September 21, 454, while Flavius Aetius was at court in Ravenna delivering a financial account, Valentinian III suddenly blamed Aetius for the empire's troubles and accused him of trying to steal the empire from him. When Aetius attempted to defend himself from the charges, Valentinian drew his sword and together with Heraclius, struck Aetius on the head, killing him instantly.
Illustration created for Desperta Ferro Especiales n.º 25: La legión romana (VII). El ocaso del Imperio