Battle of Mainz (406)

The Battle of Mainz was fought between the Franks, who at the time were allies of the Roman Empire, and an alliance of Vandals, Suevi, and Alans and took place on 31 December 406. The battle was won by the Vandals and Alans, and cleared the way for their invasion of Gaul.

For the battle fought in 1795 in the French Revolutionary Wars, see Battle of Mainz.

Battle of Mainz
Part of the Roman-Germanic wars
Date AD 406 Location Moguntiacum, Germania Superior (modern Mainz) Result Vandalic victory
Belligerents
Frankish foederati	Vandals Suevi Alans
Commanders and leaders
Unknown	Godigisel † Respendial
Strength
Unknown	Unknown
Casualties and losses
Unknown	Unknown

The battle is briefly described by Gregory of Tours in his History of the Franks. According to his account, the Franks ambushed the Hasdingi Vandals as they were crossing the Rhine and killed their king, Godigisel. The Vandals were rescued by the Alans under Respendial, who drove back the Franks.