🚩 Go to bit.ly/thld_cs_historymarche and use code HISTORYMARCHE to save 25% off today. Thanks to Curiosity Stream for sponsoring today’s video. 🚩 Emperor Majorian was a remarkable historical figure. Aged just between 35 and 40, he recovered most of the Western Empire and ruled effectively over its territories. His administrative reforms recovered the the empire's finances, rebuilt the army. And, although his invasion of the Vandal kingdom failed, he would've no doubt prepared for a second invasion...
Can you do a video about Theoderic the great as well. His empire was perhaps the second most Roman entity of the time, second only to Byzantium, and he too had came close to restoring the Western Roman Empire.
The fall of West was inevitable can be seen from the number of mercenaries he used. When majority of your army is composed of foreign mercenaries it is a sign that corruption and oppression have gone off the charts.
@@NaHCO38194 Agreed seems the Roman Army was not Roman but Barbarian..... If they had intergrated these Barbarians better perhaps Rome would have lasted centuries longer... Corruption (Also lead water pipes) led to its ultimate demise... The Eastern Empire was more Greek than Roman......
>Be Roman Politician >See the Empire assailed on all sides by enemies >See multiple instances of treachery tear apart the Empire >See the ruling Emperor attempt to unify the Empire >"I think this is a good time for some treachery"
Majorian overreached and was too heavy handed on his tax base. He threatened reforms to destabilise the aristocracy which was the source to f Ricimir’s power. Majorian forced his hand, likely attempting to weaken Ricimir, so Ricimir acted first. Majorian was exceptionally good in a time of poor emperors but he gravely overestimated his importance to the increasingly German Western Empire
@@rockstar450 He could've suceeded if Recimir didn't had so much influence and support from italy, but majorian's campaigns in Hispania, Gaul and Sicily gave the German a great ammount of time to get a lot of power and support from the shithole that the senate was by the time. If Majorian didn't die and Recimir was effectively brang down, maybe the western empire could've survived atleast until the next Century. Is sad to think that the end of such a promising reformer ended like that...
"Hey bitch i raped your wife and burnt your home and also i stole all your stuff" "No dude trust me i definitely did not steal your belongings" "Yeah i think i prefer mr barbarian over you liar"
Woah, this felt like a parallel timeline. I expected to see quick disintegration and territorial losses pile up at mid 5th century, but this Majorian had almost turned the ship around
Saddest part is that he was perhaps as young as 35. He could've been a ruler for the next 20+ years. And given that time, I see him restoring Rome fully.
With the "prime motor" of the barbaric invasions, the Huns, defeated, the pressure on the limes greatly diminished. The populations that were claiming the Imperial territories were the ones already there (Goths, Franks, Burgundians, Suebi...) and, among those, the Empire was still the strongest player. Unfortunately, except for the brief reign of Majorian, it had not been able to get its acts togheter.
Aurelian, Majorian, Justinian, Heraclius, Basil II Bulgaroktonos, John III Doukas Vatatzes. Remember these names. They were the restorers, the highest order of emperors. Edit: People have pointed correctly that I should have added Alexios Komnenos + his son Ioannes to the list. Apologies for forgetting them. Aetius and Belisarius are definitely on par with some of these names. Unfortunately, they weren't emperors so they can't make it into the list of the Highest Order of Emperors
Go look up 'socio-sexual hierarchy' and pay particular attention to alpha males and gamma males. This will explain so uch not only about history but in any group of men today in an organization or gathering.
That’s a very one sided view of events. At the end of the day Majorian was chasing power and overreached whilst failed to protect his fleet. Ricimir’s relatives had long been treated like second hand dog food and the rights they gained meant they weren’t starving. Rome really got what it deserved and Majorian would have done the same thing
According to historian Edward Gibbon, Majorian "presents the welcome discovery of a great and heroic character, such as sometimes arise, in a degenerate age, to vindicate the honour of the human species
I love Gibbon's wording. His book is so captivating. Some of the stuff is outdated, but still it's a must read. I've actually used the very phrase you quoted at the end of the video.
Majorian! He deserves a movie. Western Rome's last real gasp. Though some of the usurpers in Spain, Gaul, Britain, and Nepos also deserve move love. Rome didn't just evaporate. It's only until around 600-700 where more Classic Roman traditions evolve into proto-Romance ones....
There is a film about Majorian (or least that era) but it's a zombie film (Italian). In that film a great social commentary about the rich and corrupt which is why I think it was set in the last days of the Roman empire. The name is in Italian but is loosely translated as such.
> and Nepos Indeed. Did you know that Odovacer (after taking over the West) actually printed his coins with Nepo's head on them? That doesn't sound like a Barbarian invasion to me... Sounds like a shift of power from a usurper (Romulus Agustalus) back to the legitimate Western Emperor Nepos... > some of the usurpers in Spain, Gaul, Britain, and Nepos also deserve move love Indeed they do. I mean think about it... how upset were the citizens of Britain and Gaul, to first back the Usurper Magnus Maximus in 383, and then, almost 25 years later, the back Constantine III. How bad must it have been on the frontiers? Probably Wild Wild West bad. If you don't understand that reference, it describes the western USA territories in the 1800s, when the Indians and the lawless raiders had all the power to do what they wanted.
If Majorian was born a generation or two earlier, and ruled in stead of let’s say Honorius for 30 years, the Roman Empire probably would have been saved. It was a little too far gone by 457, and yet majorian almost pulled it off.
@@qr8440 For a while, maybe. But the Roman constitution was flawed in that, either by Senate decree or by a barbarian general, anyone could usurp and kill a reigning Emperor, for reasons of Greed, Corruption, and Power. With no negative consequences. Due to this, so many good leaders were replaced by incompetent leaders, and this highlights how, since they didn't value life, and didn't seem to have laws forbidding the killing of an emperor, the Roman Imperial System, which never had a formal Imperial "power transition" policy, was not sustainable. Inevitably, the ability to kill an Emperor, usurp power, with no negative consequences would lead to only one end. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.
If he ruled in Honorius time he would have kept the empire from exploding, also keeping the Legions of Britannia. With this timeline, no Vortigern, no anglo-saxons invasion of the island, at that time the anglo-saxons were 5th century vikings litteraly, no chance against Disciplined Legionaries waiting for them. In our timeline the anglo-saxons were halted numerous times by barely disciplined Romano-Britons and with King Cadwallon, almost lost all of anglo-saxon britain, they would have lost it permanently if there was no civil war in Cumbria
To be honest he failed to realise his "friend" was a traitor and he had disbanded his army lol. This isn't the sort of thing Hannibal or Caesar would have done...
Majorian played the game of thrones and lost. It’s such a shame, that all Rome lacked in order to recover strength was it’s aristocracy to stop bickering for a single generation. Early Romans (e.g. punic wars times) sacrificed themselves to help Rome. Late era Romans sacrificed Rome to help themselves.
