The Last Soldiers of Rome: Vexillatio, 476 A.D.

In 476 AD, the Western Roman Empire collapsed. The emperor was deposed in Ravenna, and the military defense fell apart. The only remaining Roman force was a small garrison at Duro Catalaunum, a border outpost. This group, called the Vexillatio, was made up of the last Roman soldiers, from the Liris River region in Italy, and was strongly supported by General Marcellino. They were ready for the imminent attack, as barbarian hordes ravaged nearby villages, and Duro Catalaunum was next in line. The Vexillatio was severely outnumbered, especially after the Legion V Ferrata was destroyed by the Erulian general Rudulfus, whose army was advancing toward them. Centurion Vitinio Aurunco and his fellow legionaries, though outmatched, were battle-hardened and highly trained. Rudulfus, relentless in his pursuit, would not give them respite, forcing the soldiers to endure grueling marches, naval storms, and continuous combat. Their ultimate goal was to return home to the Liris River, hoping for peace, but Rudulfus would chase them across the empire’s borders.