Flavio Aecio, la última esperanza de Occidente

Abstract

RESUMEN La vida de Flavio Aecio, general romano del s. V, se ha mantenido estrechamente ligada a los últimos éxitos del Imperio Occidental. Su figura, reconocida en la Historia por haber obtenido la victoria frente Atila en la decisiva batalla de los Campos Cataláunicos, está llena de matices y destaca como uno de los hombres más poderosos de su tiempo. Gran estratega, sus decisiones militares, no obstante, fueron criticadas en su tiempo y han dado origen a variadas interpretaciones en la historiografía moderna; en particular por su vocación de aliarse con los enemigos de Roma para salvar lo que quedaba de ella. Apoyado en las tribus bárbaras, siendo los hunos sus principales aliados, logró obtener numerosas victorias en la Galia, a la vez que buscaba dar soluciones a los muchos problemas militares y políticos que asolaban Occidente. El objetivo de este Trabajo de Fin de Grado es estudiar la figura de Aecio desde su infancia hasta su asesinato en el 454, por orden de Valentiniano III, atendiendo en particular a su papel en la defensa del Imperio romano de Occidente. Para ello, nos valdremos de las fuentes antiguas, que son relativamente numerosas, y de la historiografía moderna.

ABSTRACT The life of Flavius Aetius, a Roman general of the 5th century, has remained closely linked to the last fate of the Western Empire. His figure, recognised in history for his victory over Attila in the decisive battle of the Catalaunian plane, is full of nuances and Aetius stands out as one of the most powerful men of his time. A great strategist, his military decisions, however, were criticised in his time and have given rise to various interpretations in modern historiography, particularly for his desire to ally himself with Rome's enemies in order to save what remained of Rome. Supported by the barbarian tribes, the Huns being his main allies, he managed to win numerous victories in Gaul, while at the same time seeking solutions to the many military and political problems that plagued the West. The aim of this Final Degree Project is to study the life and actions of Aetius from his childhood until his assassination in 454, by order of the Emperor Valentinian III, paying attention to his role in the defense of the Western Roman Empire. To do so, we will make use of ancient sources, which are relatively numerous, and of modern historiography.