Majorian

Julius Valerius Majorianus was the last Western emperor with the military capacity and political will to reverse the empire's decline. Proclaimed emperor by Ricimer and the army in 457, he undertook sweeping administrative reforms, campaigned successfully in Gaul and Spain, and assembled a large fleet for an attack on the Vandals in Africa. When his fleet was destroyed in harbour by Vandal treachery (460 AD), his authority collapsed. Ricimer arrested and executed him five days later. Ancient and modern historians regard him as the last realistic hope for the Western empire.

Majorian is the last figure in the Western empire who might have reversed its trajectory. His failure, and Ricimer's execution of him, condemned the West to a further fifteen years of puppet emperors and progressive territorial loss. His coins are historically charged; the VICTORIA ROMANORVM legend reads almost as wishful thinking.

Key Events

Coinage

Majorian's coinage is relatively plentiful for a late western emperor, reflecting his four-year reign and effective control of Italy, Gaul, and briefly Spain. The VICTORIA ROMANORVM (Victory of the Romans) type with standard and wreath is the most common reverse. His portrait, a strong, determined face, is among the more individualised of the last western emperors.

Related Resources

Further Reading

• Roman Imperial Coinage, Volume X, J.P.C. Kent
• Roman Coins and Their Values, Volume V, David R. Sear