepted as emperor by the Senate, Nepo set to work laying by the Senate, Nepo set to work laying by the Senate, Nepo set to work laying the foundation for his long and glorious the foundation for his long and glorious the foundation for his long and glorious rule. His first order of business was rule. His first order of business was rule. His first order of business was officially firing Gundabad and elevating officially firing Gundabad and elevating officially firing Gundabad and elevating a GIC native named Ectdicius to the rank a GIC native named Ectdicius to the rank a GIC native named Ectdicius to the rank of Magister of Magister of Magister Militum. Ectdicius's main claim to fame Militum. Ectdicius's main claim to fame Militum. Ectdicius's main claim to fame was that he was the son of Avitus. And was that he was the son of Avitus. And was that he was the son of Avitus. And if Julius was going to ever have any if Julius was going to ever have any if Julius was going to ever have any hope of recovering Gaul, he was going to hope of recovering Gaul, he was going to hope of recovering Gaul, he was going to need the support of the GIC Romano need the support of the GIC Romano need the support of the GIC Romano nobility. Since most of them still nobility. Since most of them still nobility. Since most of them still carried a torch for Avitus, Avitas' son carried a torch for Avitus, Avitas' son carried a torch for Avitus, Avitas' son was brought into the was brought into the was brought into the administration. With Acticius almost administration. With Acticius almost administration. With Acticius almost certainly doing the negotiating, Julius certainly doing the negotiating, Julius certainly doing the negotiating, Julius Nepos got his reign off to a fine start Nepos got his reign off to a fine start Nepos got his reign off to a fine start by working out a land swap peace deal by working out a land swap peace deal by working out a land swap peace deal with Urick and the Visigoths.

with Urick and the Visigoths. with Urick and the Visigoths. In exchange for the Gothic withdrawal In exchange for the Gothic withdrawal In exchange for the Gothic withdrawal from Provence, the Romans would grant from Provence, the Romans would grant from Provence, the Romans would grant them title to lands further north and them title to lands further north and them title to lands further north and west that they had no hope of reclaiming west that they had no hope of reclaiming west that they had no hope of reclaiming right now. right now. right now. Anyway, there's some disagreement in the Anyway, there's some disagreement in the Anyway, there's some disagreement in the historical record about how and why this historical record about how and why this historical record about how and why this plan was approved with some blaming EDUS plan was approved with some blaming EDUS plan was approved with some blaming EDUS for blundering away territory. But the for blundering away territory. But the for blundering away territory. But the general consensus seems to be that this general consensus seems to be that this general consensus seems to be that this was Nepos's conscious plan from the was Nepos's conscious plan from the was Nepos's conscious plan from the start to maintain a geographically start to maintain a geographically start to maintain a geographically contiguous territory and worry about contiguous territory and worry about contiguous territory and worry about unreachable pockets of Roman territory unreachable pockets of Roman territory unreachable pockets of Roman territory like the domain of Swisson later. like the domain of Swisson later. like the domain of Swisson later. The chronicers like Jordanis who tend to The chronicers like Jordanis who tend to The chronicers like Jordanis who tend to blame Ecticius's blundering use that blame Ecticius's blundering use that blame Ecticius's blundering use that alleged blundering to explain the rise alleged blundering to explain the rise alleged blundering to explain the rise of Arrestes because in early 475 of Arrestes because in early 475 of Arrestes because in early 475 Arrestes was suddenly and inexplicably Arrestes was suddenly and inexplicably Arrestes was suddenly and inexplicably made Magister Militum at Ectdicius's made Magister Militum at Ectdicius's made Magister Militum at Ectdicius's expense. expense. expense. Orestes was a soldier and politician of Orestes was a soldier and politician of Orestes was a soldier and politician of Germanic descent who had once upon a Germanic descent who had once upon a Germanic descent who had once upon a time been attached to Aillaa the Huns time been attached to Aillaa the Huns time been attached to Aillaa the Huns court serving as a secretary and court serving as a secretary and court serving as a secretary and diplomat for the Hun king. When the Huns diplomat for the Hun king. When the Huns diplomat for the Hun king. When the Huns sent envoys to Constantinople to demand sent envoys to Constantinople to demand sent envoys to Constantinople to demand more indemnity payments, you can be sure more indemnity payments, you can be sure more indemnity payments, you can be sure that Arrestes was on at least a few of that Arrestes was on at least a few of that Arrestes was on at least a few of those those those missions. After Hun Unity was shattered missions. After Hun Unity was shattered missions. After Hun Unity was shattered after the death of Aillaa in the 450s, after the death of Aillaa in the 450s, after the death of Aillaa in the 450s, Orestes appears to have drifted into the Orestes appears to have drifted into the Orestes appears to have drifted into the western orbit and by the 470s somehow he western orbit and by the 470s somehow he western orbit and by the 470s somehow he had become a prominent member of the

had become a prominent member of the had become a prominent member of the western western western establishment. He was also the father of establishment. He was also the father of establishment. He was also the father of a young boy named Romulus. The exact reasons for his Romulus. The exact reasons for his elevation are obscure. Either it was elevation are obscure. Either it was elevation are obscure. Either it was indeed because Ecdicius had freelanced indeed because Ecdicius had freelanced indeed because Ecdicius had freelanced the deal with the Goths over Nepos' head the deal with the Goths over Nepos' head the deal with the Goths over Nepos' head and so he got the big ugly axe. But and so he got the big ugly axe. But and so he got the big ugly axe. But another explanation is that the another explanation is that the another explanation is that the elevation of arrestes was engineered by elevation of arrestes was engineered by elevation of arrestes was engineered by the Senate who though they technically the Senate who though they technically the Senate who though they technically acquies to Nepos' rule when he had a acquies to Nepos' rule when he had a acquies to Nepos' rule when he had a very strong army in their backyard were very strong army in their backyard were very strong army in their backyard were now trying to undermine now trying to undermine now trying to undermine him. In this telling, Ecticius was not him. In this telling, Ecticius was not him. In this telling, Ecticius was not recalled to Italy because he was being recalled to Italy because he was being recalled to Italy because he was being fired. He was recalled to Italy to help fired. He was recalled to Italy to help fired. He was recalled to Italy to help Nepos fend off a possible attack by the Nepos fend off a possible attack by the Nepos fend off a possible attack by the suddenly emboldened suddenly emboldened suddenly emboldened Arrestes. Whichever it was, in Arrestes. Whichever it was, in Arrestes. Whichever it was, in mid475, Arrestes organized a revolt mid475, Arrestes organized a revolt mid475, Arrestes organized a revolt against Nepos in against Nepos in against Nepos in Rome. Whether the emperor was in Revena Rome. Whether the emperor was in Revena Rome. Whether the emperor was in Revena at the time or whether he just fled at the time or whether he just fled at the time or whether he just fled there when he found out what Arrestes there when he found out what Arrestes there when he found out what Arrestes was up to is unknown, but it seems was up to is unknown, but it seems was up to is unknown, but it seems pretty clear that Arrestes marched north pretty clear that Arrestes marched north pretty clear that Arrestes marched north at the head of some kind of army. and at the head of some kind of army. and at the head of some kind of army. and Nepos, fearing for his life, boarded a Nepos, fearing for his life, boarded a Nepos, fearing for his life, boarded a ship and fled to ship and fled to ship and fled to Dalatia. Though he would never Dalatia. Though he would never Dalatia. Though he would never relinquish his claim to power, he would relinquish his claim to power, he would relinquish his claim to power, he would remain in Dalatia as a quasi private remain in Dalatia as a quasi private remain in Dalatia as a quasi private citizen until he was finally killed in citizen until he was finally killed in citizen until he was finally killed in 480. During the five years he spent in 480. During the five years he spent in 480. During the five years he spent in Salona in exile, his personal bishop was

Salona in exile, his personal bishop was Salona in exile, his personal bishop was none other than the deposed none other than the deposed none other than the deposed glyceras, which I believe marks only the glyceras, which I believe marks only the glyceras, which I believe marks only the second time that two former emperors second time that two former emperors second time that two former emperors were able to get together and just kind were able to get together and just kind were able to get together and just kind of shoot the breeze. The first being the of shoot the breeze. The first being the of shoot the breeze. The first being the brief imperial summit attended by both brief imperial summit attended by both brief imperial summit attended by both Diolesian and Maximian in 308 after the Diolesian and Maximian in 308 after the Diolesian and Maximian in 308 after the tetrarchy started to break down. When arresties arrived in Revena down. When arresties arrived in Revena and found that Julius Nepos had flown and found that Julius Nepos had flown and found that Julius Nepos had flown the coupe, he decided to take the the coupe, he decided to take the the coupe, he decided to take the logical step and seize logical step and seize logical step and seize power. But probably due to his Germanic power. But probably due to his Germanic power. But probably due to his Germanic extraction and old connections to Ailla extraction and old connections to Ailla extraction and old connections to Ailla with the Han, Arrestes didn't presume to with the Han, Arrestes didn't presume to with the Han, Arrestes didn't presume to claim the throne for claim the throne for claim the throne for himself. Although that said, no one himself. Although that said, no one himself. Although that said, no one really knows why Arrestes did not really knows why Arrestes did not really knows why Arrestes did not proclaim himself emperor or why his son proclaim himself emperor or why his son proclaim himself emperor or why his son would have been more acceptable. would have been more acceptable. would have been more acceptable. For example, Gibbons simply states that For example, Gibbons simply states that For example, Gibbons simply states that it was quote for some secret motive it was quote for some secret motive it was quote for some secret motive unquote. Whatever those secret motives unquote. Whatever those secret motives unquote. Whatever those secret motives were, on October the 31st, were, on October the 31st, were, on October the 31st, 475, 14 or 15year-old Romulus Augustus, 475, 14 or 15year-old Romulus Augustus, 475, 14 or 15year-old Romulus Augustus, the little Augustus, was proclaimed the little Augustus, was proclaimed the little Augustus, was proclaimed emperor in Ravena.