A very tragic figure. Before becoming emperor, Majorian was a hero of the roman cavalry and served under Aetius alongside Ricimer. He might have even fought in the Catalaunian Plains against the huns. A cunning, determined and capable emperor and legislator, whose only fault was having the two greatest masters of intrigue of the century (Gaiseric and Ricimer) as enemies
Gaiseric can be respected for his treachery. He was protecting his people. Ricimer is a villain who destroyed the last chance of stabilizing the Empire.
@@HistoryMarche I appreciate your content, but he was relying on a largely mercenary army, whom he'd have to disband at some point, and there's no way to know whether he could have revived the Roman army by then. After all, constant civil war drains your population and resources, and therefore the ability to recruit and equipping your soldiers as well. He might have restored the empire, but how he would've hold on to it.
@@mihailupu5107 What will you pay until then? When most of your farmlands were either burned or out of your control and you cannot collect taxes outside of Italy.
Even if you've never heard of this man, you can't watch but know he's going to fail - the Fall of Rome is near. I think that's what makes his campaigns, and determination to do what was right, even more emotional. And epic... What a finale for the Roman Empire of old. *
I'm so glad to see this video. Majorian and his story are one of the most interesting what ifs of history I knew I love this channel for a reason, keep it up legends 💪
7:58 Marcellinus was the last pagan General of the late Roman Empire, he was also Magister Militum and governor of Dalmatia until his death. According to Proclus a philosopher/historian, Marcellinus was a skilled soothsayer. Marcellinus like many other talented leaders of the time was probably killed by Ricimer.
There is a lesson here. Greedy powerful men will always always always put their interests above that of the state. Even knowing that the state collapsing will be bad for them they don't care. Is a human weakness to throw away tomorrow for a few more trinkets today. Imagine what he could have accomplished. How many great men have been undone by the rats that are the wealthy, powerful, elite?
Yeah, it's sadly how things go. The powerful and wealthy can afford to do that, because they don't care if it's Rome or the Ostrogoths in power, they will still remain wealthy, powerful and influential, hence why they don't care about the interest of the state.
All people put their own interests above those of the state, as they should. A state which becomes too powerful inevitably becomes tyrannical and corrupt. See what happened to the soviet union
@@ElBandito No, but Biden does and his son Hunter who is selling paintings for 100 of thousends of dollars, now that is corruption (as people are not buying paintings its influence they are buying).
When Historymarche releases two episodes in this weekend you already know it is going to complete your weekend. Thank you Mr History for making our weekend even better!
@@HistoryMarche I always watch your episodes since the video release with the battle of Poitiers. I instantly started subscribing this channel and I have been with the journey from the beginning when this channel had 1K subscribers. I’m proud of this channel because of the authenticity of your narrations in each and every episode. Thank you for giving us authentic and rare education.
True indeed. Such a shame to see a young capable emperor like him go like that... Given another 15 years on the throne, man I can picture Rome fully restored.
I remember asking on the Aetius video if y'all were going to do a Majorian episode, it feels like only yesterday that that video came out. What a wonderful and yet tragic story. The man that could have fully restored Rome to its former glory and set it on course to maybe live another century, and yet once again internal intrigue and envious characters shatter that dream. With how much infighting there was its a wonder that Rome lasted as long as it did. Thank you for this episode! you guys did awesome once again!!
@@teradeiasode7662 Sorry but the closest I got was "Ethnic Spirit" by Max DiCarlo, you should see about using Shazam (it can identify songs and such by the sound).
Majorian "presents the welcome discovery of a great and heroic character, such as sometimes arise, in a degenerate age, to vindicate the honour of the human species". such a powerful line
@@realbasileus1986 Oh yes! Without Maurice's assassination, Khosrow the 2nd, Maurice's friend, would've never find the justification to attack ERE. Just imagine if Byzantine and Sassanians haven't bled each other dry, Arabians could've never succeeded, and, *from a strictly educational point of view* , how different our world would've looked today?
I feel the same way! Rome was brutal but glorious, destructive yet created so much. I shouldn't feel sad hearing about the end of a brutal and bloody empire, yet I do.
@ايجون تارجاريين You're right, the Romans did do many raids on the Germans. But the Germans did the same to Rome and their allies. I will concede Rome was a harsh and brutal empire to their victims.
Prior to knowing about Majorian, I had assumed that the fall of the west was an eventuality that all knew was going to happen but this, this is an amazing "what if" scenario Honestly, had Ricorus stayed a loyal friend Majorian definitely would've kept the Empire in tact
As soon as I saw Majorian, I was so damn excited. Love your work and may the Gods of history bless you my friend. Ride on!!!!! Because of channels like you, history is 🔥🥃😎
Love your videos!! I’m constantly amazed at the shortsightedness of the Roman aristocrats. I mean ya you were losing some of your power due to his reforms but when there’s no empire you won’t have any power. Eerily reminds me of the times we are living in now.
So, so sad. The most heartbreaking is betrayal because of lust of power and wealth. Once great Empire, now collapsing in mud, torn apart by the most greedy and dishonorable of it's citizens. And the Hero, that could change this pathetic situation, once again into pillar of the world, is once again slain like a dog. That is the worst, that can happen to the Hero, yet we shall remamber about people like that. Amazing video.
If Majorian survived, he would have restored the Western Empire to stability and extended its control over Western Europe till the late 500s or early 600s in my opinion.
best case scenario, he put everything back together, reforme the politic, economic, diplomatic of the empire and made something that would last century of bad emperor wearing his name as a title
It's because of you, I know about Majorian. I am even learning more about him thanks to a TH-camr with the username Maiorianus. Thanks for helping me discover this underrated emperor.
Majorian is a little known Alpha Male in Roman history. The man saw the empire collapsing everywhere around him and still tried to restore *EVERYTHING*
Fantastic video. Rarely does a historical mini-documentary draw an emotional reaction and a yearning for the sad wrong turns of history. This is an example to follow for every hardworking youtube historian. Great job!
I remember watching the “ Last Romans “ part of the Unbiased Roman History animations, yo, Stilicho, Aetius, Majorian and everyone that followed them really worked with everything they had and got close to stabilizing, but each time they always got taken out by backstabbers, it’s so sad…
The final try was in 526,Teodiricus the great had been nominated emperor by the Sanate in Rome and the East Roman Emperor sent him back the emperial vessels, he recinquered Provence and brought back the limes to the modern day Ungary and Serbia, plus he was crowned king of Visigotes when they lacked of candidates, then he recinquered a good part of Burgundy. The only thing he missed to reunite the core of the empire was Africa, which he missed to have sufficient food supplies without importing African grain. The Vandalic kingdom in North Africa was linked to Teodiricus by a dinastic marriage, but when his relatis3there were killed he had his casus belli, he mustered up a fleet of 1.000 dromones in Ravenna (his empire was in a phase of tumultuous growth, he could do that unlike Majorian) and was ready to sail to Carthago when... He died of diarrea. And in a few years the empire collapsed. Yes, the roman empire felt because he didn't have an Imodium. 🤷♂️
Thanks Barris! This one was especially difficult as I was working through the nastiest of colds... fever and the whole nine yards... I'm going on a TWO day vacation!
