Roman civil war of 456

Roman Civil War of 456
Part of Fall of the Western Roman Empire
Northern Italy
Date 456 AD Location Northern Italia, Western Roman Empire Result Victory for Majorianus and Ricimer
Belligerents
Imperial government	Rebels
Commanders and leaders
Avitus Remistus Messianus	Majorianus Ricimer
Strength
5,000–10,000	15,000[1]

The Roman Civil War of 456 was a civil war fought in the Western Roman Empire during the second half of 456 AD.

The Roman generals Majorianus and Ricimer revolted against the Western Roman emperor Avitus who was appointed by the Visigoths after the Sack of Rome in 455. Avitus went to Gaul to gather support for his rule which he lacked from the Roman Senate and people. Avitus was defeated by the stronger rebel army at a battle in Piacenza, deposed as emperor, and died shortly thereafter in mysterious circumstances. Eastern Roman emperor Leo I appointed Majorianus and Ricimer as magister militum before Majorianus appointed himself Western emperor with support from the Senate and army.