So now you can see why Julius Nepos So now you can see why Julius Nepos keeps raising a stink about how he's keeps raising a stink about how he's keeps raising a stink about how he's really the last emperor of the Western really the last emperor of the Western really the last emperor of the Western Empire. He had the backing of Empire. He had the backing of Empire. He had the backing of Constantinople after marrying one of Constantinople after marrying one of Constantinople after marrying one of Leo's nieces. He had ties to the Eastern Leo's nieces. He had ties to the Eastern Leo's nieces. He had ties to the Eastern Imperial family. He had been driven off Imperial family. He had been driven off Imperial family. He had been driven off by an illegal coup led by some barbarian by an illegal coup led by some barbarian by an illegal coup led by some barbarian secretary of Aillaa the Hun. His secretary of Aillaa the Hun. His secretary of Aillaa the Hun. His successor was a 14-year-old puppet. successor was a 14-year-old puppet. successor was a 14-year-old puppet. So why does he get to be the last So why does he get to be the last So why does he get to be the last emperor of the west and not me? I'll emperor of the west and not me? I'll emperor of the west and not me? I'll still be claiming Imperial authority still be claiming Imperial authority still be claiming Imperial authority until they kill me in 480. Shouldn't the until they kill me in 480. Shouldn't the until they kill me in 480. Shouldn't the fall of the West at least be linked to fall of the West at least be linked to fall of the West at least be linked to my death, not the exile of some my death, not the exile of some my death, not the exile of some anonymous anonymous anonymous kid? Well, unfortunately that's not the kid? Well, unfortunately that's not the kid? Well, unfortunately that's not the way history remembers it, my friend. But way history remembers it, my friend. But way history remembers it, my friend. But your objections are duly noted for the your objections are duly noted for the your objections are duly noted for the record. Julius Nepos was in his mid40s record. Julius Nepos was in his mid40s record. Julius Nepos was in his mid40s and he had been emperor for just about a and he had been emperor for just about a and he had been emperor for just about a year. though he would maintain his claim year. though he would maintain his claim year. though he would maintain his claim to the throne for another four years to the throne for another four years to the throne for another four years until he was murdered in 480. Orestes settled into Revena to lay 480. Orestes settled into Revena to lay the groundwork for his own long and the groundwork for his own long and the groundwork for his own long and glorious rule. But unlike Nepos, who glorious rule. But unlike Nepos, who glorious rule. But unlike Nepos, who actually got off to a fairly decent actually got off to a fairly decent actually got off to a fairly decent start, Orestes started screwing things start, Orestes started screwing things start, Orestes started screwing things up right off the up right off the up right off the bat. Shortly after seizing power, the bat. Shortly after seizing power, the bat. Shortly after seizing power, the new puppet master of Italy was new puppet master of Italy was new puppet master of Italy was approached by a group of federated approached by a group of federated approached by a group of federated soldiers who demanded what soldiers had soldiers who demanded what soldiers had soldiers who demanded what soldiers had been demanding from time immemorial, been demanding from time immemorial, been demanding from time immemorial, better pay and more better pay and more better pay and more land. Arresties, feeling awfully secure

land. Arresties, feeling awfully secure land. Arresties, feeling awfully secure in his position for absolutely no good in his position for absolutely no good in his position for absolutely no good reason, refused to grant any sort of reason, refused to grant any sort of reason, refused to grant any sort of concessions. concessions. concessions. So the soldiers went to their captain So the soldiers went to their captain So the soldiers went to their captain who just so happened to be Odoacaser and who just so happened to be Odoacaser and who just so happened to be Odoacaser and asked him to please do something about asked him to please do something about asked him to please do something about this joker calling the shots in this joker calling the shots in this joker calling the shots in Ravena. Odoacaser agreed to do something Ravena. Odoacaser agreed to do something Ravena. Odoacaser agreed to do something about him. All right. In August of 476, about him. All right. In August of 476, about him. All right. In August of 476, Odoacaser told him that if they wanted, Odoacaser told him that if they wanted, Odoacaser told him that if they wanted, he would lead them in revolt against he would lead them in revolt against he would lead them in revolt against arresties. That he would rid them of arresties. That he would rid them of arresties. That he would rid them of their problem and if all went well, rid their problem and if all went well, rid their problem and if all went well, rid them of hotty imperial bureaucrats them of hotty imperial bureaucrats them of hotty imperial bureaucrats forever. forever. forever. 5 days later, Odoacaser marched on 5 days later, Odoacaser marched on 5 days later, Odoacaser marched on Revena and caught arrestes near Piaenza. Revena and caught arrestes near Piaenza. Revena and caught arrestes near Piaenza. The little snake was trying to sneak The little snake was trying to sneak The little snake was trying to sneak away. He was executed away. He was executed away. He was executed immediately. A few days later, Odoacaser immediately. A few days later, Odoacaser immediately. A few days later, Odoacaser entered Revena, killed Arresty's entered Revena, killed Arresty's entered Revena, killed Arresty's brother, occupied the Imperial Palace, brother, occupied the Imperial Palace, brother, occupied the Imperial Palace, and tracked down young Romulus Augustus.

and tracked down young Romulus Augustus. and tracked down young Romulus Augustus. Taking pity on the boy who was after all Taking pity on the boy who was after all Taking pity on the boy who was after all just a puppet of his father, Odoacaser just a puppet of his father, Odoacaser just a puppet of his father, Odoacaser decided to let the boy live and he decided to let the boy live and he decided to let the boy live and he exiled him down to an estate in exiled him down to an estate in exiled him down to an estate in Kana. Romulus Augustus was maybe 15 or Kana. Romulus Augustus was maybe 15 or Kana. Romulus Augustus was maybe 15 or 16 years old and he was emperor for 10 16 years old and he was emperor for 10 16 years old and he was emperor for 10 months. So no, the Western Empire did months. So no, the Western Empire did months. So no, the Western Empire did not exactly go out with a not exactly go out with a not exactly go out with a bank. After deposing the boy emperor, bank. After deposing the boy emperor, bank. After deposing the boy emperor, Odoacaser collected up the imperial Odoacaser collected up the imperial Odoacaser collected up the imperial regalia, put it in a package bound for regalia, put it in a package bound for regalia, put it in a package bound for Constantinople with a note for the Constantinople with a note for the Constantinople with a note for the emperor emperor emperor Zeno. There is no longer any need for Zeno. There is no longer any need for Zeno. There is no longer any need for separate empires. A single emperor is separate empires. A single emperor is separate empires. A single emperor is enough. I will rule Italy in your name, enough. I will rule Italy in your name, enough. I will rule Italy in your name, but don't bother sending any imperial but don't bother sending any imperial but don't bother sending any imperial replacements. With that, the line of replacements. With that, the line of replacements. With that, the line of Western emperors was truly Western emperors was truly Western emperors was truly broken. Yes. Yes, Julius Nepos, I hear broken. Yes. Yes, Julius Nepos, I hear broken. Yes. Yes, Julius Nepos, I hear you wailing over there. But did you ever you wailing over there. But did you ever you wailing over there. But did you ever make it back to Italy? Were you ever make it back to Italy? Were you ever make it back to Italy? Were you ever able to rest back control of your empire able to rest back control of your empire able to rest back control of your empire from Odoacer? No. Well, okay then. You from Odoacer? No. Well, okay then. You from Odoacer? No. Well, okay then. You and Garius go back to playing back gamon and Garius go back to playing back gamon and Garius go back to playing back gamon or whatever it is that you do. So that's it, right? I mean, here we do. So that's it, right? I mean, here we are. Today is Sunday. It is 476 AD. and are. Today is Sunday. It is 476 AD. and are. Today is Sunday. It is 476 AD. and Romulus Augustus, last emperor of the Romulus Augustus, last emperor of the Romulus Augustus, last emperor of the Western Empire, has just been Western Empire, has just been Western Empire, has just been exiled. The history of Rome podcast, as

exiled. The history of Rome podcast, as exiled. The history of Rome podcast, as once upon a time defined by me, is once upon a time defined by me, is once upon a time defined by me, is over. But it wouldn't be very nice of me over. But it wouldn't be very nice of me over. But it wouldn't be very nice of me to just go off and leave you like that. to just go off and leave you like that. to just go off and leave you like that. So, we will be back next week for one So, we will be back next week for one So, we will be back next week for one final final final episode. All good stories have an episode. All good stories have an episode. All good stories have an epilogue. So, the history of Rome shall epilogue. So, the history of Rome shall epilogue. So, the history of Rome shall too have an epilogue. a chance to wrap too have an epilogue. a chance to wrap too have an epilogue. a chance to wrap things up, ponder all the stuff that things up, ponder all the stuff that things up, ponder all the stuff that comes after 476 that we didn't get to, comes after 476 that we didn't get to, comes after 476 that we didn't get to, wonder aloud why the West fell but the wonder aloud why the West fell but the wonder aloud why the West fell but the East kept right on trucking, and gaze in East kept right on trucking, and gaze in East kept right on trucking, and gaze in awe at the legacy of the Roman awe at the legacy of the Roman awe at the legacy of the Roman Empire. Are we going to stumble upon a Empire. Are we going to stumble upon a Empire. Are we going to stumble upon a grand unified theory of Roman history? I grand unified theory of Roman history? I grand unified theory of Roman history? I doubt it, but it will be good to digest doubt it, but it will be good to digest doubt it, but it will be good to digest what we've all been through and what what we've all been through and what what we've all been through and what will come next. will come next. will come next. So, I will see you next week for the So, I will see you next week for the So, I will see you next week for the final episode of the history of Rome. final episode of the history of Rome. final episode of the history of Rome. Unless, of course, we have a baby in the Unless, of course, we have a baby in the Unless, of course, we have a baby in the next seven days, in which case, see you. next seven days, in which case, see you. next seven days, in which case, see you. [Music] Hello and welcome to the final episode

