Roman Emperor. He was born into an influential family in AD 420 and had a successful military career under the Emperor Aetius until he was forced to retire due to his unpopularity with the Emperor's wife. He was recalled to military service after Aetius died and was later raised to the rank of patrician by the Eastern Emperor Leo who then nominated him as Western Emperor, probably on the advice of the powerful general Ricimer. His first act as Emperor was to put down an uprising in Gaul by supporters of Avitus, one of his predecessors. He was well regarded by ancient historians and passed laws to reduce the abuse of power and also revived the position of "Defender of the People". He successfully drove out Vandal raiders from Italy and, in AD 460, assembled a large army to invade North Africa. The Vandal leader Geiseric learned of his intentions and launched a surprise attack, forcing Majorian to recognize him as king of Mauretania and Tripolitania. This defeat led to a mutiny in AD 461 and he was forced to abdicate. He died five days later, possibly murdered under Ricimer's orders, and was buried in a simple tomb close to the site of his death.
Roman Emperor. He was born into an influential family in AD 420 and had a successful military career under the Emperor Aetius until he was forced to retire due to his unpopularity with the Emperor's wife. He was recalled to military service after Aetius died and was later raised to the rank of patrician by the Eastern Emperor Leo who then nominated him as Western Emperor, probably on the advice of the powerful general Ricimer. His first act as Emperor was to put down an uprising in Gaul by supporters of Avitus, one of his predecessors. He was well regarded by ancient historians and passed laws to reduce the abuse of power and also revived the position of "Defender of the People". He successfully drove out Vandal raiders from Italy and, in AD 460, assembled a large army to invade North Africa. The Vandal leader Geiseric learned of his intentions and launched a surprise attack, forcing Majorian to recognize him as king of Mauretania and Tripolitania. This defeat led to a mutiny in AD 461 and he was forced to abdicate. He died five days later, possibly murdered under Ricimer's orders, and was buried in a simple tomb close to the site of his death.
Bio by: js
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