Battle of Orleans (463) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Orléans
Part of the Germanic Wars
Image of the Visigoth king, Theodoric II.
Date 463 CE Location Aurelianum (Today Orléans, France) 47°54′09″N 1°54′32″E / 47.9025°N 1.9090°E / 47.9025; 1.9090 Result Roman, Frankish and Alan victory
Belligerents
Alans Salian Franks Kingdom of Soissons	Visigoths
Commanders and leaders
Aegidius Childeric I	Theodoric II Federico †

The Battle of Orléans was an important fight that happened in the year 463. It was a clash between the forces of the Kingdom of Soissons, led by a Roman general named Aegidius, and the Visigoths, who were a powerful Germanic group, led by their King Theodoric II and his brother Federico. This battle took place near the city of Orléans in what is now France. It was a key moment during the time when the Western Roman Empire was slowly falling apart.

Why the Battle Happened

In 461, a powerful Roman general named Ricimer had the Roman Emperor Majorian killed. Ricimer wanted more control over the Western Roman Empire. He then put a new emperor, Flavius Libius Severus Serpentius, on the throne. Ricimer hoped this new emperor would be easier to control.

However, not everyone agreed with Ricimer's plan. Aegidius, another Roman general, was very upset. He had been in charge of the northern part of Gaul (modern-day France). Aegidius decided that his territory would no longer follow Ricimer's new emperor. This area became known as the Kingdom of Soissons.

Aegidius had a strong army and even threatened to attack Italy. The Visigoths, who were neighbors to the south, saw this as a chance to expand their own kingdom. Their border was the Loire River. Ricimer even encouraged the Visigoths to attack the Alans, who were allies of the Romans. He hoped this would distract Aegidius and his army from attacking Italy.

The Battle Itself

So, the Visigoths gathered their army and moved north. They wanted to take more land beyond the Loire River. In 463, the two armies met near Orléans. It was a fierce fight.

The battle ended with a big defeat for the Visigothic army. They lost many soldiers and had to retreat. Their commander, Federico, who was King Theodoric II's brother, was killed during the battle. This was a major blow to the Visigoths.

What Happened After

This defeat stopped the Visigoths from expanding their kingdom north into Gaul for a while. This was good news for Aegidius and the remaining Roman territories. They were also dealing with attacks from the Saxons at the time.

The Visigoths stayed quiet for some years. However, this changed later when the Romans provoked them again. Around 470-471, a Romano-British army attacked the Visigoths at the Battle of Déols, but they were defeated.

How We Know About It

Historians know about the Battle of Orléans from several old writings. These ancient texts mention the battle and its outcome. For example, a writer named Marius Aventicensis wrote about it. He said that the battle happened near Orléans between Aegidius and the Goths, and that Federico, the Goth king's brother, was killed there.

Another writer, Gregory of Tours, also wrote about fights in that area during those years. He mentioned that Childeric I, the king of the Salian Franks, was involved in some battles. Many modern historians believe that Aegidius had Frankish soldiers helping him. They think Childeric might have been an ally or friend of the Romans at that time.

See also

In Spanish: Batalla de Orleans (463) para niños

• List of Roman battles
• Decline of the Western Roman Empire
• Western Roman Empire