Romulus Augustulus

Romulus Augustulus, often referred to as Augustulus, was the last Roman emperor of the West, reigning from thirty-one October four hundred seventy-five until four September four hundred seventy-six. Ascending to the throne as a minor, he was largely a figurehead, placed there by his father Orestes, the magister militum. His brief rule lasted only ten months, ending with the defeat of Orestes by the barbarian general Odoacer, who subsequently deposed Romulus.

Romulus's reign is marked by a lack of significant records, policies, or laws, leading historians to view him as a relatively inconsequential figure in the annals of history. His nickname, Augustulus, translates to 'little Augustus,' a derisive nod to his youth and perceived inadequacy. Despite his short-lived rule, Romulus's deposition is often cited as a pivotal moment marking the transition from antiquity to the medieval period.

Born around four hundred sixty-two, Romulus came to power following the usurpation of his predecessor, Julius Nepos, who fled to Dalmatia and continued to claim the imperial title in exile. This situation hampered Romulus's legitimacy, as he was never recognized by the Eastern Roman emperor Zeno. The political landscape shifted dramatically in four hundred seventy-six when the allied barbarian foederati in Italy demanded land, a request that Orestes denied, leading to his downfall.

After his deposition, Romulus's life was spared by Odoacer, allowing him to retire to the castellum Lucullanum in Campania. Very little is known about his life in exile, though he may have been involved in founding a monastery dedicated to Saint Severinus of Noricum in the late four hundred eighty or early four hundred ninety. Historical records suggest he could have lived until as late as five hundred eleven, when Theodoric the Great wrote to a 'Romulus' regarding a pension, although it is likely he passed away before reaching his mid-forties.