8 - The triumph of the generals, 410–455

Summary

THE SUPPRESSION OF THE USURPERS, 410–413

Alaric's death did not much improve matters for the court in Ravenna (map 15). Athaulf, his brother-in-law, succeeded him. He had been master of the household cavalry in Attalus' regime but after Attalus' deposition by Alaric, in an attempt to negotiate with Honorius, Athaulf had no legitimate title by anyone's definition. In the circumstances it was unsurprising that he took the title king. He might not have intended it to be permanent. Despite having the emperor's sister, Galla Placidia, and the deposed Attalus in his train, Athaulf had no more success in negotiating with Honorius than Alaric had had. After two years' campaigning in Italy, causing serious damage but failing to achieve any significant success, he took his doubtless dwindling forces across the Alps to Gaul, where the political situation presented greater opportunities.

Things had begun to go awry for Constantine ‘III’. His general in Spain, Gerontius, had proclaimed a follower called Maximus emperor and attacked Constans, who fled. Meanwhile, the barbarians who had crossed the Rhine in 405/6 entered Spain. At first the Pyrenean passes had been held against them. Constantine, however, replaced the local garrisons with recently raised troops – Honoriaci – and while these took the opportunity to loot the locals, the Sueves, Vandals and Alans were able to enter the peninsula. This took place in late 409. Hydatius says that it could have been 28 September or a fortnight later on 12 October, but it was certainly a Tuesday.