Asterius (comes Hispaniarum) facts for kids
Asterius was a Roman general who lived around the years 419 to 422. He was a very important leader in the Western Roman Empire. He helped fight against the Vandals, a group of people who had settled in parts of Spain, which was called Hispania back then. Asterius was also famous for defeating a rebel leader named Maximus of Hispania. Because he was so good at leading armies and winning battles, he was given a special title called Patrician in 422.
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Asterius's Military Campaigns in Hispania
After some big battles in 416 and 418, groups like the Alans and Silingi Vandals joined another group called the Hasdingi Vandals. These Vandals were living in a region of Spain called Gallaecia. They needed more land, so they started moving south. This led to a conflict with another group, the Suebi, in 419.
Asterius Takes Command
In 419, Asterius was sent to Hispania as a special commander called comes Hispaniarum. He led a strong Roman army. His main goals were to take back lands that barbarian groups had taken over in Hispania. He also needed to stop a second rebellion led by Maximus of Hispania.
Challenges and Victories
In 419, Asterius faced a personal challenge. A priest accused his family of following a certain religious belief. This meant Asterius had to travel to Tarraco to defend his family.
Later that same year, Asterius was in Tarraco. He set up his headquarters there and gathered his army. He then started his military campaign in Gallaecia. He went to help a Suebi army that was surrounded by the Vandals. Asterius's forces defeated the Vandals at the Battle of the Nervasos Mountains. However, a large group of Vandals managed to escape to another part of Hispania called Hispania Baetica.
Trapping the Vandals
A year later, in 420, Asterius's campaign continued to push the Vandals south. They were met near Bracara Augusta by another Roman leader named Maurocelus. The two Roman armies attacked the Vandals from both sides. This led to a major defeat for the Vandals.
A Special Honor
In 421, Asterius was called to Ravenna, a very important city in the Roman Empire. This happened after Constantius III became emperor. Because of his great success and loyalty, Asterius was given the high title of Patrician.
Some historical records suggest that Asterius might have also held the title of magister militum, which means "master of soldiers." However, other sources disagree. It's possible that two different Roman officials named Asterius might have been confused over time.
See also
In Spanish: Asterio (comes Hispanorum) para niños