Hello and welcome to the final episode of the history of Rome. Episode 179, the end. About 5 years ago, I got it into my end. About 5 years ago, I got it into my head to start a podcast. After hearing head to start a podcast. After hearing head to start a podcast. After hearing 12 Byzantine rulers and loving it, I 12 Byzantine rulers and loving it, I 12 Byzantine rulers and loving it, I tried to find a podcast on Roman history tried to find a podcast on Roman history tried to find a podcast on Roman history because surely there must be one, but I because surely there must be one, but I because surely there must be one, but I came up empty. I was in the middle of came up empty. I was in the middle of came up empty. I was in the middle of reading The War with Hannibal by Libby reading The War with Hannibal by Libby reading The War with Hannibal by Libby and thought that man, there is a lot of and thought that man, there is a lot of and thought that man, there is a lot of really cool stories buried in here that really cool stories buried in here that really cool stories buried in here that never see the light of day because my never see the light of day because my never see the light of day because my god, this reading is so god, this reading is so god, this reading is so dry. So, I started to think that maybe I dry. So, I started to think that maybe I dry. So, I started to think that maybe I should start a podcast about Roman should start a podcast about Roman should start a podcast about Roman history. I went and snagged my copy of history. I went and snagged my copy of history. I went and snagged my copy of the early history of Rome by Libby and the early history of Rome by Libby and the early history of Rome by Libby and used it to outline the first dozen or so used it to outline the first dozen or so used it to outline the first dozen or so episodes, the seven kings, the 12 episodes, the seven kings, the 12 episodes, the seven kings, the 12 tables, the sack of Rome. Then I Googled tables, the sack of Rome. Then I Googled tables, the sack of Rome. Then I Googled how to podcast. Then I fought bitterly how to podcast. Then I fought bitterly how to podcast. Then I fought bitterly with technology for about a week. Then I with technology for about a week. Then I with technology for about a week. Then I got it all straightened out. And on July got it all straightened out. And on July got it all straightened out. And on July 27th, 2007, I published the first 27th, 2007, I published the first 27th, 2007, I published the first episode of the cleverly titled History episode of the cleverly titled History episode of the cleverly titled History of Rome. Then I settled into a nice of Rome. Then I settled into a nice of Rome. Then I settled into a nice routine of publishing every Sunday routine of publishing every Sunday routine of publishing every Sunday night.

night. night. We went through the early quasi mythical We went through the early quasi mythical We went through the early quasi mythical period of half-remembered legend because period of half-remembered legend because period of half-remembered legend because Brenis and the Gauls burned Rome to the Brenis and the Gauls burned Rome to the Brenis and the Gauls burned Rome to the ground in 390 BC. We went from the kings ground in 390 BC. We went from the kings ground in 390 BC. We went from the kings through the establishment of the through the establishment of the through the establishment of the republic, the conflict of the orders, republic, the conflict of the orders, republic, the conflict of the orders, Roman expansion out into Italy, wars Roman expansion out into Italy, wars Roman expansion out into Italy, wars with the Atruscans and Latins and the with the Atruscans and Latins and the with the Atruscans and Latins and the Sam Knights, and history started to Sam Knights, and history started to Sam Knights, and history started to become less mythical and more concrete. become less mythical and more concrete. become less mythical and more concrete. Finally, we got into the bits that I Finally, we got into the bits that I Finally, we got into the bits that I really wanted to get into from the really wanted to get into from the really wanted to get into from the beginning. The Punic Wars, Hannibal, beginning. The Punic Wars, Hannibal, beginning. The Punic Wars, Hannibal, Scipio, the great struggle that left Scipio, the great struggle that left Scipio, the great struggle that left Rome the strongest power in the Rome the strongest power in the Rome the strongest power in the Mediterranean world. Then we started Mediterranean world. Then we started Mediterranean world. Then we started running into problems with hosting running into problems with hosting running into problems with hosting because amazingly too many people were because amazingly too many people were because amazingly too many people were listening to the show and it was listening to the show and it was listening to the show and it was crashing crashing crashing archive.org. Then we ran into problems archive.org. Then we ran into problems archive.org. Then we ran into problems with episode limits on the blogging with episode limits on the blogging with episode limits on the blogging service I was using. But we kept going service I was using. But we kept going service I was using. But we kept going and made it into the 100s BC and the and made it into the 100s BC and the and made it into the 100s BC and the conquest of Greece, the civil unrest let conquest of Greece, the civil unrest let conquest of Greece, the civil unrest let loose by the Groey brothers, the rise of loose by the Groey brothers, the rise of loose by the Groey brothers, the rise of Marius and the rise of SOA. Then for Marius and the rise of SOA. Then for Marius and the rise of SOA. Then for those of you who have been around that those of you who have been around that those of you who have been around that long, you'll remember that the show went long, you'll remember that the show went long, you'll remember that the show went on hiatus for 7 months because I on hiatus for 7 months because I on hiatus for 7 months because I completely burned out. For those of you completely burned out. For those of you completely burned out. For those of you who discovered the show later, just know who discovered the show later, just know who discovered the show later, just know that the whole thing almost died at that the whole thing almost died at that the whole thing almost died at episode 33, Marius and Cella.

episode 33, Marius and Cella. episode 33, Marius and Cella. but it only almost died. I bought a new but it only almost died. I bought a new but it only almost died. I bought a new laptop and decided that I would hate laptop and decided that I would hate laptop and decided that I would hate myself forever if I didn't finish the myself forever if I didn't finish the myself forever if I didn't finish the job. I had planned to do about 75 job. I had planned to do about 75 job. I had planned to do about 75 episodes and I was already to the episodes and I was already to the episodes and I was already to the breakdown of the Republic. So, I didn't breakdown of the Republic. So, I didn't breakdown of the Republic. So, I didn't want to be the guy who swam 2/3 of the want to be the guy who swam 2/3 of the want to be the guy who swam 2/3 of the English Channel, got tired, and swam English Channel, got tired, and swam English Channel, got tired, and swam back. So, then we went through the civil back. So, then we went through the civil back. So, then we went through the civil wars of Marius and Sullah, the rise of wars of Marius and Sullah, the rise of wars of Marius and Sullah, the rise of Craus and Pompy, and then finally to the Craus and Pompy, and then finally to the Craus and Pompy, and then finally to the rise of Julius Caesar. It was at about rise of Julius Caesar. It was at about rise of Julius Caesar. It was at about episode 40 that I realized I was in big episode 40 that I realized I was in big episode 40 that I realized I was in big trouble. An entire episode was dedicated trouble. An entire episode was dedicated trouble. An entire episode was dedicated to a single to a single to a single year. But there was too much year. But there was too much year. But there was too much information, too much that we needed to information, too much that we needed to information, too much that we needed to understand. So progress ground to a understand. So progress ground to a understand. So progress ground to a complete complete complete halt. The fall of the Republic set the halt. The fall of the Republic set the halt. The fall of the Republic set the pace for the whole rest of the series. pace for the whole rest of the series. pace for the whole rest of the series. It took about 50 episodes to cover the It took about 50 episodes to cover the It took about 50 episodes to cover the 700 years from 753 to 60 BC. and it 700 years from 753 to 60 BC. and it 700 years from 753 to 60 BC. and it would take 140 more episodes to cover would take 140 more episodes to cover would take 140 more episodes to cover the remaining 500 the remaining 500 the remaining 500 years. But I didn't care. I was blissing years. But I didn't care. I was blissing years. But I didn't care. I was blissing out and loving every minute that I got out and loving every minute that I got out and loving every minute that I got to spend toiling away on my neverending to spend toiling away on my neverending to spend toiling away on my neverending project. When the Julioquadian dynasty project. When the Julioquadian dynasty project. When the Julioquadian dynasty fell, I got married and we moved from fell, I got married and we moved from fell, I got married and we moved from Portland, Oregon to Austin, Texas. With Portland, Oregon to Austin, Texas. With Portland, Oregon to Austin, Texas. With the new headquarters established, we the new headquarters established, we the new headquarters established, we plowed through the Flavians and the plowed through the Flavians and the plowed through the Flavians and the Antonines and started running into bad Antonines and started running into bad Antonines and started running into bad trouble like the Mark of Mani Wars and trouble like the Mark of Mani Wars and trouble like the Mark of Mani Wars and Cometus. Then the savers came along.

