Asterius (comes Hispaniarum)

Asterius was a Roman military commander who served as comes Hispaniarum (Count of the Spains) in the early 5th century CE. His primary known activity revolves around his campaigns against barbarian groups, specifically the Vandals and Suebi, who had invaded and settled parts of the Iberian Peninsula.

In the year 419/420 CE, Asterius led Roman forces in a series of engagements against the Vandals and Suebi, who were raiding Roman territories. He is particularly known for his role in besieging the Vandals at the Bacaudan uprising. The historical record, primarily derived from Hydatius's Chronicle, indicates that Asterius achieved some successes against these barbarian groups, managing to contain their expansion and exert Roman authority, at least temporarily, in the region.

While details about Asterius's specific strategies, the size of his forces, and the precise locations of his battles are limited, his command represents a significant effort by the Roman Empire to maintain control over its territories in Hispania during a period of increasing instability and external pressure from migrating barbarian tribes. He was succeeded as comes Hispaniarum by Castinus. Asterius' actions demonstrate the ongoing struggle to defend Roman interests in a region increasingly fragmented and contested by various powers.