The Battle of Corsica was a Western Roman victory over the Vandals that elevated Ricimer's prestige before he turned against Emperor Avitus.
Key Facts
- Year
- 456 AD
- Vandal fleet size
- 60 ships
- Roman commander
- Ricimer, comes militaris per Italia
- Vandal base
- Carthage
- Preceding Roman victory
- Battle of Agrigentum
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The Vandals, having established Carthage as the capital of their kingdom, launched a fleet of 60 ships from Carthage in 456, threatening both Gaul and Italy. This prompted the Western Roman Empire to mount a military response under Ricimer, the Suebian comes militaris per Italia acting on behalf of Emperor Avitus.
After suffering defeat at Agrigentum, the Vandal fleet sailed to Corsica, where Ricimer pursued and attacked them again. The Battle of Corsica resulted in a second consecutive Roman victory over the Vandals, driving them from the island and securing the western Mediterranean temporarily for the Western Roman Empire.
Following his victories at Agrigentum and Corsica, Ricimer returned to Italy as a celebrated hero. His newfound military prestige, however, emboldened him to defect from Emperor Avitus, whom he subsequently defeated at the Battle of Placentia, dramatically reshaping the political leadership of the Western Roman Empire.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Ricimer, Emperor Avitus (nominal).
Side B
1 belligerent