Remistus facts for kids

Remistus (died September 17, 456) was an important general in the Western Roman Empire. He was the main commander of the army under Emperor Avitus.

Remistus: A Roman General

Remistus was a member of the Visigoths, a powerful Germanic people. His name itself shows his Germanic background. In the year 456, Remistus became a very high-ranking military leader. Emperor Avitus likely chose him for this important role.

Rising Through the Ranks

Remistus was given the title of magister militum. This means "master of soldiers" and was the highest military position in the Roman Empire. He also received the rank of patricius, which was a very honorable title given to important people.

What made Remistus special was that he was the first magister militum who was not Roman. He was also the first person to hold this top military job since the death of another famous general, Aetius, in 454.

Life in the Capital

After becoming a general, Remistus moved to Ravenna. This city was the capital of the Western Roman Empire at that time. He lived there with a group of other Goths. His presence in the capital showed his power and influence.

Conflict and Downfall

In the same year, Emperor Avitus faced problems with the Roman Senate. The Senate was a powerful group of leaders in Rome. Avitus decided to leave Italy and go back to his home in Gaul (modern-day France). He wanted to gather more soldiers there.

Remistus stayed behind in Italy to keep control. However, he soon faced the Senate's army. This army was led by another general named Ricimer, who was also a magister militum. Remistus and his forces clashed with Ricimer's army.

Remistus was forced to retreat back to Ravenna. His forces were then surrounded and trapped. On September 17, he was captured and put to death in a palace just outside the city. The following month, Emperor Avitus was removed from power and later passed away.