latin born died apparently alive late emperor alleged reigning october september deposition traditionally marks end fall ancient rome beginning middle ages western_europe known nickname ruled officially latin effectively means little historical record contains details life proclaimed emperor father master soldiers roman army forcing emperor leave italy little child acted father rule reigned months legitimacy authority disputed italy soon deposed defeated executed sent live disappears historical record life father roman citizen originally served secretary diplomat later rose ranks roman army future emperor named maternal grandfather nobleman historians noted coincidence western emperor bore names legendary founder king rome emperor appointed shortly appointment launched rebellion captured capital august fled uncle ruled semi autonomous state refused emperor secret motive said historian instead installed son throne october empire ruled shadow self significantly previous years imperial authority retreated italian borders parts southern respectively eastern roman empire treated western counterpart client state died appointed western emperors constantinople recognized new government generals fighting eastern throne time accession accepted ruler father decisions left monuments coins bearing rome milan months took power coalition mercenaries demanded land italy refused tribes revolted leadership captured near august swiftly executed advanced capturing city young emperor compelled throne september act cited end deposition cause significant disruption time rome lost provinces germans dominated roman army generals like long real powers throne italy suffer far greater devastation century emperor behalf sent representatives asked formally reunite halves empire west longer required emperor monarch world asked administrator italy pointed senate requested throne nonetheless agreed requests ruled italy later life ultimate fate mystery wrote taking pity youth spared life granted annual pension sending live relatives comes exiled mention financial support king sources agree took residence villa naples castle originally built grand sea house 1st century fortified century contemporary histories fall silent history decline fall roman empire notes disciples invited lady bring body villa probably villa converted monastery hold saint remains secretary great wrote letter confirming pension translator works wrote surely possible letter person western emperor letter match description coup alive early sixth century supply details correspondent size nature pension history period earlier work makes mention pension emperor alleged claimed hold legally title emperor took power contemporaries willing support cause ran away historians regard ruled murdered western roman emperor following coup roman senate sent letter stating majesty sole monarch sufficient protect time east west told senate sovereign press point accepted imperial insignia brought senate popular culture film legion novel based includes heavily fictionalized account reign subsequent life escaping captivity aid small band loyal romans reaches britain eventually marvel comics character known real originates ancient rome play great historical comedy reign end west
Romulus Augustulus