Julius Nepos

AncientEmperorWestern Roman Empire430 — 480

Last legitimate Western Roman emperor.

Compare Julius Nepos with another historical figure:

Quick Facts

Born

430

Died

480

Country

Western Roman Empire

Era

Ancient

Occupation

Emperor

Score Overview

Military (10%)10

Political (20%)29

Influence (20%)45

Legacy (20%)39

Leadership (15%)39

Strategy (15%)45

Total Score36.8

Julius Nepos — Complete Timeline

474 AD

Proclaimed Emperor by the Eastern Roman EmpirePolitical Action◆ Major

The Eastern Roman Emperor Leo I recognized Julius Nepos as the legitimate Western Roman Emperor, sending him to Italy with military support to depose the usurper Glycerius. This established Nepos as the last emperor recognized by both halves of the empire.

Imperial SuccessionEastern-Western Relations

Impact: regional

475 AD

Deposed by OrestesPolitical Action◆ Major

The magister militum Orestes rebelled against Julius Nepos, forcing him to flee from Ravenna to Dalmatia. Orestes then installed his own son Romulus Augustulus as emperor, though Nepos continued to claim legitimacy from his exile.

UsurpationCivil WarFall of Western Empire

Impact: regionaldestructive

480 AD

Assassinated in DalmatiaPolitical Action

Julius Nepos was murdered by his own soldiers in his villa near Salona, Dalmatia. His death ended the line of legitimate Western Roman emperors recognized by the Eastern court, and the Eastern Emperor Zeno formally abolished the separate Western imperial title.

AssassinationEnd of Western Roman Empire

Impact: regionaltragic