One can only imagine what could have been, if he had succeeded in the honorable quest for a restored mighty Roman Empire. Long Live Emperor Majorian, the last great one!
It's always amazing that despite being an empire that lasted millennia with millions of people, Rome was always ruled by a handful of families at a time, who were all deeply interconnected.
@@Fatherofheroesandheroines Because in French it's "majour". But also it's kind of funny to think he was called in latin "Majorian" and that could be root of the word because: 1)no way in hell Latin spelling would like that, he was called "Maiorianus" 2)kind of weird to assume word for a simple lexical thing would come from name of historical figure and not the other way around
@@Fatherofheroesandheroines What the other guy said is correct, his name was spelled as "Maiorianus" in the original Latin. The Romans had no letter J at the time. Classical Latin had no J sound in the first place, "Julius" Caesar was actually Iulius. You're getting it backwards, if anything Maiorianus got his name from the Latin word "maior" (greater) not the other way around.
Fantastic workload being uploaded hats off to you! Majorian was blessed with pure unfortune and despite that he still tried just like Aegidius. Fantastic vid as always and a great what if but damage was arguably done by Aetius
Bruh, I'm literally swearing at this Ricimer guy. He legit screwed the empire over with that betrayal. Majorian got done over hard. He legit recovered all that land, then got screwed with the ships, then had to return home only to be killed by a supposed friend.
I keep coming back to this video. It is one of the best ever done on the subject. Never before have so thoroughly been moved emotionally by a video such as this. I honestly morn , not just to for Majorian but for all heroes who face an end not worth of them.
And now I'm depressed; to think that Majorian was fulfilling not only his wish, but that of his killer, who clearly lacked the foresight to see how terribly destabilized the empire would be after betraying the one emperor who was not only good with battles, but diplomacy as well. Rest in peace.
My soul... Amazing video as always! Now the Aetius series has a sort of continuation if I think about it. You guys could easily make another documentary like series centered around the Western Roman empire between 400-476 A.D.
My dude playing Western Roman Empire on Attila Total War at legendary difficulty on turn 80 with the Empire on its last legs and almost pulled it off too. What a chad!
Well done! This illuminated the room. I finally saw the names and saw their faces (= motives) . I clearly envisioned the late empire and its final decades. This makes me superior to other historians who continue to be reminded, even with the details and facts: perplexed, as to why? I know exactly what happened and why it fell. Thank you
Oh thank God, just today I was/am reading about the Kushan Empire and coincidentally the emperor Majorian. I was hoping History Marche would do one or the other.
Every time I watch documentaries by HistoryMarche they somehow get better and better. The narration is TOP NOTCH, the music fittingly epic at times, while evoking emotions ranging from sadness to chills, absolutely incredible, and always at the right times. I have watched most of HistoryMarche’s documentaries many, many times because they are all just so well done! Your Hannibal documentaries are absolutely incredible and in my personal opinion are the BEST Hannibal documentaries on TH-cam! From one historian to another you all rock! Thank you! I could keep going and keep naming but I think everyone gets the point! Lol. GREAT JOB HistoryMarche, keep up the GREAT work! And most importantly, again, THANK YOU for providing countless people (myself included) with fantastic, historically accurate, extremely informative documentaries. P.S. lol… I would personally LOVE to see what you all could do with things such as the American Revolutionary War, the Civil War, the rise of the Mongols, through Kublai, and to their downfall, the Ottoman Empire (spanning their entire incredible history), just to name a few. Anyway, again Thank you so much HistoryMarche and best wishes to everyone on the team! And to those of you who celebrate it on the team and are celebrating with your mother or you yourself are a mom, Happy Mother’s Day 2023! (Also falls on my birthday this year lol) Cheers HistoryMarche ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ as always!
The fact that Majorian was so easily deposed and that he relied on barbarian mercenaries, shows that he had very little chance to succeed. He was clearly the best chance, but that chance was slight.
He wasn't easily deposed at all. After his death, Gaul, Hispania and Dalmatia broke off the empire almost immediately. Majorian was pretty much the only thing stopping the visigoths from expanding even more, as they were thoroughly humiliated at Arelate. He was killed because the nobility in Italy was furious with his reforms and because he was naive enough to think Ricimer would have his back to keep them at bay.
I don’t believe that he had little chance to succeed. I think he had a damn good chance of winning but the stakes were much higher then ever. And I find no source that he relied on mercenaries. From what I recall it’s said he strengthened himself with Germanic mercenaries but not like his entire force was barbarian. There were Roman armies based out of Italy, Gaul, and Dalmatia still. And some barbarians were likely like Ricimer: Germans but born in the empire and romanized. He decisively beat the Suebi, Visigoths, and Burgundian’s in battle. Geiseric was literally trying to gain a peace treaty with Majorian to prevent a war. Likely because Majorian and Ricimer had defeated attacking vandal forces several times after the sack. When this failed he started to destroy his own land near the most likely landing spot before Majorian had even set sail. It shows he wasn’t confident at all of victory. Sadly traitors in his midst/vandals (I’ve seen either one used) destroyed the navy. If he landed he likely would’ve won and returned a hero. He’d go returned with the vandal treasury, the spoils the vandals took form their sack in 455, and the imperial family. Which Majorian would’ve certainly married into like the original plan. The victory and marriage likely would’ve given him the boost he needed to avoid any coup or assassination attempt. Allowing him to quite possibly destroy the western empire.
Majorian had goals bigger than making himself emperor. Others just had goals of making themselves emperor and then the empire fell. Being a good guy and doing the right thing can only get you so far.
And that is a major reason the western half collapsed when it did. Not many people saw the bigger picture of what was happening to the empire and cared more for personal power and wealth. Greed was their downfall
I love how you always mention all the important players and most of the possibilities... this crisis periods are impossible to understand if one dont point all the factors.
Wow I like your content. Editing and narrating make your channel my favorite. Your work should be admired . You are deserve more subscriber I hope you must gain 1 Million subscriber by the end of this year. Please keep continue this type of amazing work. Your admirable hard work and deep research make you the best channel on TH-cam. But brother I am waiting for an promised video on Skanderbeg when it will come? I have a curiosity also can I ask your name? And Where are you from?
Great presentation of a sad story. Frankly it seems there was no hope for the Western Empire, riven as it was by corruption, jealousy, betrayal, invasion, and other ills characteristic of a system rotten to its core. Majorian comes off as a tragically heroic figure described by the Japanese proverb: "An upright nail gets beaten down."
