Battle of Mainz (406)

For the battle fought in 1795 in the French Revolutionary Wars, see Battle of Mainz.

Battle of Mainz

Part of the Roman-Germanic wars

Date	406
Location	Mainz, modern Germany
Result	Vandalic victory

Belligerents

Franks

Vandals
Suevi
Alans

Commanders and leaders

unknown

Godigisel †
Respendial

Strength

unknown

Casualties and losses

unknown

30,000 Vandals dead

Fall of the Western Roman Empire

Adrianople Pollentia Verona Florence Faesulae Moguntiacum Crossing of the Rhine Rome (410) Nervasos Mountains Narbonne Catalaunian Plains (Chalons) Aquileia Rome (455) Arelate Cartagena Orleans Cap Bon Ravenna

The Battle of Mainz was fought between the Franks and an alliance of Vandals, Suevi and Alans and took place on 31 December 406. The battle was won by the Vandals and Alans, and cleared the way for their invasion of Gaul.

The battle is briefly described by Gregory of Tours in his History of the Franks. According to his account, the Franks ambushed the Hasdingi Vandals as they were crossing the Rhine, and killed their king, Godigisel. The Vandals were rescued by the Alans under Respendial, who drove back the Franks.