Ten great generals

[markusaurelius]

I think you can find faults in both of their legacies. I just feel after reading the book mentioned above (not sure if you've read it or not) but the approaches to Stilicho seemed less self serving than some of Aetius's moves to save his own hide. Stilicho had to deal with Alaric multiple times constantly defeating him, getting the last triumph in Rome for it.

Constantine III selfish rebellion didnt help the cause of Gaul and the invading barbarians.

I find this period fascinating and both frustrating as you see all these different individuals try and power grab, killing each other off and hastening their own demise in the process. Further to that the locals decided to murder all the families of the foederati, resulting in a full revolt by Alaric and the sake of Rome after Stilicho was killed.

I'm going to get "Defending Rome: The Masters of the Soldiers By Julian Reynolds", in the ebook version to save some $. It covers both guys and ricimer. It should be and educational read.