Anthemius vs Valerian

The Eastern Roman Emperor Leo I appointed Anthemius as Western Roman Emperor, sending him to Italy with military support. Anthemius was a capable general and administrator, and his elevation was intended to restore stability to the Western Empire.

Anthemius, in cooperation with the Eastern Emperor Leo I, launched a massive joint naval expedition against the Vandal Kingdom in North Africa. The campaign ended in a disastrous defeat at the Battle of Cape Bon, draining the resources of both empires.

After a prolonged conflict with his magister militum Ricimer, Anthemius was besieged in Rome. Ricimer's forces captured the city, and Anthemius was captured and executed. His death marked the end of the last serious attempt to revive the Western Empire.

Valerian was proclaimed emperor by his troops after the death of Trebonianus Gallus. He appointed his son Gallienus as co-emperor, dividing the empire into eastern and western halves for administration. This arrangement aimed to address multiple external threats but ultimately failed to prevent Valerian's capture.

Valerian led a Roman army against the Sasanian Empire under Shapur I near Edessa. The Roman forces were defeated and Valerian was taken prisoner, becoming the first Roman emperor to be captured in battle. This event severely damaged Roman prestige and triggered a crisis of leadership.

Valerian died while a prisoner of the Sasanian king Shapur I. Accounts vary on the manner of his death, with some sources claiming he was used as a footstool by Shapur or flayed and his skin displayed. His death left the Roman Empire without a senior Augustus, worsening the Crisis of the Third Century.