Aetius and the Western Empire

[markusaurelius]

Bonafatius came to Italy with his army in 432 CE and there defeated Aetius, but lost his life. I don't think Bonafatius was a great loss, since he wasn't very effective in stopping the Vandals. He needed Aspar's help apparently just to stay even. And the fact he removed his arm from Africa soon after the loss of Hippo doesn't speak too highly of his own commitment to the Empire, as opposed to his own personal status.

My argument was not that Bonifatius was any better than Aetius, but he was an influential leader and able general(considering he beat Aetius in battle) and Aetius specifically targeted him by manipulating Galla Placidia to depose him. Had Aetius instead used his political skills and worked with Bonifatius and they had combined their military forces (instead of killing each other off) they would have put the Empire in a better position.