4 September
The last emperor of the Western Roman Empire, is deposed when Odoacer proclaims himself “King of Italy”, thus ending the Western Roman Empire.
9 July
Eparchius Avitus Augustus was proclaimed Western Roman Emperor by Theodoric II after the death of his predecessor Petronius Maximus.
1 April
A prominent general of the Late Roman army, Majorian deposed Emperor Avitus in 457 and succeeded him. Majorian was one of the last emperors to make a concerted effort to restore the Western Roman Empire. Possessing little more than Italy, Dalmatia, and some territory in northern Gaul, Majorian campaigned rigorously for three years against the Empire’s enemies. Continue reading “457 – Majorian is acclaimed emperor by the Roman army”
17 December
Saturnalia was an ancient Roman festival in honour of the deity Saturn, held on 17 December of the Julian calendar and later expanded with festivities through to 23 December. Continue reading “497 BC – The first Saturnalia festival was celebrated in ancient Rome”
9 December
Flavius Odoacer (433–493), was a soldier, who in 476 became the first King of Italy (476–493). His reign is commonly seen as marking the end of the Western Roman Empire. Continue reading “480 – Odoacer, first King of Italy, occupies Dalmatia”
27 November
Maurice Flavius Mauricius Tiberius Augustus 539 – 27 Nov 602 was Byzantine Emperor from 582 to 602. Maurice was murdered on this day in 602. It is said that the deposed emperor was forced to watch his six sons executed before he was beheaded himself. Empress Constantina and her three daughters were spared and sent to a monastery. Continue reading “602 – Emperor Maurice is executed”
A Swiss farmer has made an amazing discovery in his Cherry Orchard, hidden inside a molehill Continue reading “Swiss farmer discovers Roman coin hoard”
The Ostrogothic leader Theodoric the Great fought Odoacer at the battle of Verona in 489 (one of many with the same name). This battle was effectively part of the agreement struck with the emperor Zeno at Constantinople. Continue reading “AD 489 The Battle of Verona”
28 September – On this day
The battle of Mursa between Constantine II and Magnentius was part of a civil war which took place somewhere in the Drava valley in Illyricum. Continue reading “AD 351 – The Battle of Mursa”
16 September – On this day
Flavius Valerius Severus Augustus (Severus II) was either executed or forced to commit suicide. Continue reading “AD 307 – Death of Severus II”
15 September – On this day
The emperor Constans II was assassinated while taking a bath. Continue reading “AD 668 – The Eastern Emperor Constans II assassinated”
5 – 6 September – Later Roman Empire
The Battle of the Frigidus, also called the Battle of the Frigid River, was fought between 5–6 September 394, between the army of the Eastern Emperor Theodosius I and the army of Western Roman ruler Eugenius. Continue reading “AD 394 – Battle of the Frigidus”
