Siege of Rome (472)

The siege of Rome was fought between supporters of the Western Roman general Ricimer and the Western Roman emperor Anthemius. Ricimer had previously established Anthemius as emperor, but later fell out with his nominee and attacked Rome. With the help of his Burgundian allies and the Germanic warrior Odoacer, Ricimer laid siege to Rome. After a five month siege and the defeat of a relief army from Gaul commanded by Bilimer, the city fell to Ricimer. Anthemius was captured and executed on 11 July, but Ricimer himself died of disease on 19 August. Four years later, Odoacer established himself as King of Italy.