02-25-2008, 06:32 PM
Jaime, Aetius was magister militum per Gallias, he had no jurisdiction in Africa. There was hardly a choice for him to 'value' Gaul over Africa, Africa was not his job, but of the Comes Africae. Blame another guy.
Are you referring to Constantius III, the one who ruled only a few months?
Quote: He had no spare army because he valued Gaul over all other provinces. Because of that mistake, IMO, his armies dwindled even further.I would rather say he had no spare army, period. And since control of Gaul meant control of Italy, he had little choice. The Visigoths were already besieging Arelate in 427, Franks invaded soon after, so even if his collegue in Africa had asked for help, or Ravenna would have ordered him to help, he did not have the opportunity to do so. But no such order is known anyway, and Aetius was too early 'in the job' to be seen as ruler of the West at that time already.
Quote:Aetius also made no use of the fleet that Constantine III successfully used to repel the invading fleet from Carthage in the early 400s. Similar situation to Aetius' predicament, IMO. Both men controlled Italy and faced rebellion in North Africa.Ah, but Constantine III never controlled Italy to begin with?
Are you referring to Constantius III, the one who ruled only a few months?
Robert Vermaat
MODERATOR
FECTIO Late Romans
THE CAUSE OF WAR MUST BE JUST
(Maurikios-Strategikon, book VIII.2: Maxim 12)
MODERATOR
FECTIO Late Romans
THE CAUSE OF WAR MUST BE JUST
(Maurikios-Strategikon, book VIII.2: Maxim 12)