It seems that for centuries later all the so-called barbarians in Western Europe characterized indigenous romans as no longer acting or speaking....let's just say...frankly.
I deny this. I don’t think there was no hope. The empire simply needed to catch its breath and be able to do shit. Whenever it did it always set the situation straight. Hell, even after 410 this happened. After the dust settled post sack Constantius III calmed the situation as much as possible but died before he could continue, throwing the empire in to civil war. Aetius ended thar civil war, brought the barbarians under his sway and would’ve destroyed the vandals (the number one foe) if not for the Huns. After Majorian came to power he did the same. Slapping the barbarians around until his betrayal. If (and be definitely could’ve) he’d retaken North Africa he’d of beaten the main foe of Rome that absolutely needed to be defeated. The immense prestige form such a successful series of campaigns would’ve done wonders for his legitimacy. He’d of returned with the vandal treasury, the stolen loot from the sack of 455, and the imperial family. Which he would’ve married into for the prestige and legitimacy. His rule would’ve been guaranteed. All of Rome’s issues wouldn’t have been solved, but they’d be on a much better path with the vandals gone and such a crucial territory retaken. The other barbarians would’ve been weakened from their defeats at his hands + the war with the Huns and facing a united Rome that was on the upswing. Rome’s chances of survival would’ve gone up dramatically.
@@connorgolden4Maybe, maybe, maybe. But by then there had been so much back-stabbing and misgovernment it's doubtful any permanence could''ve been restored. And that's my opinion FWIW.
🚩 Go to bit.ly/thld_cs_historymarche and use code HISTORYMARCHE to save 25% off today. Thanks to Curiosity Stream for sponsoring today’s video.
🚩 Emperor Majorian was a remarkable historical figure. Aged just between 35 and 40, he recovered most of the Western Empire and ruled effectively over its territories. His administrative reforms recovered the the empire's finances, rebuilt the army. And, although his invasion of the Vandal kingdom failed, he would've no doubt prepared for a second invasion...
Can you do a video about Theoderic the great as well. His empire was perhaps the second most Roman entity of the time, second only to Byzantium, and he too had came close to restoring the Western Roman Empire.
The fall of West was inevitable can be seen from the number of mercenaries he used.
When majority of your army is composed of foreign mercenaries it is a sign that corruption and oppression have gone off the charts.
@@NaHCO38194 Agreed seems the Roman Army was not Roman but Barbarian..... If they had intergrated these Barbarians better perhaps Rome would have lasted centuries longer... Corruption (Also lead water pipes) led to its ultimate demise... The Eastern Empire was more Greek than Roman......
@@CETGale And yes those Greeks called themselves Romanoi until FAR in the future. With some more time who knows what would have happened.
@@ProvidenceNL ive heard there are still rural people in hellas who call themselves romanoi, usually very old before the modern tech took over
>Be Roman Politician
>See the Empire assailed on all sides by enemies
>See multiple instances of treachery tear apart the Empire
>See the ruling Emperor attempt to unify the Empire
>"I think this is a good time for some treachery"
Exactly what I was thinking. Its crazy to think what may have happened or changed if he didn't get killed and continued to reform the empire
Majorian overreached and was too heavy handed on his tax base. He threatened reforms to destabilise the aristocracy which was the source to f Ricimir’s power. Majorian forced his hand, likely attempting to weaken Ricimir, so Ricimir acted first. Majorian was exceptionally good in a time of poor emperors but he gravely overestimated his importance to the increasingly German Western Empire
@@rockstar450 if this true,no,fuck aristocracy.they cared only for themselves and not for the empire and weakest
@@rockstar450 He could've suceeded if Recimir didn't had so much influence and support from italy, but majorian's campaigns in Hispania, Gaul and Sicily gave the German a great ammount of time to get a lot of power and support from the shithole that the senate was by the time.
If Majorian didn't die and Recimir was effectively brang down, maybe the western empire could've survived atleast until the next Century. Is sad to think that the end of such a promising reformer ended like that...
Greed that was rome
“An open enemy is
better than a
false friend.” - Greek proverb
Gotta understand the false friends interests. Make sure they allign.
-ur mum
Delete any Fiend
"Hey bitch i raped your wife and burnt your home and also i stole all your stuff"
"No dude trust me i definitely did not steal your belongings"
"Yeah i think i prefer mr barbarian over you liar"
Habe nur Bekannte
Majorian is like the sequel of Aurelian. What a forgotten super-chad
Message from Mom: "Why are you crying so God damn loud?"
Me watching this video:
🤣🤣🤣🤣
Same.
wow
Don't worry, the Roman Empire lasts another 992 years in the east after Majorians death.
They were more Greek than Roman.
He never failed the Roman Empire.
The Roman Empire failed him....
Well said.
😢 long live Rome
so does the eastern roman empire, did nothing to help their relative
@@AlanNguyenMD They busy fighting sassanids I think
@@AlanNguyenMD 468 ad anyone ?
Woah, this felt like a parallel timeline. I expected to see quick disintegration and territorial losses pile up at mid 5th century, but this Majorian had almost turned the ship around
Saddest part is that he was perhaps as young as 35. He could've been a ruler for the next 20+ years. And given that time, I see him restoring Rome fully.
He could very well be a second Aurelian if he wasn’t betrayed that early
With the "prime motor" of the barbaric invasions, the Huns, defeated, the pressure on the limes greatly diminished. The populations that were claiming the Imperial territories were the ones already there (Goths, Franks, Burgundians, Suebi...) and, among those, the Empire was still the strongest player.
Unfortunately, except for the brief reign of Majorian, it had not been able to get its acts togheter.
he reminds me of Aurelian :(
@@HistoryMarche would be a monumental comeback
Aurelian, Majorian, Justinian, Heraclius, Basil II Bulgaroktonos, John III Doukas Vatatzes.
Remember these names. They were the restorers, the highest order of emperors.
Edit: People have pointed correctly that I should have added Alexios Komnenos + his son Ioannes to the list. Apologies for forgetting them.
Aetius and Belisarius are definitely on par with some of these names. Unfortunately, they weren't emperors so they can't make it into the list of the Highest Order of Emperors
Well said!
Anthemius to some degree too
@@redcastlefan nope
You could add more people there like, Constantine the Great, Alexios I Komnenos or Michael IX Palaiologos.
The problem was that they heavily relied on them and eventually you're gonna run out of luck and good leadership at the same time.
Majorian was an absoulute Chad, great to see a video about him
But like all truly great emperors he was betrayed by those who were jealous and weak
Go look up 'socio-sexual hierarchy' and pay particular attention to alpha males and gamma males. This will explain so uch not only about history but in any group of men today in an organization or gathering.
@@thadtuiol1717 both trump and Brandon come to mind . 😉
@@martinbeckmann9376 Indeed. Let's go Brandon!
