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Flavius Romulus Augustus, known as Romulus Augustulus, was the Roman emperor who ruled the Western Roman Empire from 31 October 475 to 4 September 476. He is considered the “last Western Roman emperor.” However, there are several historians who consider Julius Nepos to be the last ruler of the empire.
The deposition of Romulus Augustus by Odoacer marks the end of the Roman Empire in the West, the end of Ancient Rome, and the beginning of the Middle Ages in Western Europe
Despite the fact that he adopted the name “Augustus,” he is remembered by the nickname Augustulus. The Latin suffix -“ulus” means a diminutive, so Augustulus translates as “Little Augustus.” There are not many historical records about the life of Romulus.
Early Life of Romulus Augustulus
Romulus’ father was originally from Pannonia and served as a secretary and diplomat for Attila the Hun. Later, he was raised to the ranks of the Roman army. The future emperor was named Romulus after his maternal grandfather. Orestes became Magister militum because of the decision of Julius Nepos in 475. Shortly after coming to the new post, Orestes organized a rebellion and seized Ravenna, the capital of the Western Empire, since 402. However, Orestes refused to become an emperor. Instead, he installed his son on the throne in 475. This decision wasn’t supported by the eastern court in Constantinople.
Emperor
Romulus was a figurehead for his father’s rule. After ten months in power, during which his authority and legitimacy were challenged outside of Italy, Romulus was forced to abdicate the throne because of Odoacer, a Germanic officer, who defeated and executed Orestes. After seizing control of Ravenna, Odoacer sent the former emperor to live in Castellum Lucullanum in Campania, after which he disappeared from the historical archive.
Imperial authority stepped back to the Italian borders and parts of southern Gaul: Italia and Gallia Narbonensis. The Eastern Emperor Leo, who died in 474, chose Anthemius and Julius Nepos as the Western emperors. Constantinople never recognized the new rulers.
Plans and Achievements
Romulus Augustulus didn’t make any important decisions and haven’t created any monuments during his reign. However, coins bearing his name were minted in Rome, Milan, Ravenna, and Gaul. After Orestes gained power, a coalition of Heruli, Scirian, and Turcilingi mercenaries asked for a third of the land in Italy. Orestes refused, and the tribes revolted under the Scirian chieftain Odoacer. Eventually, Orestes was captured near Piacenza in 476 and executed.
Race for Power
Later, Odoacer captured Ravenna and Romulus Augustulus after the Battle of Ravenna. Romulus had to abdicate the throne on 4 September 476. After the abdication, the Roman Senate sent representatives to the Eastern Roman Emperor Zeno with the request to reunite the two halves of the Empire. Also, the Senate asked to make Odoacer a patrician and administrator of Italy in Zeno’s name. In his reply, Zeno requested that Julius Nepos take the reign in his hands again but also agreed to the Senate’s requests. Eventually, Odoacer ruled Italy in Zeno’s name.
Late Life
The fate of Romulus after his abdication is a historical mystery. According to historians, Romulus took up residence in the Castel dell’Ovo (Lucian Villa) in Naples. Moreover, Romulus could have been alive in the early sixth century.
Interesting Facts about Romulus Augustulus
- Romulus Augustulus, the “little Augustus,” gained his nickname due to his unpopularity as emperor. The derogatory term highlighted his lack of stature and influence, reflecting the dissatisfaction that surrounded his rule.
- Romulus Augustulus’ father, Orestes, played a pivotal role in his son’s ascent to power. By overthrowing Julius Nepos, the previous emperor, and appointing his own son as emperor in 475, Orestes sought to consolidate his family’s control, taking advantage of Romulus’ Roman ancestry through his mother.
- The exact date of Romulus Augustulus’ death remains a mystery, lost in the annals of time. According to some sources, his passing occurred around 530 AD, leaving historians to speculate about the circumstances surrounding his demise.
- Romulus Augustulus stands as one of history’s youngest emperors, assuming the throne at a mere 15 years old in 475. His youth during a time of great turmoil within the Western Roman Empire reflects the chaotic nature of the era.
- Despite his status as the Western Roman Emperor, Romulus Augustulus never gained recognition from the Eastern Roman Empire. This lack of acknowledgment further undermined his authority and contributed to the division and fragmentation of the empire.
- The deposition of Romulus Augustulus by Odoacer in 476 marked a profound turning point in history. This event signified not only the end of the Roman Empire in the West but also the conclusion of Ancient Rome itself, ushering in the beginning of the Middle Ages in Western Europe.
- During Orestes’ rebellion and subsequent capture of Ravenna, he opted not to become emperor himself. Instead, he installed his son, Romulus Augustulus, on the throne in 475. This decision allowed Orestes to exert control through his son’s figurehead rule.
- Romulus Augustulus served as a mere figurehead during his time as emperor, with his father, Orestes, pulling the strings behind the scenes. Romulus lacked the power and autonomy to make significant decisions, rendering him a puppet ruler.
- Regrettably, Romulus Augustulus’ reign was devoid of noteworthy decisions and monument-building. His brief rule failed to leave a lasting impact on the Roman Empire, contributing to his historical insignificance and the overshadowing of his legacy.
- Following Odoacer’s seizure of Ravenna, he exiled the former emperor, Romulus Augustulus, to Castellum Lucullanum in Campania. From that point onward, Romulus disappears from the historical records, leaving his post-emperor life shrouded in mystery and speculation.