Cometus. Then the savers came along. Cometus. Then the savers came along. Everything became a lot more militant Everything became a lot more militant Everything became a lot more militant and a lot more sinister. And then in the and a lot more sinister. And then in the and a lot more sinister. And then in the middle of the 3rd century, the Roman middle of the 3rd century, the Roman middle of the 3rd century, the Roman Empire really should have ended. And in Empire really should have ended. And in Empire really should have ended. And in many ways, it did. many ways, it did. many ways, it did. That crisis period has since become one That crisis period has since become one That crisis period has since become one of my favorite periods in Roman history, of my favorite periods in Roman history, of my favorite periods in Roman history, mostly because no one ever talks about mostly because no one ever talks about mostly because no one ever talks about it. No one ever goes into detail about it. No one ever goes into detail about it. No one ever goes into detail about it. It's always, well, the Severign it. It's always, well, the Severign it. It's always, well, the Severign Dynasty fell apart and things were Dynasty fell apart and things were Dynasty fell apart and things were really super crazy for 50 years. Okay, really super crazy for 50 years. Okay, really super crazy for 50 years. Okay, on to Diolesian and on to Diolesian and on to Diolesian and Constantine. But the crisis of the 3rd Constantine. But the crisis of the 3rd Constantine. But the crisis of the 3rd century is fascinating. It is utterly century is fascinating. It is utterly century is fascinating. It is utterly fascinating. It took us 16 episodes to fascinating. It took us 16 episodes to fascinating. It took us 16 episodes to get through that 50-year period alone. I get through that 50-year period alone. I get through that 50-year period alone. I think it was totally worth think it was totally worth think it was totally worth it. When we emerged from the crisis it. When we emerged from the crisis it. When we emerged from the crisis years, it was on to Diolesian and the years, it was on to Diolesian and the years, it was on to Diolesian and the tetrarchy and then the rise of tetrarchy and then the rise of tetrarchy and then the rise of Constantine Constantine Constantine Christianity. Constantinople was founded Christianity. Constantinople was founded Christianity. Constantinople was founded while I was in Italy enjoying the first while I was in Italy enjoying the first while I was in Italy enjoying the first of three Roman history tours, which was of three Roman history tours, which was of three Roman history tours, which was just an awesome, awesome time.

just an awesome, awesome time. just an awesome, awesome time. historyofour.com. Yes, even though the historyofour.com. Yes, even though the historyofour.com. Yes, even though the show is ending, we want to keep doing show is ending, we want to keep doing show is ending, we want to keep doing them, but I will get to them, but I will get to them, but I will get to that. When I got back, we rolled into that. When I got back, we rolled into that. When I got back, we rolled into the breakdown of the Constantinian the breakdown of the Constantinian the breakdown of the Constantinian dynasty, Julian the Apostate, then on to dynasty, Julian the Apostate, then on to dynasty, Julian the Apostate, then on to Valentinian and Veilins. Then we found Valentinian and Veilins. Then we found Valentinian and Veilins. Then we found out that Mrs. History of Rome was out that Mrs. History of Rome was out that Mrs. History of Rome was pregnant. Then it was on to the battle pregnant. Then it was on to the battle pregnant. Then it was on to the battle of Adrian Opople and the rise of of Adrian Opople and the rise of of Adrian Opople and the rise of Theodocious. Things started to get Theodocious. Things started to get Theodocious. Things started to get really bad. Now the barbarians were really bad. Now the barbarians were really bad. Now the barbarians were coming, but they were not going away. coming, but they were not going away. coming, but they were not going away. The empire split into east and west, but The empire split into east and west, but The empire split into east and west, but not really. The legions became almost not really. The legions became almost not really. The legions became almost entirely mercenary. Germanic generals entirely mercenary. Germanic generals entirely mercenary. Germanic generals were pulling the strings, but that were pulling the strings, but that were pulling the strings, but that wasn't a bad thing at all because the wasn't a bad thing at all because the wasn't a bad thing at all because the emperors were just terrible buffoons at emperors were just terrible buffoons at emperors were just terrible buffoons at this point. Stilico gave way to ETUS this point. Stilico gave way to ETUS this point. Stilico gave way to ETUS just as I went back to school because just as I went back to school because just as I went back to school because yes, I've been attending UT for the last yes, I've been attending UT for the last yes, I've been attending UT for the last 4 months and still putting out the show 4 months and still putting out the show 4 months and still putting out the show every week because I have no life. Then every week because I have no life. Then every week because I have no life. Then Gaul was overrun and Spain was overrun Gaul was overrun and Spain was overrun Gaul was overrun and Spain was overrun and North Africa was seized by the and North Africa was seized by the and North Africa was seized by the Vandals until the hunt arrived just as I Vandals until the hunt arrived just as I Vandals until the hunt arrived just as I was heading off for the fourth history was heading off for the fourth history was heading off for the fourth history of Rome tour which was another awesome of Rome tour which was another awesome of Rome tour which was another awesome awesome awesome awesome time. Etius gave way to Rick. The west time. Etius gave way to Rick. The west time. Etius gave way to Rick. The west began circling the drain. The final began circling the drain. The final began circling the drain. The final shadow emperors came and went. Romulus shadow emperors came and went. Romulus shadow emperors came and went. Romulus Augustus was crowned and then he was Augustus was crowned and then he was Augustus was crowned and then he was exiled. Our baby boy is due any day now.

exiled. Our baby boy is due any day now. exiled. Our baby boy is due any day now. I am ready. Misses the history of Rome. I am ready. Misses the history of Rome. I am ready. Misses the history of Rome. I can promise you is really I can promise you is really I can promise you is really ready. And so the history of Rome is ready. And so the history of Rome is ready. And so the history of Rome is over. 5 years of work, over. 5 years of work, over. 5 years of work, 675,000 675,000 675,000 words, 189 episodes, 74 hours of words, 189 episodes, 74 hours of words, 189 episodes, 74 hours of content. Good lord, what a hell of a content. Good lord, what a hell of a content. Good lord, what a hell of a damn thing. Since we are at the end, it is thing. Since we are at the end, it is worth taking a moment to wonder why this worth taking a moment to wonder why this worth taking a moment to wonder why this is the end. I mean of the Roman Empire, is the end. I mean of the Roman Empire, is the end. I mean of the Roman Empire, not of the not of the not of the podcast. Now, as I already discussed, podcast. Now, as I already discussed, podcast. Now, as I already discussed, there are lots of arbitrary lines in the there are lots of arbitrary lines in the there are lots of arbitrary lines in the sand we can draw to say before this sand we can draw to say before this sand we can draw to say before this Rome, after this, no more Rome. And I'm Rome, after this, no more Rome. And I'm Rome, after this, no more Rome. And I'm stopping at 476 out of a vague sense of stopping at 476 out of a vague sense of stopping at 476 out of a vague sense of historical convention. historical convention. historical convention. I don't really want to get into the I don't really want to get into the I don't really want to get into the debate about the superiority of this debate about the superiority of this debate about the superiority of this arbitrary line versus that arbitrary arbitrary line versus that arbitrary arbitrary line versus that arbitrary line, especially since one of the line, especially since one of the line, especially since one of the strongest arguments out there is that no strongest arguments out there is that no strongest arguments out there is that no one should talk about the fall of the one should talk about the fall of the one should talk about the fall of the Roman Empire until the Turks start Roman Empire until the Turks start Roman Empire until the Turks start blasting a hole in the side of the blasting a hole in the side of the blasting a hole in the side of the Theodocian walls in Theodocian walls in Theodocian walls in 1453. And that is just too too far in 1453. And that is just too too far in 1453. And that is just too too far in the future for me to deal with.

the future for me to deal with. the future for me to deal with. And besides, by that time, the And besides, by that time, the And besides, by that time, the descendants of Rome ruled a Greekeaking descendants of Rome ruled a Greekeaking descendants of Rome ruled a Greekeaking Orthodox Christian believing Orthodox Christian believing Orthodox Christian believing empire, which is really a wholly empire, which is really a wholly empire, which is really a wholly different cultural construction than the different cultural construction than the different cultural construction than the Latin pagans we began our journey Latin pagans we began our journey Latin pagans we began our journey with. So, something clearly had changed. with. So, something clearly had changed. with. So, something clearly had changed. Something had broken Something had broken Something had broken down. Is the political, economic, and down. Is the political, economic, and down. Is the political, economic, and cultural makeup of Italy, for example, cultural makeup of Italy, for example, cultural makeup of Italy, for example, different in 800 AD than it was during different in 800 AD than it was during different in 800 AD than it was during the age of the the age of the the age of the Antonine? Clearly, Antonine? Clearly, Antonine? Clearly, yes. Was that makeup different in 600 yes. Was that makeup different in 600 yes. Was that makeup different in 600 than it was during the age of than it was during the age of than it was during the age of Constantine? I would say they were Constantine? I would say they were Constantine? I would say they were getting closer, but still yes. What getting closer, but still yes. What getting closer, but still yes. What about 500 and about 500 and about 500 and 400? Well, much less so, but a few 400? Well, much less so, but a few 400? Well, much less so, but a few important things had changed. important things had changed. important things had changed. Strong emperors had been replaced by Strong emperors had been replaced by Strong emperors had been replaced by puppet emperors who had been replaced by puppet emperors who had been replaced by puppet emperors who had been replaced by no emperors. Tight borders had given way no emperors. Tight borders had given way no emperors. Tight borders had given way to poorest borders had given way to no to poorest borders had given way to no to poorest borders had given way to no borders. So something pretty important borders. So something pretty important borders. So something pretty important happened in the fifth and sixth happened in the fifth and sixth happened in the fifth and sixth centuries. And though it was a gradual centuries. And though it was a gradual centuries. And though it was a gradual transition, that does not mean we can't transition, that does not mean we can't transition, that does not mean we can't still talk about the fall of the Roman still talk about the fall of the Roman still talk about the fall of the Roman Empire. The Roman Empire fell at some Empire. The Roman Empire fell at some Empire. The Roman Empire fell at some point. That much at least I think we can point. That much at least I think we can point. That much at least I think we can all agree on.