That’s a very one sided view of events. At the end of the day Majorian was chasing power and overreached whilst failed to protect his fleet. Ricimir’s relatives had long been treated like second hand dog food and the rights they gained meant they weren’t starving. Rome really got what it deserved and Majorian would have done the same thing
I believe it was Domitian who said the terrible fate of emperors that no one believed in conspiracies against them unless he was already murdered.
According to historian Edward Gibbon, Majorian "presents the welcome discovery of a great and heroic character, such as sometimes arise, in a degenerate age, to vindicate the honour of the human species
I love Gibbon's wording. His book is so captivating. Some of the stuff is outdated, but still it's a must read. I've actually used the very phrase you quoted at the end of the video.
We need some Majorian today it seems.
You copied and pasted that from Wikipedia
ah Gibbon a man who thinks christianity influenced in fall of rome
@@Ditka-89 yeah because it's a quote lol
Majorian! He deserves a movie. Western Rome's last real gasp. Though some of the usurpers in Spain, Gaul, Britain, and Nepos also deserve move love. Rome didn't just evaporate. It's only until around 600-700 where more Classic Roman traditions evolve into proto-Romance ones....
There is a film about Majorian (or least that era) but it's a zombie film (Italian).
In that film a great social commentary about the rich and corrupt which is why I think it was set in the last days of the Roman empire. The name is in Italian but is loosely translated as such.
I almost cried when I saw the corruption in the Western Roman Empire, but Majorian has put a smile on my face.
I hope the next season of the netflix rome doccu/show is about majoriann but i doubt it
Its such a tragedy. Especially since his downfall in both the invasion of Africa and his own rule was the corruption.
> and Nepos
Indeed. Did you know that Odovacer (after taking over the West) actually printed his coins with Nepo's head on them? That doesn't sound like a Barbarian invasion to me... Sounds like a shift of power from a usurper (Romulus Agustalus) back to the legitimate Western Emperor Nepos...
> some of the usurpers in Spain, Gaul, Britain, and Nepos also deserve move love
Indeed they do. I mean think about it... how upset were the citizens of Britain and Gaul, to first back the Usurper Magnus Maximus in 383, and then, almost 25 years later, the back Constantine III. How bad must it have been on the frontiers? Probably Wild Wild West bad. If you don't understand that reference, it describes the western USA territories in the 1800s, when the Indians and the lawless raiders had all the power to do what they wanted.
If Majorian was born a generation or two earlier, and ruled in stead of let’s say Honorius for 30 years, the Roman Empire probably would have been saved. It was a little too far gone by 457, and yet majorian almost pulled it off.
Had Majorian and Stilicho teamed up in that time instead of Ricimer it would have been a better time.
@@qr8440 That would have been a dream.
@@qr8440 For a while, maybe. But the Roman constitution was flawed in that, either by Senate decree or by a barbarian general, anyone could usurp and kill a reigning Emperor, for reasons of Greed, Corruption, and Power. With no negative consequences. Due to this, so many good leaders were replaced by incompetent leaders, and this highlights how, since they didn't value life, and didn't seem to have laws forbidding the killing of an emperor, the Roman Imperial System, which never had a formal Imperial "power transition" policy, was not sustainable. Inevitably, the ability to kill an Emperor, usurp power, with no negative consequences would lead to only one end. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.
If he ruled in Honorius time he would have kept the empire from exploding, also keeping the Legions of Britannia.
With this timeline, no Vortigern, no anglo-saxons invasion of the island, at that time the anglo-saxons were 5th century vikings litteraly, no chance against Disciplined Legionaries waiting for them.
In our timeline the anglo-saxons were halted numerous times by barely disciplined Romano-Britons and with King Cadwallon, almost lost all of anglo-saxon britain, they would have lost it permanently if there was no civil war in Cumbria
To be honest he failed to realise his "friend" was a traitor and he had disbanded his army lol. This isn't the sort of thing Hannibal or Caesar would have done...
Majorian played the game of thrones and lost. It’s such a shame, that all Rome lacked in order to recover strength was it’s aristocracy to stop bickering for a single generation. Early Romans (e.g. punic wars times) sacrificed themselves to help Rome. Late era Romans sacrificed Rome to help themselves.
perfect
Very well put:)
Why do you think Christianity became so popular? The people had become absolute degenerates
Great comment
Just like you said. If only in the late period of rome roman citizens had the same warrior spirit as in the early ages..
A very tragic figure. Before becoming emperor, Majorian was a hero of the roman cavalry and served under Aetius alongside Ricimer. He might have even fought in the Catalaunian Plains against the huns.
A cunning, determined and capable emperor and legislator, whose only fault was having the two greatest masters of intrigue of the century (Gaiseric and Ricimer) as enemies
At least Gaiseric was acting in the interests of his people.
Whereas Ricimer was acting in the interests of Ricimer.
@@1wor1d And making it worse: Ricimer was considered like a "friend" by Majorian.
Gaiseric can be respected for his treachery. He was protecting his people.
Ricimer is a villain who destroyed the last chance of stabilizing the Empire.
Hail Ricimer the Emperor Maker, the Power above 3 different Western Emperor's and acting General of the West for Leo Eastern Byzantine Emperor.
My favorite emperor and a true hero.
he littrely just pulled an Aurelian
@@ticketschreiber3326 and a julius ceasar :P
@@ticketschreiber3326
Who’s favorite roman emperor is not Aurelian either?
@@jout738 many will say trajan and augustus were better, but we're talking about men so competent that they're more equals than anything else I think.
Majorian. ): The literal last true Roman in the West. Stilicho hurt enough, Aetius made me cry, Majorian made me bawl.
I think Majorian was one of the most underrated Roman Emperor , He could become the second Aurelian with his military conquests and reforms...
Most certainly. I'm not a betting man, but I'd wager that, with another 15 years on the throne, Majorian would've fully restored the West.
@@HistoryMarche I appreciate your content, but he was relying on a largely mercenary army, whom he'd have to disband at some point, and there's no way to know whether he could have revived the Roman army by then.
After all, constant civil war drains your population and resources, and therefore the ability to recruit and equipping your soldiers as well.
He might have restored the empire, but how he would've hold on to it.
@@madhurawat155 Well he could've disbanded the mercenary armies when the roman army was reformed and back on its feet
@@mihailupu5107 What will you pay until then? When most of your farmlands were either burned or out of your control and you cannot collect taxes outside of Italy.
@@mertcanhacfazloglu4862 Majorian reformed the tax system in italy, with enough time he would surely do the same in Gaul or Hispania
Even if you've never heard of this man, you can't watch but know he's going to fail - the Fall of Rome is near.
I think that's what makes his campaigns, and determination to do what was right, even more emotional.
And epic... What a finale for the Roman Empire of old. *
@PalestineWillBeFree2A break for what? In the Roman World, this was the right thing to do. Aka restore the Imperial borders
Rome: You can’t defeat me
Carthage: I know, but he can. *Points* *to* *Rome*
Vive tunisia viva carthage😋😁😘
Superb comment.
