Avitus Proclaimed Emperor of the Western Roman Empire

On July 9, 455, the Roman military commander Marcus Maecilius Flavius Eparchius Avitus was proclaimed Emperor of the Western Roman Empire by the Visigoths. This event marked a significant moment in the turbulent period of the late Western Roman Empire, characterized by political instability and external pressures.

Context Leading to Avitus’ Proclamation

• Assassination of Petronius Maximus: Avitus’ rise to power followed the assassination of Emperor Petronius Maximus. Maximus had a short and tumultuous reign, lasting only a few months. His death occurred amidst chaos in Rome, as the city was sacked by the Vandals in June 455. This left a power vacuum and further destabilized the already fragile Western Roman political structure.

• Role of the Visigoths: The Visigoths, a Germanic tribe that had settled in parts of the Roman Empire, played a crucial role in Avitus’ ascension. At the time, they were led by King Theodoric II. The Visigoths had become a significant military and political force within the empire, and their support was instrumental in Avitus’ proclamation as emperor.

Avitus’ Background

• Military and Diplomatic Career: Before becoming emperor, Avitus had a distinguished career as a military commander and diplomat. He had served as a magister militum (master of soldiers) and was well-regarded for his diplomatic skills, particularly in dealing with the Visigoths.

• Connection with the Visigoths: Avitus had established strong ties with the Visigoths during his earlier diplomatic missions. His relationship with Theodoric II was a key factor in securing their support for his claim to the throne.

Avitus’ Reign

• Challenges: Avitus’ reign was fraught with challenges. He faced opposition from Roman aristocrats and military leaders who were wary of his reliance on the Visigoths. Additionally, the Western Roman Empire was under constant threat from various barbarian groups and internal dissent.

• Short-Lived Rule: Avitus’ tenure as emperor was brief, lasting only until October 456. His inability to consolidate power and the continued instability of the empire led to his downfall. He was eventually deposed by the Roman general Ricimer, a powerful figure in the Western Roman military hierarchy.

Aftermath and Historical Significance

• Continued Decline of the Western Roman Empire: Avitus’ brief reign highlighted the ongoing decline of the Western Roman Empire. The reliance on barbarian groups for military and political support underscored the weakening of central Roman authority.

• Legacy: Avitus’ rise and fall exemplify the complex interactions between Roman and barbarian powers during this period. His story is a reflection of the broader challenges faced by the Western Roman Empire in its final decades.

In summary, the proclamation of Avitus as emperor by the Visigoths on July 9, 455, was a pivotal event that underscored the shifting power dynamics within the Western Roman Empire. His reign, though short-lived, was emblematic of the era’s political instability and the empire’s reliance on external forces for survival.