Battle of Narbonne (436) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Narbonne
Part of The Gothic War of 436
Date 436-437 AD Location Narbonne, Gaul 43°11′4.99″N 3°0′13.00″E / 43.1847194°N 3.0036111°E / 43.1847194; 3.0036111 Result Roman-Hunnic victory
Belligerents
Western Roman Empire Huns	Visigoths
Commanders and leaders
Litorius Flavius Aetius	Theodoric I
Strength
Unknown	Unknown
Casualties and losses
Unknown	Unknown

The Battle of Narbonne was an important conflict that took place a long time ago, between 436 and 437 AD. It involved the Visigoths, a powerful group of people who were allies (called Foederati) of the Western Roman Empire, and the Roman Empire itself. This battle was fought over the city of Narbonne in a region called Gaul, which is now part of France.

What Was the Battle of Narbonne?

The Battle of Narbonne was actually a siege, which means one army surrounded a city to try and capture it. In this case, the Visigoths were trying to take control of Narbonne from the Western Roman Empire. Sieges could last a long time, and this one went on for several months.

Who Fought in This Battle?

On one side were the Visigoths, led by their king, Theodoric I. They were a Germanic people who had settled in parts of the Roman Empire. On the other side was the Western Roman Empire, whose forces were led by a general named Litorius. Interestingly, Litorius also had help from the Huns, a fierce group of warriors from Central Asia. Another important Roman leader, Flavius Aetius, was also involved.

The Siege Begins

The Visigoths started their siege of Narbonne in late 436 AD. They surrounded the city, trying to cut off its supplies and force the people inside to surrender. Life inside a besieged city could be very difficult, with food and other resources becoming scarce.

The Roman Army Arrives

The siege continued into the year 437 AD. That's when the Roman general Litorius arrived with his army. This army included Roman soldiers and their Hunnic allies. Litorius planned a surprise attack on the Visigoths. He caught them off guard before they could get their battle lines ready.

What Happened After the Battle?

Litorius's surprise attack worked! The Roman and Hunnic forces defeated the Visigoths. A writer from that time, Prosper of Aquitaine, wrote about something special Litorius did. To help the people of Narbonne who were starving because of the siege, Litorius ordered every soldier in his army to carry two measures of wheat into the city. This helped feed the citizens and showed the Romans' care for the city. The Roman-Hunnic side won this battle.

See also

In Spanish: Batalla de Narbona para niños