So the question is why did Rome fall So the question is why did Rome fall when it did? Or more precisely why did when it did? Or more precisely why did when it did? Or more precisely why did the western half of the empire the western half of the empire the western half of the empire fall? Well, I have joked that there are fall? Well, I have joked that there are fall? Well, I have joked that there are 256 different reasons why the western 256 different reasons why the western 256 different reasons why the western empire fell. And though I am obviously empire fell. And though I am obviously empire fell. And though I am obviously exaggerating, it is not that much of an exaggerating, it is not that much of an exaggerating, it is not that much of an exaggeration. exaggeration. exaggeration. The decline and fall of something as The decline and fall of something as The decline and fall of something as monumentally complex as the Roman Empire monumentally complex as the Roman Empire monumentally complex as the Roman Empire is not going to be able to be explained is not going to be able to be explained is not going to be able to be explained away by one or two simple away by one or two simple away by one or two simple causes. Now, everyone has a pet theory, causes. Now, everyone has a pet theory, causes. Now, everyone has a pet theory, something they want to highlight over something they want to highlight over something they want to highlight over everything else. And Lord knows, I've everything else. And Lord knows, I've everything else. And Lord knows, I've got my own suspicions, but the basic got my own suspicions, but the basic got my own suspicions, but the basic fact is that all of these theories are fact is that all of these theories are fact is that all of these theories are likely correct to some degree, and each likely correct to some degree, and each likely correct to some degree, and each played off each other in a synergistic played off each other in a synergistic played off each other in a synergistic orgy of destruction. orgy of destruction. orgy of destruction. In his nice little summation, the fall In his nice little summation, the fall In his nice little summation, the fall of the Roman Empire, for example, of the Roman Empire, for example, of the Roman Empire, for example, Michael Grant offers 14 interacting Michael Grant offers 14 interacting Michael Grant offers 14 interacting tensions that led to the fall of the tensions that led to the fall of the tensions that led to the fall of the West. And just to give you a sense of West. And just to give you a sense of West. And just to give you a sense of the scope and flavor of what we're the scope and flavor of what we're the scope and flavor of what we're talking about here, they are the talking about here, they are the talking about here, they are the generals against the state, the people generals against the state, the people generals against the state, the people against the army, the poor against the against the army, the poor against the against the army, the poor against the state, the rich against the state, the state, the rich against the state, the state, the rich against the state, the middle class against the state.

middle class against the state. middle class against the state. The people against the bureaucrats. The The people against the bureaucrats. The The people against the bureaucrats. The people against the emperor. Ally against people against the emperor. Ally against people against the emperor. Ally against ally. Race against race. Dropouts ally. Race against race. Dropouts ally. Race against race. Dropouts against society. The state against free against society. The state against free against society. The state against free belief. Complacency against self-help. belief. Complacency against self-help. belief. Complacency against self-help. The other world against this world. Now, I tend to break all of this down Now, I tend to break all of this down into six broad categories, which I'd into six broad categories, which I'd into six broad categories, which I'd like to run through briefly with you like to run through briefly with you like to run through briefly with you now. Political factors, economic now. Political factors, economic now. Political factors, economic factors, military factors, social factors, military factors, social factors, military factors, social factors, religious factors, and factors, religious factors, and factors, religious factors, and environmental factors. environmental factors. environmental factors. Though we are not going to land on a Though we are not going to land on a Though we are not going to land on a definitive answer for why the Western definitive answer for why the Western definitive answer for why the Western Empire fell, it will still be fun to Empire fell, it will still be fun to Empire fell, it will still be fun to walk through each of these to give you walk through each of these to give you walk through each of these to give you an idea of what Rome was really up an idea of what Rome was really up an idea of what Rome was really up against in the late 400s. But first, there are the political 400s. But first, there are the political factors. By 476 AD, the governing factors. By 476 AD, the governing factors. By 476 AD, the governing apparatus of the Western Empire had apparatus of the Western Empire had apparatus of the Western Empire had become a brittle farce.

become a brittle farce. become a brittle farce. The centralized regimentation introduced The centralized regimentation introduced The centralized regimentation introduced by Diolesian, which had perhaps given by Diolesian, which had perhaps given by Diolesian, which had perhaps given the empire a new lease on life during the empire a new lease on life during the empire a new lease on life during the 300s, was now killing it. The the 300s, was now killing it. The the 300s, was now killing it. The quality of the emperors, as you may have quality of the emperors, as you may have quality of the emperors, as you may have noticed, declined precipitously after noticed, declined precipitously after noticed, declined precipitously after the death of the death of the death of Theodocious. So, the very center of this Theodocious. So, the very center of this Theodocious. So, the very center of this strict regimentation had become rotten. strict regimentation had become rotten. strict regimentation had become rotten. The emperors had all the theoretical The emperors had all the theoretical The emperors had all the theoretical power in the world, but that power was power in the world, but that power was power in the world, but that power was being wielded by cloistered fools, being wielded by cloistered fools, being wielded by cloistered fools, totally disconnected from the empire totally disconnected from the empire totally disconnected from the empire they allegedly they allegedly they allegedly ran. Plus, given that the communication ran. Plus, given that the communication ran. Plus, given that the communication networks of the day were falling apart networks of the day were falling apart networks of the day were falling apart along with everything else, even a great along with everything else, even a great along with everything else, even a great emperor couldn't hope to achieve what emperor couldn't hope to achieve what emperor couldn't hope to achieve what his propaganda and his edict promised his propaganda and his edict promised his propaganda and his edict promised that he could. that he could. that he could. Local autonomy had thus become Local autonomy had thus become Local autonomy had thus become simultaneously dead and more important simultaneously dead and more important simultaneously dead and more important than ever, a contradictory circle that than ever, a contradictory circle that than ever, a contradictory circle that had become more difficult to square with had become more difficult to square with had become more difficult to square with each passing each passing each passing day. The bureaucracy was hopelessly day. The bureaucracy was hopelessly day. The bureaucracy was hopelessly corrupt. The best educated declined to corrupt. The best educated declined to corrupt. The best educated declined to enter state service because it was enter state service because it was enter state service because it was rightly viewed as a corrupt and rightly viewed as a corrupt and rightly viewed as a corrupt and dangerous occupation.

dangerous occupation. dangerous occupation. The political apparatus in other words The political apparatus in other words The political apparatus in other words was broke and getting was broke and getting was broke and getting broker. Then there are the economic broker. Then there are the economic broker. Then there are the economic factors. We have already discussed at factors. We have already discussed at factors. We have already discussed at length the debilitating inflation that length the debilitating inflation that length the debilitating inflation that plagued the western empire in its final plagued the western empire in its final plagued the western empire in its final years. This inflation essentially years. This inflation essentially years. This inflation essentially destroyed the middle class and left the destroyed the middle class and left the destroyed the middle class and left the west divided between a few superw west divided between a few superw west divided between a few superw wealthy land owners and the uncountable wealthy land owners and the uncountable wealthy land owners and the uncountable poor masses. poor masses. poor masses. Adding to the dilemma was a system of Adding to the dilemma was a system of Adding to the dilemma was a system of imperial taxation which ground those imperial taxation which ground those imperial taxation which ground those poor masses even deeper into the poor masses even deeper into the poor masses even deeper into the dirt. The superw wealthy were able to dirt. The superw wealthy were able to dirt. The superw wealthy were able to defer tax payments until one of those defer tax payments until one of those defer tax payments until one of those moments of debt cancellation or else moments of debt cancellation or else moments of debt cancellation or else they were able to use their influence to they were able to use their influence to they were able to use their influence to win tax win tax win tax exemptions. This left the poor classes exemptions. This left the poor classes exemptions. This left the poor classes who had no such influence to shoulder who had no such influence to shoulder who had no such influence to shoulder the burdens of state. burdens that far the burdens of state. burdens that far the burdens of state. burdens that far outweighed their ability to outweighed their ability to outweighed their ability to pay. So increasingly they turned to the pay. So increasingly they turned to the pay. So increasingly they turned to the wealthy patrons for relief, essentially wealthy patrons for relief, essentially wealthy patrons for relief, essentially becoming indentured servants in exchange becoming indentured servants in exchange becoming indentured servants in exchange for the wealthy estate owner covering for the wealthy estate owner covering for the wealthy estate owner covering their tax bills, which laid the their tax bills, which laid the their tax bills, which laid the groundwork for the feudal system that groundwork for the feudal system that groundwork for the feudal system that would rule Europe for the next thousand would rule Europe for the next thousand would rule Europe for the next thousand years.

