Battle of Cartagena
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The Battle of Cartagena occurred on May 13, 461, and was part of the Wars of Majorian.
[edit] Background
in 457 the Roman general Majorian succeeded to the throne of the Roman Empire (Which at this time only controlled Italy). Majorian immediately set about restoring the empire to its former boundaries. in 458 he invaded France and defeated Theodoric II of the Visigoths, briefly restoring Roman rule to southern France. Majorian then began to assemble a fleet at Cartagena, Spain, with which he intended to invade the Vandal Kingdom in North Africa.
[edit] The battle
By Spring 461, Majorian had 40 ships already built, and he would have had another 5 ships ready by autumn. The Vandals decided to strike before the Roman navy became unbeatable. On May 13, a fleet of 17 Vandal ships surprised the Romans in an attack. Many of the Roman captains had been bribed, and switched sides. The Roman navy was totally destroyed, ending any hope the Romans had of reconquering north Africa.
