461 CE

Majorian is arrested near Tortona (Northern Italy), and deposed by Ricimer (magister militum) as puppet emperor. Pope Leo I dies at Rome, age 61 (approximate), after a 21-year reign in which he has resisted Manichaeism and defended the Church against Nestorianism. He is succeeded by Hilarius as the 46th pope. Libius Severus, Roman senator from Lucania, is declared emperor of the Western Roman Empire.

In the 460s, the 5th century.

Geopolitics & Diplomacy

  • Aegidius becomes ruler over the Domain of Soissons (Gaul). He has friendly relations with the Romano-British (in Brittany).source

Conflict & Security

  • Vandal War (461-468): King Genseric continues the Vandal raids on the coast of Sicily and Italy. Ricimer sends an embassy to Carthage.source
  • The Visigoths under king Theodoric II recapture Septimania (Southern Gaul) after the assassination of Majorian, and invade Hispania again.source

Religion & Belief

  • Mamertus is elected bishop of Vienne (Gaul).source

Crime & Justice

  • August 2 – Majorian is arrested near Tortona (Northern Italy), and deposed by Ricimer (magister militum) as puppet emperor.source

Climate & Environment

  • 461 Apahunik' earthquake. It affected the province of Apahunik', located to the north of Lake Van, in Anatolia.source

Culture & Society

  • November 19 – Libius Severus, Roman senator from Lucania, is declared emperor of the Western Roman Empire.source
  • Olybrius becomes the second candidate for the western throne. He is the husband of Placidia, who is being held in Vandal captivity.source

Births

  • Romulus Augustulus, emperor of the Western Roman Empiresource
  • Hilderic, king of the Vandals (approximate date)source

Deaths

  • August 7 – Majorian, having been beaten and tortured for five days, is beheaded near the Iria River (Lombardy).source
  • August 7 – Majorian, emperor of the Western Roman Empiresource
  • November 10 – Pope Leo I dies at Rome, age 61 (approximate), after a 21-year reign in which he has resisted Manichaeism and defended the Church against Nestorianism. He is succeeded by Hilarius as the 46th pope.source
  • Palladius, first bishop of Ireland (approximate date)source