@@bilellaridhi1290 Carthage destroyed and salted 🤣
@@bilellaridhi1290 Carthago delenda est
I'm so glad to see this video. Majorian and his story are one of the most interesting what ifs of history
I knew I love this channel for a reason, keep it up legends 💪
Glad you enjoyed it!
Everyone: “Maybe stop fighting amongst each other?”
Romans: *NO!*
there was no romans anymore
The same can be said to the later byzantine empire...
Of course not.
Some just want to rule even if over ashes
@PointBlank200 Exterminate populace. Nothing else works mate.
7:58 Marcellinus was the last pagan General of the late Roman Empire, he was also Magister Militum and governor of Dalmatia until his death.
According to Proclus a philosopher/historian, Marcellinus was a skilled soothsayer.
Marcellinus like many other talented leaders of the time was probably killed by Ricimer.
Majorian is such an underrated emperor.
How so?
There is a lesson here. Greedy powerful men will always always always put their interests above that of the state. Even knowing that the state collapsing will be bad for them they don't care. Is a human weakness to throw away tomorrow for a few more trinkets today. Imagine what he could have accomplished. How many great men have been undone by the rats that are the wealthy, powerful, elite?
Yeah, it's sadly how things go. The powerful and wealthy can afford to do that, because they don't care if it's Rome or the Ostrogoths in power, they will still remain wealthy, powerful and influential, hence why they don't care about the interest of the state.
@PointBlank200 Yep, the corrupt Trump family immediately comes to mind.
@@ElBandito lol
All people put their own interests above those of the state, as they should. A state which becomes too powerful inevitably becomes tyrannical and corrupt. See what happened to the soviet union
@@ElBandito No, but Biden does and his son Hunter who is selling paintings for 100 of thousends of dollars, now that is corruption (as people are not buying paintings its influence they are buying).
When Historymarche releases two episodes in this weekend you already know it is going to complete your weekend. Thank you Mr History for making our weekend even better!
Thank you for watching :)
👍🏻 yes ik
@@HistoryMarche I always watch your episodes since the video release with the battle of Poitiers. I instantly started subscribing this channel and I have been with the journey from the beginning when this channel had 1K subscribers. I’m proud of this channel because of the authenticity of your narrations in each and every episode. Thank you for giving us authentic and rare education.
I can add that Drachinifel has released almost ten hours of content this weekend. If you want more history, pop over there
That background music truly gives this and other videos an epic feeling! History is epic!
One of the greatest what if...
True indeed. Such a shame to see a young capable emperor like him go like that... Given another 15 years on the throne, man I can picture Rome fully restored.
A shame indeed...
I remember asking on the Aetius video if y'all were going to do a Majorian episode, it feels like only yesterday that that video came out. What a wonderful and yet tragic story. The man that could have fully restored Rome to its former glory and set it on course to maybe live another century, and yet once again internal intrigue and envious characters shatter that dream. With how much infighting there was its a wonder that Rome lasted as long as it did. Thank you for this episode! you guys did awesome once again!!
Thank you sir. Yes the requests from viewers actually prompted me to dig everything I can about Majorian. Took time, but some projects always do.
@@HistoryMarche pls tell me the song at start
@@teradeiasode7662 Sorry but the closest I got was "Ethnic Spirit" by Max DiCarlo, you should see about using Shazam (it can identify songs and such by the sound).
Majorian "presents the welcome discovery of a great and heroic character, such as sometimes arise, in a degenerate age, to vindicate the honour of the human species". such a powerful line
I was watching Netflix but when I saw Majorian in my notifications, I instantly clicked
me2 ahah
Definitely in my top 3 of most tragic and consequential assisnations for the roman Imperium
Who is the third one?
@@madhurawat155 I think you'd have to say Maurice right. Phocas was a complete piece of human fecal matter haha
@@realbasileus1986 Oh yes! Without Maurice's assassination, Khosrow the 2nd, Maurice's friend, would've never find the justification to attack ERE.
Just imagine if Byzantine and Sassanians haven't bled each other dry, Arabians could've never succeeded, and, *from a strictly educational point of view* , how different our world would've looked today?
You were talking about Aurelian, Majorian, and Maurice right?
Don't know why but the fall of Rome is one of the most heart breaking things to watch for me
I feel the same way! Rome was brutal but glorious, destructive yet created so much. I shouldn't feel sad hearing about the end of a brutal and bloody empire, yet I do.
@ايجون تارجاريين You're right, the Romans did do many raids on the Germans. But the Germans did the same to Rome and their allies. I will concede Rome was a harsh and brutal empire to their victims.
@ايجون تارجاريين I agree but at the same time, the Germans were infamous for raiding Roman villages and allies
@@KingDanny9 Romans enslaved their own peasants. Dont know what is glorious about that.
Romans didnt have peasants and since the 3rd century all residing inhabitants of the empire were citizens
Prior to knowing about Majorian, I had assumed that the fall of the west was an eventuality that all knew was going to happen but this, this is an amazing "what if" scenario
Honestly, had Ricorus stayed a loyal friend Majorian definitely would've kept the Empire in tact
"o que pasaría si sustituyeras a Ricimero por Estilicon"
@@noerolon3703 I dont speak French
@@frederickiiprussia7699 Or even this success would have only delayed the west's fall
As soon as I saw Majorian, I was so damn excited. Love your work and may the Gods of history bless you my friend. Ride on!!!!! Because of channels like you, history is 🔥🥃😎
Thank you very much good sir!
@@HistoryMarche no problem!
Love your videos!! I’m constantly amazed at the shortsightedness of the Roman aristocrats. I mean ya you were losing some of your power due to his reforms but when there’s no empire you won’t have any power. Eerily reminds me of the times we are living in now.
Damn Majorian his whole life he worked hard, he didn't deserve this betrayal 💔
Danke!
Thank you for supporting my work. Much appreciated!
So, so sad.
The most heartbreaking is betrayal because of lust of power and wealth. Once great Empire, now collapsing in mud, torn apart by the most greedy and dishonorable of it's citizens. And the Hero, that could change this pathetic situation, once again into pillar of the world, is once again slain like a dog. That is the worst, that can happen to the Hero, yet we shall remamber about people like that. Amazing video.
If Majorian survived, he would have restored the Western Empire to stability and extended its control over Western Europe till the late 500s or early 600s in my opinion.
imagine east and west vs mongols in case west survived
Maybe, maybe not.
best case scenario, he put everything back together, reforme the politic, economic, diplomatic of the empire and made something that would last century of bad emperor wearing his name as a title
Islam and Turks would never rise
It's because of you, I know about Majorian. I am even learning more about him thanks to a TH-camr with the username Maiorianus. Thanks for helping me discover this underrated emperor.