years. years. This broken economic system also This broken economic system also This broken economic system also completely severed the bonds of completely severed the bonds of completely severed the bonds of patriotic loyalty that had once upon a patriotic loyalty that had once upon a patriotic loyalty that had once upon a time kept the political system time kept the political system time kept the political system functioning. The poor saw the state as a functioning. The poor saw the state as a functioning. The poor saw the state as a predator to be avoided at all cost. The predator to be avoided at all cost. The predator to be avoided at all cost. The rich saw it as a petty annoyance to be rich saw it as a petty annoyance to be rich saw it as a petty annoyance to be ignored at all ignored at all ignored at all cost. By the late 400s, the western cost. By the late 400s, the western cost. By the late 400s, the western economy was disintegrating and the economy was disintegrating and the economy was disintegrating and the central government was starved of funds. central government was starved of funds. central government was starved of funds. And then of course there are the And then of course there are the And then of course there are the military military military factors. The legions had been the factors. The legions had been the factors. The legions had been the backbone of the empire for a millennium. backbone of the empire for a millennium. backbone of the empire for a millennium. But by the 400s, the legions, as we had But by the 400s, the legions, as we had But by the 400s, the legions, as we had once known them, were essentially once known them, were essentially once known them, were essentially dead. Service in the army was seen by dead. Service in the army was seen by dead. Service in the army was seen by the free citizens as slavery by another the free citizens as slavery by another the free citizens as slavery by another name. Hard, dirty, and dangerous work name. Hard, dirty, and dangerous work name. Hard, dirty, and dangerous work that offered few rewards. that offered few rewards. that offered few rewards. The rich and poor alike conspired to The rich and poor alike conspired to The rich and poor alike conspired to hide potential conscripts from the state hide potential conscripts from the state hide potential conscripts from the state forces so that they could stay and work forces so that they could stay and work forces so that they could stay and work the largest states that were fast the largest states that were fast the largest states that were fast becoming the backbone of the new becoming the backbone of the new becoming the backbone of the new political and economic political and economic political and economic order. As a consequence, the imperial order. As a consequence, the imperial order. As a consequence, the imperial authorities turned increasingly to authorities turned increasingly to authorities turned increasingly to Germanic mercenaries who were all too Germanic mercenaries who were all too Germanic mercenaries who were all too happy to do the Romans fighting for happy to do the Romans fighting for happy to do the Romans fighting for them.

them. them. But of course after Adrianople these But of course after Adrianople these But of course after Adrianople these forces ceased even fighting under Roman forces ceased even fighting under Roman forces ceased even fighting under Roman officers and instead joined as whole officers and instead joined as whole officers and instead joined as whole national armies fighting under their own national armies fighting under their own national armies fighting under their own kings. Though the emperors had little kings. Though the emperors had little kings. Though the emperors had little choice and these barbarian forces fought choice and these barbarian forces fought choice and these barbarian forces fought hard for Rome. There is no getting hard for Rome. There is no getting hard for Rome. There is no getting around the fact that the objectives of around the fact that the objectives of around the fact that the objectives of Rome and the objectives of the barbarian Rome and the objectives of the barbarian Rome and the objectives of the barbarian mercenaries were never going to line up mercenaries were never going to line up mercenaries were never going to line up completely because each viewed the other completely because each viewed the other completely because each viewed the other as an as an as an other. In effect, the empire was no other. In effect, the empire was no other. In effect, the empire was no longer able to raise a national army. It longer able to raise a national army. It longer able to raise a national army. It could only pay for could only pay for could only pay for protection. And this, I can assure you, protection. And this, I can assure you, protection. And this, I can assure you, is an unsustainable model of is an unsustainable model of is an unsustainable model of self-defense. Which brings us to the social factors Which brings us to the social factors and my own personal hobby horse when it and my own personal hobby horse when it and my own personal hobby horse when it comes to explaining the decline of the comes to explaining the decline of the comes to explaining the decline of the Western Western Western Empire. The failure of the Western Empire. The failure of the Western Empire. The failure of the Western Empire to integrate their new Germanic Empire to integrate their new Germanic Empire to integrate their new Germanic inhabitants.

One of the great geniuses of Rome had One of the great geniuses of Rome had always been its ability to instantly always been its ability to instantly always been its ability to instantly incorporate new ideas and new peoples incorporate new ideas and new peoples incorporate new ideas and new peoples and new technologies into their empire and new technologies into their empire and new technologies into their empire without being weighed down by without being weighed down by without being weighed down by prejudice. It's what allowed them to own prejudice. It's what allowed them to own prejudice. It's what allowed them to own and operate one of the most ethnically and operate one of the most ethnically and operate one of the most ethnically diverse empires in history for hundreds diverse empires in history for hundreds diverse empires in history for hundreds and hundreds of years. and hundreds of years. and hundreds of years. When the Roman system began to fail in When the Roman system began to fail in When the Roman system began to fail in the 3rd century, for example, it was not the 3rd century, for example, it was not the 3rd century, for example, it was not senators on the Palatine Hill who led senators on the Palatine Hill who led senators on the Palatine Hill who led the rebirth of Rome. It was a group of the rebirth of Rome. It was a group of the rebirth of Rome. It was a group of Ayrian officers, mostly peasant-born Ayrian officers, mostly peasant-born Ayrian officers, mostly peasant-born Alyrian officers at Alyrian officers at Alyrian officers at that. Were it not for Claudius Gothicus, that. Were it not for Claudius Gothicus, that. Were it not for Claudius Gothicus, Aurelion, Probus, Aurelion, Probus, Aurelion, Probus, Diolesian, the emperor would have Diolesian, the emperor would have Diolesian, the emperor would have collapsed. Of that I am quite collapsed. Of that I am quite collapsed. Of that I am quite sure. But as Rome reached a new crisis sure. But as Rome reached a new crisis sure. But as Rome reached a new crisis point, the ruling aristocracy suddenly point, the ruling aristocracy suddenly point, the ruling aristocracy suddenly became obsessed with racial became obsessed with racial became obsessed with racial prejudices. The most capable men of the prejudices. The most capable men of the prejudices. The most capable men of the age, Stilico, Allaric, Eusk, Canerak, age, Stilico, Allaric, Eusk, Canerak, age, Stilico, Allaric, Eusk, Canerak, Theodoric, were all kept at arms Theodoric, were all kept at arms Theodoric, were all kept at arms distance from access to real imperial distance from access to real imperial distance from access to real imperial power by an Italian power by an Italian power by an Italian aristocracy that suddenly began aristocracy that suddenly began aristocracy that suddenly began asserting the necessity of ethnic asserting the necessity of ethnic asserting the necessity of ethnic separation.

separation. separation. The quote unquote barbarians of the The quote unquote barbarians of the The quote unquote barbarians of the fifth century were flatly denied the fifth century were flatly denied the fifth century were flatly denied the respect of respect of respect of Rome. Their nations were settled in Rome. Their nations were settled in Rome. Their nations were settled in Roman territory as separate nations. Roman territory as separate nations. Roman territory as separate nations. Their leaders kept out of the imperial Their leaders kept out of the imperial Their leaders kept out of the imperial structure and forced to live either as structure and forced to live either as structure and forced to live either as antagonists like Canerak or all Alaric antagonists like Canerak or all Alaric antagonists like Canerak or all Alaric or as protagonists like Stilico and Eius or as protagonists like Stilico and Eius or as protagonists like Stilico and Eius who were treated as secondclass leaders. who were treated as secondclass leaders. who were treated as secondclass leaders. And if they weren't secondass leaders, And if they weren't secondass leaders, And if they weren't secondass leaders, then why aren't we talking about Emperor then why aren't we talking about Emperor then why aren't we talking about Emperor Stilico and Emperor Stilico and Emperor Stilico and Emperor Etius? Mostly, it's because the senators Etius? Mostly, it's because the senators Etius? Mostly, it's because the senators of the West refused to consider the of the West refused to consider the of the West refused to consider the possibility of a German-born possibility of a German-born possibility of a German-born emperor. In another parallel universe, emperor. In another parallel universe, emperor. In another parallel universe, the leadership of the West allows for the leadership of the West allows for the leadership of the West allows for the full social, moral, and political the full social, moral, and political the full social, moral, and political integration of the Germanic people into integration of the Germanic people into integration of the Germanic people into their empire in the fifth century, their empire in the fifth century, their empire in the fifth century, setting the stage for the rise of the setting the stage for the rise of the setting the stage for the rise of the German emperors, who, like the Yrian German emperors, who, like the Yrian German emperors, who, like the Yrian emperors before them, revived the Roman name. These social forces were name. These social forces were exacerbated by the religious factors.

