Vandals Cross to Africa - Rome's Grain Supply Cut
Gaiseric was among the most formidable leaders of the Migration Period. He recognized that North Africa, the breadbasket of the Western Roman Empire, offered more strategic value than impoverished Hispania. In 429 CE Gaiseric crossed the Strait of Gibraltar with approximately 80,000 people. Once in Africa they moved eastward rapidly, besieging Hippo Regius (where Augustine of Hippo died during the siege in 430 CE) and overwhelming Roman defenses. A treaty in 435 CE gave the Vandals Numidia and Mauretania as federates. Then in 439 CE Gaiseric broke the treaty and seized Carthage itself. The loss of Africa strangled the Western Roman government. Tax revenues collapsed. The army could no longer be paid. Western emperors became increasingly dependent on Germanic generals.
- Year: 429 CE
- Category: Military
