Majorianus Invictus

Thank you Viggen. Very interesting indeed!

Antonio Santosuosso, in his book (which I have not read, but will be looking at today), Storming the Heavens, claims that ethnic Italian troops made up 65% of the army under Augustus, 49% under Nero, and only 10% under Hadrian. If true, the barbarization of the army had begun quite early. If these numbers are accurate, I wonder if the problem lie not with the composition of barbarian or non-italian troops, but the establishment of non-mobile field armies stationed in certain portions of the Empire, and such decrees that created the Numeri and the Annonae Foederaticae? While there is most likely more examples, these both seemed to add to the non-integration or romanization of "barbarian" troops, and would make it much easier for a man like Arbogast, Stilicho, or Ricimer to rise up and take advantage.

What abouy Ricimer? He was the so called puppet master, and he used his greed for power to usher in a line of weak, impotent emperors that had long reaching consequences.

I would like to be included as well.

This seems to be just what I need. I asked of such laws in my anti-barbarian thread. Who invoked this law?

Perhaps I need to include the so called "barbarization" of the army. I know foreign forces always served in the legions, but when did the balance from ethnic Italian/Roman troops to barbarian Fedorati start? Were their any edicts by the Emperors or Church which restricted the service of Romans? Was this strictly a Pagan issue or Christian, or neither? The topic is still broad, but I am starting to narrow it down. Thanks again to everyone who has responded. H. Bassianus

I was watching the series from BBC, Ancient Rome; Rise and Fall of an Empire, and it was extremely well acted I must say. The series I watched dealt with Constantine. Now at the moment of his sign from God, they depicted a comet slamming into the ground, not to far from his marching army, which Lactantius exploited as a sign from God. Of course the smoke trail of the comet looked much like the symbol he painted on the shields of his army. Is there any reference for a possible comet? I have seen mention of the signing being a possible solar halo. I was curious as to the thoughts of the group here at UNRV. as always, thank you for your time. H. Bassianus Invictus

Thank you sonic. I will keep that in mind. Thus far the replies have been extremely helpful.

Thank you NN, that is is definitely food for thought, and yes, one does need to tread carefully. I am of Hispanic birth, and from Texas, The arizona immigration law may well come here in the near future, and while I can see both sides of the argument, I know all to well the anti-immigrant sentiment. Some hispanics see me as a sellout for my embracing american culture. How could I not, I was born here. On the other hand, caucasians (some) see me as no better than an illegal. Most of the people I talk to say the same thing; if they would only integrate into our society. There is an interesting parallel. That would make sense why the Romans clamored for men like Majorian. There way of life was crumbling, and it would be easy to see how such a sentiment would come about, but instead of alleviating the situation, it only worsened it.

I have been watching Rome:Rise and Fall, and a common theme (at least suggested by the narrator) is the high level of anti-barbarian sentiment in the Empire, and Rome itself. I know the Greeks and Romans looked down on the barbarian tribes, but had the feeling or sentiment been exacerbated by the worsening political and military situation? Were the Romans so suspicious of these Barbarian generals like Stilicho and Ricimer, coupled with the increasing power of the Vandals and Visigoths, that they began to become almost xenophobic? I ask this because it could be an interesting subject of research (if valid) and it would explain why Ricimer and his ilk used "purebred" and I use that term lightly, Romans as puppets to the throne. I am particulartly interested in the reign of Majorian, and the hope which the populace placed in him. I know there are many great minds here at UNRV, and any assistance in formulating a topic would be greatly appreciated. sincerely, H. Bassianus "Invictus"

Eagle in the Snow.

I forgot to ask what were Majorian's religious leanings? I know Christianity was now entrenched in power politically, but was he harsh toward Pagans? I know it is claimed that Marcellinus accepted his rule, and that he himself was a devout pagan, and is allegedly to have been a skilled soothsayer. Just curious.

Well that explains the puppet master label they gave Ricimer. I assume Majorian was leading mostly barbarian troops into battle? Did he serve under Flavius Aetius?

Last eve, after work, I was watching the series, Rome : Rise and Fall, which pertained to the so called puppet master, Ricimer. I am embarassed to admit it, but I knew little of this later Emperor, Majorian. He seems to receive extremely high praise from Gibbons and many of the writers of the period. Are these accolades well deserved? I know he planned to retake Africa from the Vandals, but seems to have met with misfortune when his fleet was burned. The show claimed he was of Italian birth, which is why Ricimer helped him to the throne, given his own barbarian heritage. Apparently, Rome was desperate for a hero from within their own ranks. The show plays up the anti-barbarian sentiment within the Empire, and Rome itself. Any information, or works on this man would be very helpful. sincerely, Helvidius Julius Bassianus "Invictus"

Does anyone know what either Helvidius or Bassianus roughly translate to?