Directory

472 CE

Anthemius, besieged in the part of Rome he controls until his troops are defeated, is caught while fleeing the city disguised as a supplicant in the Old St. Peter's Basilica (or at the church of Santa Maria in Trastevere), and later beheaded by Gundobad or Ricimer. Ricimer proclaims Olybrius emperor. Ricimer's nephew, the Burgundian general Gundobad, assumes command of the Western army and holds de facto power in the Empire. Olybrius dies of dropsy. During his four months' rule he has been mainly interested in religion. Mount Vesuvius erupts. During the volcanic eruption the whole of southern Europe is blanketed by ash.

Conflict & Security

  • July 11 – Anthemius, besieged in the part of Rome he controls until his troops are defeated, is caught while fleeing the city disguised as a supplicant in the Old St. Peter's Basilica (or at the church of Santa Maria in Trastevere), and later beheaded by Gundobad or Ricimer. Ricimer proclaims Olybrius emperor. Ricimer's nephew, the Burgundian general Gundobad, assumes command of the Western army and holds de facto power in the Empire.source

Religion & Belief

  • The Western Roman Empire enters a period of unrest. Relations between Ricimer, de facto ruler, and Emperor Anthemius deteriorate completely. Epiphanius, bishop of Pavia, negotiates a peace agreement.source

Climate & Environment

  • Mount Vesuvius erupts. During the volcanic eruption the whole of southern Europe is blanketed by ash.source

Births

  • Emilian of Cogolla, Iberic abbot and saint (approximate date)source

Deaths

  • July 11 – Anthemius, emperor of the Western Roman Empiresource
  • August 18 – Ricimer dies at his palace of malignant fever, vomiting blood.source
  • August 18 – Ricimer, de facto ruler of the Western Roman Empiresource
  • November 2 – Olybrius dies of dropsy. During his four months' rule he has been mainly interested in religion.source
  • Olybrius, emperor of the Western Roman Empiresource
  • Ming Di, Chinese emperor of the Liu Song dynasty (b. 439)source