Antoninus Pius vs Gelimer

Antoninus Pius, as governor of Asia, was involved in suppressing the Bar Kokhba revolt in Judea. The revolt was crushed with heavy casualties, and Jews were expelled from Jerusalem. This event occurred before his accession to the throne.

Antoninus Pius became Roman emperor upon the death of Hadrian. His reign was characterized by internal stability, legal reforms, and economic prosperity, with no major military campaigns. He maintained the borders through diplomacy and client kingdoms.

Following Hadrian's death, Antoninus Pius adopted Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus as his sons and heirs, as required by Hadrian's will. This ensured a smooth succession and continued the system of adoptive emperors.

Antoninus Pius ordered the construction of a turf and stone fortification across the narrowest part of Scotland, north of Hadrian's Wall. The wall marked the northernmost boundary of the Roman Empire in Britain and was manned for about 20 years before being abandoned.

Gelimer overthrew his cousin King Hilderic, accusing him of incompetence and excessive deference to the Byzantine Empire. Gelimer imprisoned Hilderic and assumed the Vandal throne, initiating a reign that would face immediate external threats.

Gelimer's forces engaged the Byzantine army under Belisarius near Carthage. Despite initial success, the Vandals were defeated due to poor coordination. Gelimer fled, and Belisarius captured Carthage, effectively ending Vandal control of North Africa.

Gelimer made a final stand against Belisarius at Tricamarum, near Carthage. The Vandal army was decisively defeated, and Gelimer fled into the mountains. This battle marked the complete collapse of the Vandal Kingdom.

After months of siege in a mountain fortress, Gelimer surrendered to Belisarius. He was taken to Constantinople and paraded in Belisarius's triumph, a humiliating spectacle. Gelimer was later granted estates in Galatia and lived out his life in retirement.