Carinus vs Honorius

Carinus was proclaimed co-emperor with his brother Numerian after the death of their father Carus. Carinus ruled the Western provinces from Rome while Numerian governed the East. His reign was marked by alleged cruelty and debauchery, contributing to his unpopularity with the army.

Carinus defeated the usurper Marcus Aurelius Julianus, who had proclaimed himself emperor in Pannonia after Numerian's death. The victory secured Carinus's control over the Western provinces and eliminated a rival before his confrontation with Diocletian.

Carinus led his army against the forces of Diocletian at the Battle of the Margus River in Moesia. Despite initial success, Carinus was killed by his own officers during the battle, possibly due to his unpopularity. His death ended the line of emperors from the Crisis of the Third Century.

Honorius ordered the execution of his magister militum Stilicho, who had effectively ruled the Western Empire. Stilicho was accused of treason and executed, leading to the massacre of barbarian soldiers' families and weakening Roman defenses.

The Visigoths under King Alaric sacked the city of Rome, the first time in 800 years that the city had fallen to a foreign enemy. Honorius, residing in Ravenna, failed to prevent the sack, which shocked the Roman world.

Honorius wrote to the cities of Britain telling them to look to their own defense, effectively ending Roman rule in Britain. This withdrawal allowed Anglo-Saxon settlement and the formation of early medieval kingdoms.