Love History Marche
What a terrific voice you have for documentaries
Also, Apocalypse WW1 is an incredible documentary...saw it years ago on the Military History Channel
I was really longing for a documentary on Majorian, the last true western Roman Emperor.
Majorian?! You now have the majority of my attention 👍
Thank you sir Dennis. And thanks for stopping by!
Majorian is a little known Alpha Male in Roman history. The man saw the empire collapsing everywhere around him and still tried to restore *EVERYTHING*
may i intreduce you to the lord and savior Lucius Dominus Aurelianus the restitutor orbis
Alpha Male? He died a Beta Male.
@@TheWinterShadow Being killed by a deceptive friend is a beta characteristic?
Majorian was a Chad, betrayed and murdered by Virgin Ricimer.
Emperor Justian has entered the chat.
My hope died with Majorian, my heart died with the Empire.
Fantastic video. Rarely does a historical mini-documentary draw an emotional reaction and a yearning for the sad wrong turns of history. This is an example to follow for every hardworking youtube historian.
Great job!
I remember watching the “ Last Romans “ part of the Unbiased Roman History animations, yo, Stilicho, Aetius, Majorian and everyone that followed them really worked with everything they had and got close to stabilizing, but each time they always got taken out by backstabbers, it’s so sad…
Wow, I loved this video! Great narration, beautiful map!
Thank you very much!
Yes it’s here! Sunday morning is complete!
My man Majorian! I’ve been waiting for you to do a video on him for so long!
The final try was in 526,Teodiricus the great had been nominated emperor by the Sanate in Rome and the East Roman Emperor sent him back the emperial vessels, he recinquered Provence and brought back the limes to the modern day Ungary and Serbia, plus he was crowned king of Visigotes when they lacked of candidates, then he recinquered a good part of Burgundy. The only thing he missed to reunite the core of the empire was Africa, which he missed to have sufficient food supplies without importing African grain. The Vandalic kingdom in North Africa was linked to Teodiricus by a dinastic marriage, but when his relatis3there were killed he had his casus belli, he mustered up a fleet of 1.000 dromones in Ravenna (his empire was in a phase of tumultuous growth, he could do that unlike Majorian) and was ready to sail to Carthago when... He died of diarrea. And in a few years the empire collapsed. Yes, the roman empire felt because he didn't have an Imodium. 🤷♂️
it was dysentery :)
Theodoric was not Emperor. He was the governor of Italy nominally under the one true Roman Emperor (Anastasius, and later Justin)
@@aaronTGP_3756 read again what I wrote
Love the stories, thanks for sharing
Can't believe how often you put out 10/10 videos, thank you
Finally a documentary on one of my favorite emperors!
Incredible stuff Mago! As always.
Hey Barris. Are you going to make a vid on the Kingdom of Soissons? I'd be really cool!
Thanks Barris! This one was especially difficult as I was working through the nastiest of colds... fever and the whole nine yards... I'm going on a TWO day vacation!
@@andreascovano7742 I would love to, but I'm struggling to make any viedos at all tbh. I'll add it to the list, but I'm struggling...
@@HistoryMarche You need a proper holiday my friend! You make such great content yet upload regularly - I imagine you must be exhausted. Take care!
@@HistoryMarche TWO DAYS???? People are getting kinda soft nowadays.
Joking of course, I hope you get well
Absolutely brilliant. The simplified history taught in schools doesn't do history justice. All the what if!?
19:59 i almost cry😢😢😢😢
One can only imagine what could have been, if he had succeeded in the honorable quest for a restored mighty Roman Empire. Long Live Emperor Majorian, the last great one!
It's always amazing that despite being an empire that lasted millennia with millions of people, Rome was always ruled by a handful of families at a time, who were all deeply interconnected.
I think it’s true on every scale at all times, true power comes down to the few wealthiest families who really pull the strings of power.
He was a major figure in almost every alternate history I've seen. Hmm I wonder if that's where we get the word major from?
Well, no, major comes from latin word maior (with french probably in-between)
@@freddekl1102 does it though? Why is his MAJORian then?
@@Fatherofheroesandheroines Because in French it's "majour".
But also it's kind of funny to think he was called in latin "Majorian" and that could be root of the word because: 1)no way in hell Latin spelling would like that, he was called "Maiorianus" 2)kind of weird to assume word for a simple lexical thing would come from name of historical figure and not the other way around
@@Fatherofheroesandheroines What the other guy said is correct, his name was spelled as "Maiorianus" in the original Latin. The Romans had no letter J at the time. Classical Latin had no J sound in the first place, "Julius" Caesar was actually Iulius.
You're getting it backwards, if anything Maiorianus got his name from the Latin word "maior" (greater) not the other way around.
Fantastic workload being uploaded hats off to you! Majorian was blessed with pure unfortune and despite that he still tried just like Aegidius. Fantastic vid as always and a great what if but damage was arguably done by Aetius
Thank you very much Rodolfo!
Hi, unfortunate? He won so many battles
@@prigual2901 unfortunate that he didn't get to fulfill his goals as emperor which was to restore the empire
A story that isn't told enough. Great work as always!
The music, the narration, the animation, the vibe... just "awesome"!
In every single video!
Bravo!
Thank you so much 😀
I'm astonished that I knew nothing about this guy before this video. Thank you for this.
Stay well out there everybody, and God bless you friends! :)
This was very informative and educational.
Thank you for those amazing videos you’ve done so much work keep working like that 🙌🏼👏🏼
Bruh, I'm literally swearing at this Ricimer guy. He legit screwed the empire over with that betrayal. Majorian got done over hard. He legit recovered all that land, then got screwed with the ships, then had to return home only to be killed by a supposed friend.
Thank you for bringing Majorianus to our attention. 👍🏻
Historymarche uploading can instantly make your day feel better
The injustice makes my blood boil.
Majorian
Marcus Aurelius
Belisarius
Great men who's only Goal was to save Rome from destruction.
I love the music in the background. It really sets the tone and keeps me engaged even more. Thank you.
"Kings are more prone to mistrust the good than the bad; and they are always afraid of the virtues of others"
- Gaius Sallustius Crispus
I keep coming back to this video. It is one of the best ever done on the subject. Never before have so thoroughly been moved emotionally by a video such as this. I honestly morn , not just to for Majorian but for all heroes who face an end not worth of them.
Did not expect this! thanks HM
An inspirational figure. It is an honor to remember his name and courage after he suffered such an unjust end.
And now I'm depressed; to think that Majorian was fulfilling not only his wish, but that of his killer, who clearly lacked the foresight to see how terribly destabilized the empire would be after betraying the one emperor who was not only good with battles, but diplomacy as well. Rest in peace.
My soul... Amazing video as always! Now the Aetius series has a sort of continuation if I think about it. You guys could easily make another documentary like series centered around the Western Roman empire between 400-476 A.D.