exacerbated by the religious factors. exacerbated by the religious factors. I will tread lightly on this subject and I will tread lightly on this subject and I will tread lightly on this subject and want to begin by saying that I do not want to begin by saying that I do not want to begin by saying that I do not accept Gibbons's argument that accept Gibbons's argument that accept Gibbons's argument that Christianity led to the decline and fall Christianity led to the decline and fall Christianity led to the decline and fall of the Roman of the Roman of the Roman Empire. But that said, the introduction Empire. But that said, the introduction Empire. But that said, the introduction of Christianity into the Roman of Christianity into the Roman of Christianity into the Roman bloodstream did lead to constant bloodstream did lead to constant bloodstream did lead to constant religious feuding that had been religious feuding that had been religious feuding that had been previously unknown to the previously unknown to the previously unknown to the Romans. Religious tolerance had always Romans. Religious tolerance had always Romans. Religious tolerance had always been one of the hallmarks of Roman rule been one of the hallmarks of Roman rule been one of the hallmarks of Roman rule and Roman unity. and Roman unity. and Roman unity. But by the 400s, there had been a But by the 400s, there had been a But by the 400s, there had been a transition to increasing religious transition to increasing religious transition to increasing religious intolerance. Christianity versus intolerance. Christianity versus intolerance. Christianity versus paganism, Nyans versus Aryans, Orthodoxy paganism, Nyans versus Aryans, Orthodoxy paganism, Nyans versus Aryans, Orthodoxy versus versus versus heresy. How many able administrators heresy. How many able administrators heresy. How many able administrators were caught up in the cycles of were caught up in the cycles of were caught up in the cycles of religious purges and counterpurges? religious purges and counterpurges? religious purges and counterpurges? how much time, energy, and resources how much time, energy, and resources how much time, energy, and resources were spent trying to bend the empire to were spent trying to bend the empire to were spent trying to bend the empire to one particular version of Christianity one particular version of Christianity one particular version of Christianity and then bend it back when another and then bend it back when another and then bend it back when another version rose to version rose to version rose to prominence. It would be impossible to prominence. It would be impossible to prominence. It would be impossible to calculate, but I can't help but think calculate, but I can't help but think calculate, but I can't help but think that everyone would have been better that everyone would have been better that everyone would have been better served if they have just left religion served if they have just left religion served if they have just left religion alone and focus their collective alone and focus their collective alone and focus their collective attention on the daily challenges of attention on the daily challenges of attention on the daily challenges of operating the empire instead.

operating the empire instead. operating the empire instead. I am not prepared to say that religion I am not prepared to say that religion I am not prepared to say that religion was the main reason Rome fell or even was the main reason Rome fell or even was the main reason Rome fell or even one of the most important reasons. But one of the most important reasons. But one of the most important reasons. But at a moment when the empire needed at a moment when the empire needed at a moment when the empire needed unity, religious intolerance acted as a unity, religious intolerance acted as a unity, religious intolerance acted as a disuniting force. Finally, there are the force. Finally, there are the environmental factors. environmental factors. environmental factors. We are only just now beginning to pay We are only just now beginning to pay We are only just now beginning to pay attention to these sorts of conditional attention to these sorts of conditional attention to these sorts of conditional elements, but there is some evidence elements, but there is some evidence elements, but there is some evidence that between 250 and 550 AD, the climate that between 250 and 550 AD, the climate that between 250 and 550 AD, the climate of Europe began to fluctuate wildly. And of Europe began to fluctuate wildly. And of Europe began to fluctuate wildly. And this was not just a matter of gradual this was not just a matter of gradual this was not just a matter of gradual shifting where the land that had once shifting where the land that had once shifting where the land that had once been good was now bad, but that from been good was now bad, but that from been good was now bad, but that from season to season there were crazy season to season there were crazy season to season there were crazy variations undermining the kind of variations undermining the kind of variations undermining the kind of predictability an agricultural society predictability an agricultural society predictability an agricultural society requires to remain requires to remain requires to remain stable. We certainly see in later years stable. We certainly see in later years stable. We certainly see in later years far more sudden famines than we saw far more sudden famines than we saw far more sudden famines than we saw previously and far less ability to previously and far less ability to previously and far less ability to absorb those famines when they came. You absorb those famines when they came. You absorb those famines when they came. You throw into this mix other underlying throw into this mix other underlying throw into this mix other underlying environmental factors like plague and environmental factors like plague and environmental factors like plague and you get increasing depopulation leading you get increasing depopulation leading you get increasing depopulation leading to abandoned land and more to abandoned land and more to abandoned land and more famine. I think as we move forward we famine. I think as we move forward we famine. I think as we move forward we will begin to understand more and more will begin to understand more and more will begin to understand more and more the role that climate shifts have played the role that climate shifts have played the role that climate shifts have played in the rise and fall of civilizations in the rise and fall of civilizations in the rise and fall of civilizations over the course of world over the course of world over the course of world history. Or maybe we won't.

history. Or maybe we won't. history. Or maybe we won't. At the very least, it will be an At the very least, it will be an At the very least, it will be an interesting topic to keep an eye on. All of this, of course, raises one on. All of this, of course, raises one obvious obvious obvious question. If this is all true, then why question. If this is all true, then why question. If this is all true, then why didn't the east didn't the east didn't the east fall? There are again no easy answers fall? There are again no easy answers fall? There are again no easy answers here, but there are a few broad things here, but there are a few broad things here, but there are a few broad things to keep in to keep in to keep in mind. First, there is the question of mind. First, there is the question of mind. First, there is the question of geography. geography. geography. The west had an incredibly long rin The west had an incredibly long rin The west had an incredibly long rin frontier and an incredibly long Danube frontier and an incredibly long Danube frontier and an incredibly long Danube frontier to contend with. And once any frontier to contend with. And once any frontier to contend with. And once any portion of those frontiers was breached, portion of those frontiers was breached, portion of those frontiers was breached, our barbarian horde could pretty much go our barbarian horde could pretty much go our barbarian horde could pretty much go wherever it wanted within the empire. wherever it wanted within the empire. wherever it wanted within the empire. Gaul, Spain, Italy, Gaul, Spain, Italy, Gaul, Spain, Italy, wherever. And after the invasion of 405, wherever. And after the invasion of 405, wherever. And after the invasion of 405, this is exactly what this is exactly what this is exactly what happened in the east. However, once the happened in the east. However, once the happened in the east. However, once the Huns or Goths or whoever went over the Huns or Goths or whoever went over the Huns or Goths or whoever went over the river, they were confined to Thrace in river, they were confined to Thrace in river, they were confined to Thrace in Macedonia. Any attempt to cross the Macedonia. Any attempt to cross the Macedonia. Any attempt to cross the Hellellispont and they'd run smack into Hellellispont and they'd run smack into Hellellispont and they'd run smack into Constantinople and its impenetrable Constantinople and its impenetrable Constantinople and its impenetrable walls. Thus, the far eastern provinces walls. Thus, the far eastern provinces walls. Thus, the far eastern provinces of Syria and Egypt, the economic of Syria and Egypt, the economic of Syria and Egypt, the economic lifeblood of the Eastern Empire, were lifeblood of the Eastern Empire, were lifeblood of the Eastern Empire, were shielded from any such shielded from any such shielded from any such attack. On their eastern flank, the east attack. On their eastern flank, the east attack. On their eastern flank, the east dealt only with the Cissanids, a stable dealt only with the Cissanids, a stable dealt only with the Cissanids, a stable and civilized empire that was interested and civilized empire that was interested and civilized empire that was interested in maintaining peaceful in maintaining peaceful in maintaining peaceful coexistence. This allowed them to avoid

coexistence. This allowed them to avoid coexistence. This allowed them to avoid the kinds of territorial shings that the the kinds of territorial shings that the the kinds of territorial shings that the West was forced to endure throughout the West was forced to endure throughout the West was forced to endure throughout the 400s, at least until the Arabs show 400s, at least until the Arabs show 400s, at least until the Arabs show up. Second, there is the question of up. Second, there is the question of up. Second, there is the question of relative wealth, both of the imperial relative wealth, both of the imperial relative wealth, both of the imperial government itself and the East as a government itself and the East as a government itself and the East as a whole. whole. whole. The military shocks that hit the West in The military shocks that hit the West in The military shocks that hit the West in the 400s rapidly depleted its economic the 400s rapidly depleted its economic the 400s rapidly depleted its economic output. And as barbarian nations set up output. And as barbarian nations set up output. And as barbarian nations set up autonomous zones and wealthy nobles autonomous zones and wealthy nobles autonomous zones and wealthy nobles withdrew to their estates, the central withdrew to their estates, the central withdrew to their estates, the central government was cut off more and more government was cut off more and more government was cut off more and more from a little wealth was from a little wealth was from a little wealth was available. This simply did not happen in available. This simply did not happen in available. This simply did not happen in the the the east. And one can never discount the east. And one can never discount the east. And one can never discount the vital trade link to India and China that vital trade link to India and China that vital trade link to India and China that the Eastern Empire the Eastern Empire the Eastern Empire enjoyed. A trade link that was largely enjoyed. A trade link that was largely enjoyed. A trade link that was largely severed for the West by the time the axe severed for the West by the time the axe severed for the West by the time the axe finally finally finally fell in terms of its ability to support fell in terms of its ability to support fell in terms of its ability to support itself. Then the court at Constantinople itself. Then the court at Constantinople itself. Then the court at Constantinople was much much richer than the court of Revena. Finally, there is the question Revena. Finally, there is the question of the imperial apparatus of the imperial apparatus of the imperial apparatus itself. But just as the West's middle itself. But just as the West's middle itself. But just as the West's middle class was being killed by a combination class was being killed by a combination class was being killed by a combination of inflation and overt of inflation and overt of inflation and overt taxation, the eastern middle class was taxation, the eastern middle class was taxation, the eastern middle class was thriving as it found itself running the thriving as it found itself running the thriving as it found itself running the now famous Byzantine now famous Byzantine now famous Byzantine bureaucracy. Whereas in the west, the bureaucracy. Whereas in the west, the bureaucracy. Whereas in the west, the super elite had withdrawn its support super elite had withdrawn its support super elite had withdrawn its support and resources from the government. In

