Majorian
457-461 AD
Puppet Emperor of Ricimer
Julius Majorianus was descended from an old Roman family. Majorian had served with distinction under Aetius. Following the overthrow of Avitus in October 456 AD, there were nearly six months before the next Emperor was chosen. General Ricimer elevated him to the vacant Western throne. Majorian was, perhaps, the last Emperor of genuine ability to rule the crumbling Western division of the Empire, which was now less than two decades away from its final collapse. Majorian soon proved to be a much worthier Emperor than his immediate predecessors.
Majorian was determined to rid the Empire of these barbarian hoards. He entered Gaul late in 458 AD and defeated the Visigoths near Arelate. His next conquest focused on the Vandals in North Africa at Carthage. As preparations for the invasion were underway, a great fleet was assembled in the Spanish port of Alicante. As in the Punic Wars of the Republic, Majorian intended to use sea power to destroy the Vandal hoards once and for all.
As fate would have it, with the aid of treachery, the Vandals destroyed most of the Roman ships before the expedition had even set out in 460AD. Majorian thus returned to Italy the following year, but at Tortona, he was arrested, deposed, and executed by the order of General Ricimer.
Monetary System
The obverse type of his coinage displays an unusual military bust, in sharp contrast to his predecessors.
Mints: Arelate; Milan; Ravenna
Obverse Legends:
D N IVLIVS MAIORIANVS P F AVG
D N MAIORIANVS
D N IVL MAIORIANVS P F AVG
DENOMINATIONS
AU Solidus (4.50 grams)
AU Solidus (Helmeted hd rt spear & shield) (4.36 grams)
AU Tremissis (1.45 grams)
AR Siliqua (1.03 grams) (Extremely Rare, more so than the gold)
AR Half Siliqua (0.63 grams)
AE4 Centenionalis (Diademed bust rt/Victory) (1.77 grams)
