In a dramatic turn of events, Majorian, who had served as the Western Roman Emperor since 457, found himself in a precarious position as his authority began to be undermined by the powerful military leader, Ricimer. Ricimer, the magister militum, had initially supported Majorian but grew increasingly disenchanted due to the emperor's failed military campaigns, including his inability to reclaim territories lost to barbarian invasions and maintain peace within the empire. The empire was reeling from internal strife and external threats, leading to dissatisfaction among the military ranks. On this fateful day, Majorian was captured, marking the culmination of a turbulent relationship between him and Ricimer, who believed that the emperor had become expendable. Ricimer arranged for Majorian's execution to eliminate a rival and solidify his own power. The beheading occurred near the river Iria, an area that became a silent witness to the demise of a ruler who had once held promise. Majorian's death was a significant moment, reflecting the declining power of the Western Roman emperors and the military's increasing dominance in political affairs. Ricimer's actions signified a stark transition in the governance of the empire, where military leaders exercised greater control over imperial decisions, a trend that would lead to the eventual downfall of Roman authority in the West. Majorian’s reign, although brief, was characterized by attempts to restore the glory of Rome, thrusting his execution into the annals of a troubled period in Roman history.