and resources from the government. In and resources from the government. In the east, this really did not happen, the east, this really did not happen, the east, this really did not happen, leaving imperial service as a lucrative leaving imperial service as a lucrative leaving imperial service as a lucrative and honorable career choice. and honorable career choice. and honorable career choice. In the west, you get the feeling that In the west, you get the feeling that In the west, you get the feeling that what was left of the bureaucracy was what was left of the bureaucracy was what was left of the bureaucracy was staffed by sadistic gangsters, creating staffed by sadistic gangsters, creating staffed by sadistic gangsters, creating a vicious cycle of disloyalty, greed, a vicious cycle of disloyalty, greed, a vicious cycle of disloyalty, greed, and hatred between the people and the and hatred between the people and the and hatred between the people and the government. Though no one ever likes a government. Though no one ever likes a government. Though no one ever likes a tax collector, the eastern bureaucracy tax collector, the eastern bureaucracy tax collector, the eastern bureaucracy just seemed to function a whole lot just seemed to function a whole lot just seemed to function a whole lot better, likely because it was staffed by better, likely because it was staffed by better, likely because it was staffed by better paid and more talented men. In the end, this is all so much food for In the end, this is all so much food for thought and it will remain impossible to thought and it will remain impossible to thought and it will remain impossible to conclusively pinpoint the exact set of conclusively pinpoint the exact set of conclusively pinpoint the exact set of reasons why the Western Empire fell reasons why the Western Empire fell reasons why the Western Empire fell apart when it did and why the Eastern apart when it did and why the Eastern apart when it did and why the Eastern Empire did not. Empire did not. Empire did not. Every author you read will have his or Every author you read will have his or Every author you read will have his or own take and every generation will own take and every generation will own take and every generation will produce new evidence that discredits old produce new evidence that discredits old produce new evidence that discredits old theories and then future generations theories and then future generations theories and then future generations will come along and discredit the even will come along and discredit the even will come along and discredit the even newer theories and at some point someone newer theories and at some point someone newer theories and at some point someone will find new evidence that supports the will find new evidence that supports the will find new evidence that supports the old old old theories. History is being constantly theories. History is being constantly theories. History is being constantly rewritten and frankly that is the one rewritten and frankly that is the one rewritten and frankly that is the one thing that will remain constant.

Which brings me back to the present and Which brings me back to the present and a few thoughts on the a few thoughts on the a few thoughts on the future. But first of all, just let me future. But first of all, just let me future. But first of all, just let me again express my deep deep appreciation again express my deep deep appreciation again express my deep deep appreciation to everyone who has listened to the to everyone who has listened to the to everyone who has listened to the history of Rome over the years. I always history of Rome over the years. I always history of Rome over the years. I always tend to think of it as you guys letting tend to think of it as you guys letting tend to think of it as you guys letting me do this thing week in and week out. me do this thing week in and week out. me do this thing week in and week out. No audience. and I would have quit being No audience. and I would have quit being No audience. and I would have quit being able to justify spending so much time able to justify spending so much time able to justify spending so much time reading and writing and thinking about reading and writing and thinking about reading and writing and thinking about Roman history a long time Roman history a long time Roman history a long time ago, but you hung around in fairly large ago, but you hung around in fairly large ago, but you hung around in fairly large numbers and so I got to keep doing it numbers and so I got to keep doing it numbers and so I got to keep doing it week after week after week. Thank you week after week after week. Thank you week after week after week. Thank you very, very much. It has been an honor very, very much. It has been an honor very, very much. It has been an honor and a privilege to be your guide through and a privilege to be your guide through and a privilege to be your guide through the endlessly fascinating history of the endlessly fascinating history of the endlessly fascinating history of Rome. Rome. Rome. If you've enjoyed this trip as much as If you've enjoyed this trip as much as If you've enjoyed this trip as much as I've enjoyed putting it together and I've enjoyed putting it together and I've enjoyed putting it together and think it worth your while, I will note think it worth your while, I will note think it worth your while, I will note that there is a handy donation button at that there is a handy donation button at that there is a handy donation button at the history of the history of the history of roome.tipad.com. It will let you roome.tipad.com. It will let you roome.tipad.com. It will let you quantify your appreciation in dollars quantify your appreciation in dollars quantify your appreciation in dollars and and and cents. Those of you who have already cents. Those of you who have already cents. Those of you who have already donated are kind of blowing my mind with donated are kind of blowing my mind with donated are kind of blowing my mind with your generosity and thank you very very your generosity and thank you very very your generosity and thank you very very much. There is no suggested donation.

much. There is no suggested donation. much. There is no suggested donation. Give whatever you feel is right or Give whatever you feel is right or Give whatever you feel is right or don't. The history of Rome is free for don't. The history of Rome is free for don't. The history of Rome is free for all. No strings all. No strings all. No strings attached. But if every single person who attached. But if every single person who attached. But if every single person who heard this episode went and donated $10, heard this episode went and donated $10, heard this episode went and donated $10, well, let's just say that it would go a well, let's just say that it would go a well, let's just say that it would go a long way towards relieving the financial long way towards relieving the financial long way towards relieving the financial stresses of having a newborn right at stresses of having a newborn right at stresses of having a newborn right at the moment when you're walking away from the moment when you're walking away from the moment when you're walking away from a project that provides a goodly chunk a project that provides a goodly chunk a project that provides a goodly chunk of your monthly income. Obviously, I am going to spend the next Obviously, I am going to spend the next few months focused on the fact that holy few months focused on the fact that holy few months focused on the fact that holy crap, we're having a baby, but you will crap, we're having a baby, but you will crap, we're having a baby, but you will be happy to hear. At least I think be happy to hear. At least I think be happy to hear. At least I think you'll be happy to hear. If you're not you'll be happy to hear. If you're not you'll be happy to hear. If you're not happy to hear this, then why in the happy to hear this, then why in the happy to hear this, then why in the world did you just spend 74 hours world did you just spend 74 hours world did you just spend 74 hours listening to me blabber you about Roman listening to me blabber you about Roman listening to me blabber you about Roman history, but my plan is to return to history, but my plan is to return to history, but my plan is to return to podcasting in the not tooistant podcasting in the not tooistant podcasting in the not tooistant future. I even know what the next show future. I even know what the next show future. I even know what the next show is going to be about. And I have to tell is going to be about. And I have to tell is going to be about. And I have to tell you that I'm really, really excited you that I'm really, really excited you that I'm really, really excited about about about it. I'm not going to tell you what it is it. I'm not going to tell you what it is it. I'm not going to tell you what it is yet because I haven't ironed out all the yet because I haven't ironed out all the yet because I haven't ironed out all the details in my head, but I think it's details in my head, but I think it's details in my head, but I think it's going to be really cool and I think going to be really cool and I think going to be really cool and I think you'll really dig it. The only things you'll really dig it. The only things you'll really dig it. The only things I'll leak is that it's not going to be I'll leak is that it's not going to be I'll leak is that it's not going to be ancient history and it's not going to be ancient history and it's not going to be ancient history and it's not going to be American history. It's going to be American history. It's going to be American history. It's going to be something else.

something else. something else. So, what you should all do is keep your So, what you should all do is keep your So, what you should all do is keep your subscription to the history of Rome subscription to the history of Rome subscription to the history of Rome going. And if you're not subscribed, go going. And if you're not subscribed, go going. And if you're not subscribed, go ahead and get subscribed because I'll ahead and get subscribed because I'll ahead and get subscribed because I'll use this feed to update you about future use this feed to update you about future use this feed to update you about future details. And we'll maybe just run the details. And we'll maybe just run the details. And we'll maybe just run the new show through that feed, too, rather new show through that feed, too, rather new show through that feed, too, rather than trying to force everyone to jump than trying to force everyone to jump than trying to force everyone to jump subscriptions. I don't know. We'll see. subscriptions. I don't know. We'll see. subscriptions. I don't know. We'll see. Like I say, I haven't ironed out all the Like I say, I haven't ironed out all the Like I say, I haven't ironed out all the details yet. details yet. details yet. I will also keep you updated with I will also keep you updated with I will also keep you updated with information about any future history of information about any future history of information about any future history of Rome tour, which like I say are really Rome tour, which like I say are really Rome tour, which like I say are really fun and we really want to keep doing them. So there will be no next week them. So there will be no next week because there is no next week. Next time because there is no next week. Next time because there is no next week. Next time will be sometime down the road and we'll will be sometime down the road and we'll will be sometime down the road and we'll be talking about something completely be talking about something completely be talking about something completely different. I wish you all the best of different. I wish you all the best of different. I wish you all the best of luck out there and look forward to luck out there and look forward to luck out there and look forward to blathering in your ears about history blathering in your ears about history blathering in your ears about history again sometime again sometime again sometime soon. Goodbye. This has been the history soon. Goodbye. This has been the history soon. Goodbye. This has been the history of Rome.

of Rome. of Rome. [Music]