Majorian, who had ruled as Roman emperor since 457, was a reform-minded leader known for his efforts to bolster the military and restore the Western Roman Empire's fading authority. However, his reign faced significant challenges, particularly from powerful military leaders like Ricimer, who held considerable influence over the imperial throne. Ricimer, a Suebian general who had become a de facto power broker in the imperial court, sought to control the political landscape by removing those he viewed as threats. Majorian's policy to strengthen the Roman military and recover lost territories, though ambitious, made him unpopular with various factions, including the ruling elite who feared centralization of power under his regime.In the summer of 461, as tensions escalated between Majorian and Ricimer, the emperor traveled through northern Italy and was apprehended near Tortona. Ricimer's forces overpowered Majorian's loyal guards, marking a decisive maneuver in the deteriorating power struggle that characterized the late Roman Empire. Following his arrest, Majorian was deposed and effectively rendered a puppet emperor, leading to a notable shift in authority as Ricimer began to influence the political landscape more openly. This power play highlighted the emerging trend of military leaders exercising control over the imperial office, reducing the emperor's autonomy.The ramifications of Majorian's downfall extended beyond immediate political implications; it exemplified the fragmentation of imperial power. With the Western Roman Empire increasingly reliant on military strongmen, the erosion of centralized authority became evident, contributing to the decline of the empire. Majorian’s attempts at reviving Roman fortunes through military campaigns went unfulfilled as Ricimer's regime set the stage for further instability in the region.