Resentment among the population of Italy against…
March 456 CE
Resentment among the population of Italy against the foreigner Avitus meanwhile grows.
The Gallic-Roman Emperor has given to other members of the Gallic-Roman aristocracy many key offices of the public administration usually filled by Romans.
Furthermore the population of Rome, devastated by the sack of Rome, suffers from food shortages due to the Vandal control of the naval routes, aggravated by the requirements of the foreign troops that had arrived with Avitus.
The imperial treasury is almost empty and, after disbanding his Visigoth guard because of popular pressure, Avitus is obliged to pay their huge wages by melting down and selling the bronze of some statues.
Counting on the popular discontent, on the disbandment of the imperial guard, and on the prestige gained through their victories, Ricimer and the comes domesticorum Majorian rebel against Avitus; the Emperor is obliged to leave Rome in early autumn and to move north.
Ricimer has the Roman Senate depose Avitus and …