My dude playing Western Roman Empire on Attila Total War at legendary difficulty on turn 80 with the Empire on its last legs and almost pulled it off too. What a chad!
Well done! This illuminated the room. I finally saw the names and saw their faces (= motives) . I clearly envisioned the late empire and its final decades. This makes me superior to other historians who continue to be reminded, even with the details and facts: perplexed, as to why? I know exactly what happened and why it fell. Thank you
Oh thank God, just today I was/am reading about the Kushan Empire and coincidentally the emperor Majorian. I was hoping History Marche would do one or the other.
Every time I watch documentaries by HistoryMarche they somehow get better and better. The narration is TOP NOTCH, the music fittingly epic at times, while evoking emotions ranging from sadness to chills, absolutely incredible, and always at the right times. I have watched most of HistoryMarche’s documentaries many, many times because they are all just so well done! Your Hannibal documentaries are absolutely incredible and in my personal opinion are the BEST Hannibal documentaries on TH-cam! From one historian to another you all rock! Thank you! I could keep going and keep naming but I think everyone gets the point! Lol. GREAT JOB HistoryMarche, keep up the GREAT work! And most importantly, again, THANK YOU for providing countless people (myself included) with fantastic, historically accurate, extremely informative documentaries.
P.S. lol…
I would personally LOVE to see what you all could do with things such as the American Revolutionary War, the Civil War, the rise of the Mongols, through Kublai, and to their downfall, the Ottoman Empire (spanning their entire incredible history), just to name a few. Anyway, again Thank you so much HistoryMarche and best wishes to everyone on the team! And to those of you who celebrate it on the team and are celebrating with your mother or you yourself are a mom, Happy Mother’s Day 2023! (Also falls on my birthday this year lol) Cheers HistoryMarche ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ as always!
*Great video sir.*
Your videos are excellent. Thank you
The fact that Majorian was so easily deposed and that he relied on barbarian mercenaries, shows that he had very little chance to succeed. He was clearly the best chance, but that chance was slight.
He wasn't easily deposed at all. After his death, Gaul, Hispania and Dalmatia broke off the empire almost immediately.
Majorian was pretty much the only thing stopping the visigoths from expanding even more, as they were thoroughly humiliated at Arelate.
He was killed because the nobility in Italy was furious with his reforms and because he was naive enough to think Ricimer would have his back to keep them at bay.
I don’t believe that he had little chance to succeed. I think he had a damn good chance of winning but the stakes were much higher then ever.
And I find no source that he relied on mercenaries. From what I recall it’s said he strengthened himself with Germanic mercenaries but not like his entire force was barbarian. There were Roman armies based out of Italy, Gaul, and Dalmatia still. And some barbarians were likely like Ricimer: Germans but born in the empire and romanized.
He decisively beat the Suebi, Visigoths, and Burgundian’s in battle. Geiseric was literally trying to gain a peace treaty with Majorian to prevent a war. Likely because Majorian and Ricimer had defeated attacking vandal forces several times after the sack. When this failed he started to destroy his own land near the most likely landing spot before Majorian had even set sail. It shows he wasn’t confident at all of victory. Sadly traitors in his midst/vandals (I’ve seen either one used) destroyed the navy.
If he landed he likely would’ve won and returned a hero. He’d go returned with the vandal treasury, the spoils the vandals took form their sack in 455, and the imperial family. Which Majorian would’ve certainly married into like the original plan. The victory and marriage likely would’ve given him the boost he needed to avoid any coup or assassination attempt. Allowing him to quite possibly destroy the western empire.
Thank you for teaching us!
Good job like everytime
Great video my friends. Please make more videos on these great figures who try last ditch effect to protect their empire
Majorian had goals bigger than making himself emperor. Others just had goals of making themselves emperor and then the empire fell. Being a good guy and doing the right thing can only get you so far.
This is great, i don't know how, but sometimes i feel this channel read my mind and wishes, Thankyou.
Happy to hear that!
And that is a major reason the western half collapsed when it did. Not many people saw the bigger picture of what was happening to the empire and cared more for personal power and wealth. Greed was their downfall
I love how you always mention all the important players and most of the possibilities... this crisis periods are impossible to understand if one dont point all the factors.
Wow I like your content. Editing and narrating make your channel my favorite. Your work should be admired . You are deserve more subscriber I hope you must gain 1 Million subscriber by the end of this year. Please keep continue this type of amazing work. Your admirable hard work and deep research make you the best channel on TH-cam. But brother I am waiting for an promised video on Skanderbeg when it will come? I have a curiosity also can I ask your name? And Where are you from?
Thank you so much 😀 I will work on Skanderbeg eventually, just don't have any dates yet.
@@HistoryMarche thank you so much my friend thank you so much.
Great video. You guys do an outstanding job.
Great presentation of a sad story. Frankly it seems there was no hope for the Western Empire, riven as it was by corruption, jealousy, betrayal, invasion, and other ills characteristic of a system rotten to its core. Majorian comes off as a tragically heroic figure described by the Japanese proverb: "An upright nail gets beaten down."
It seems that for centuries later all the so-called barbarians in Western Europe characterized indigenous romans as no longer acting or speaking....let's just say...frankly.
I deny this. I don’t think there was no hope. The empire simply needed to catch its breath and be able to do shit. Whenever it did it always set the situation straight.
Hell, even after 410 this happened. After the dust settled post sack Constantius III calmed the situation as much as possible but died before he could continue, throwing the empire in to civil war. Aetius ended thar civil war, brought the barbarians under his sway and would’ve destroyed the vandals (the number one foe) if not for the Huns. After Majorian came to power he did the same. Slapping the barbarians around until his betrayal.
If (and be definitely could’ve) he’d retaken North Africa he’d of beaten the main foe of Rome that absolutely needed to be defeated. The immense prestige form such a successful series of campaigns would’ve done wonders for his legitimacy. He’d of returned with the vandal treasury, the stolen loot from the sack of 455, and the imperial family. Which he would’ve married into for the prestige and legitimacy. His rule would’ve been guaranteed.
All of Rome’s issues wouldn’t have been solved, but they’d be on a much better path with the vandals gone and such a crucial territory retaken. The other barbarians would’ve been weakened from their defeats at his hands + the war with the Huns and facing a united Rome that was on the upswing. Rome’s chances of survival would’ve gone up dramatically.
@@connorgolden4Maybe, maybe, maybe. But by then there had been so much back-stabbing and misgovernment it's doubtful any permanence could''ve been restored. And that's my opinion FWIW.
HistoryMarche, thank you very much.
The worst and mightiest enemy of the Romans ended a millenia of Western Roman Rule: Themselves...
I love this channel.
Do we get the rank of Major from Majorian ?
Great video by the way, always enjoy your delves into history.
Both words come from the same word, “Maior”, which means Greater or Superior in Latin.
Holy Moly, someone finally did a great video on my favourite Roman Emperor.. Majorian gets so little appreciation