Vandal Kingdom: the story on HearLore

Vandal Kingdom

In 429 AD, an estimated 80,000 Vandals and Alans crossed the strait from Hispania to North Africa. They used boats to make this dangerous journey across the water. Procopius recorded that these people numbered around 80,000 when they moved. Peter Heather estimates their army could have fielded between 15,000 and 20,000 soldiers. The migration began under King Gaiseric, a Vandalic warlord who led them eastward along the African coast. They laid siege to Hippo Regius in 430, where Saint Augustine prayed for relief from the Arian Christian invaders. The city fell after 14 months of hunger and disease ravaging both sides. The Vandals made Carthage their capital in 439 after capturing it without a fight while most inhabitants attended races at the hippodrome.

Grain And Revenue

North Africa had been a major source of grain for Rome before the Vandal conquest. Josephus noted that northern Africa fed Rome for eight months of the year. The remaining four months came from Egypt. This trade disruption became known as the greatest single blow to the Western Roman Empire. The treaty of 442 seemed to ensure grain shipments continued, but hostilities broke out again soon after. Romans placed high priority on recovering North Africa to regain control of grain supplies. The capture of this region deprived Rome of taxes and food sources essential for survival. Archaeological evidence shows African red slip ware was discovered across the Mediterranean during the Vandal period. This suggests economic activity continued despite political changes. Trade levels declined overall in the 5th century across the Mediterranean basin.

When did the Vandals cross from Hispania to North Africa?

The Vandals crossed the strait from Hispania to North Africa in 429 AD. Procopius recorded that these people numbered around 80,000 when they moved.

What happened during the Vandal sack of Rome on the 2nd of June 455?

Gaiseric sacked Rome while rescuing Empress Licinia Eudoxia and her daughters. The event earned the Vandals association with senseless destruction through the noun vandalism.

How many ships were part of the Roman fleet attempting to conquer Africa in 468?

Primary sources suggest the fleet numbered 1,113 ships carrying 100,000 men though modern historians reject these figures. Andy Merrills and Richard Miles assert the operation deserved admiration for its logistical brilliance.

Why did the Vandals persecute Nicene Christians in North Africa?

From their invasion of North Africa in 429 onward, the Vandals persecuted Nicene Christians in favor of Arianism. These policies aimed to keep followers united under control wherever they interacted with Nicenes.

When did King Gelimer surrender to Byzantines at Mount Pappua?

In 534 Gelimer surrendered to Byzantines while besieged at Mount Pappua by Herulian General Pharas. As distinct ethnic unit they disappeared either by fleeing to Spain or absorption into North African population.

Vandal Kingdom

Grain And Revenue

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Common questions

When did the Vandals cross from Hispania to North Africa?

What happened during the Vandal sack of Rome on the 2nd of June 455?

How many ships were part of the Roman fleet attempting to conquer Africa in 468?

Why did the Vandals persecute Nicene Christians in North Africa?

When did King Gelimer surrender to Byzantines at Mount Pappua?

Sack Of Rome

Faith And Persecution

Fire Ships At Sea

Roman Structures

Final Conquest