Battle of Rimini (432)

The Battle of Rimini, fought in 432 CE, was a significant engagement in the ongoing conflicts within the Western Roman Empire. It pitted the forces of the powerful general Flavius Aetius against those of his rival, Bonifacius, then serving as Comes Africae (Count of Africa). The conflict was a culmination of years of political maneuvering and growing animosity between the two influential figures.

The underlying causes of the battle are complex and debated by historians. It is believed that Galla Placidia, the Augusta (Empress Dowager) and regent for her young son, Emperor Valentinian III, played a role in instigating the rivalry, possibly fearing the ambition of both men. Aetius may have successfully poisoned Placidia's perception of Bonifacius, leading her to recall him from Africa under suspicion of treason.

Bonifacius, possibly believing he was legitimately facing execution or fearing that Aetius sought to usurp power entirely, refused to return to Italy. He instead prepared to defend his position. By 432, Aetius, now serving as magister militum praesentalis (commander-in-chief) in the West, marched against Bonifacius in Italy.

The battle itself occurred near Rimini (Ariminum), a strategically important city on the Adriatic coast. The details of the battle are scarce, but it is known that Bonifacius' forces were defeated, though not decisively. Importantly, Bonifacius himself was wounded in the battle and died three months later.

Despite his victory, Aetius suffered significant losses and was forced to retreat to his estates. He was subsequently briefly exiled, having lost favor with Galla Placidia, before being recalled to power several years later.

The Battle of Rimini marked a turning point in the power dynamics of the Western Roman Empire. The death of Bonifacius removed a major rival to Aetius, allowing him to consolidate his influence and effectively rule the Western Empire for two decades. However, the internal conflict weakened the Empire, contributing to its eventual decline and fragmentation in the face of barbarian incursions. The battle highlights the instability and internecine struggles that plagued the late Roman period.