Graphic Novel of the Fall of Rome

[Flavivs Aetivs]

The Western Empire was hardly on its knees in 445. There was still hope of re-taking Numidia and Proconsularis, the Army had suffered severe cuts in size but was still highly effective under Aetius' Leadership, and was very experienced, most of the Barbarians within the empire were vassal states (barring the Suebes and Vandals), and the new laws had increased tax income (although the West was still in debt). There was a re-vitalization of the Agricultural Industry in Southern Italy, and the government was controlled by the Gallic Aristocracy who actually managed to make effective reforms. The Danube frontier was still nominally intact, and the Rhine frontier was secured by a (forced, later voluntary) alliance with Franks and the recent reconquests of Trier and Cologne.