The Life of Augustine of Hippo
Part Three: The Pelagian Crisis (411–430)
Edited By Frederick Van Fleteren
Article 332: Count Boniface (2)
Extract
ARTICLE 332
Count Boniface (2)
Count Boniface’s affairs had changed remarkably over the last decade. In 417 Boniface was occupied in fighting the Vandals in Africa. Augustine and Alypius had advised him to remain in this task to serve God and the Church in that position while resolving to live in continence and not to seek secular grandeur or wealth. In 422 Boniface followed General Castin to Spain to fight the Vandals.1 Doubtless his military experience prevented a Vandal victory. However, Boniface feared General Castin’s pride. He retired to Porto and thence to Africa. One scholar thinks pressure to return to Rome was a factor.2 According to Prosper, his retreat was a source of discontent in the empire.
Whatever the case, this discontent did not occur immediately. On the contrary, at the beginning of 423 Placidia3 was obliged to retreat to Constantinople.4 History praises Boniface for being faithful to her. He returned to Africa where he commanded her troops as count. Placidia sent him the financial support his command required. After Honorius’ death in August, 423 Boniface helped Placidia gain control of the Western empire of which John5 had previously been in control.6 John sent troops to Africa in 424 in an attempt to rule the land. However, he had to reduce his forces, was defeated, and in the end killed in 425. Valentinian III was declared emperor in Rome October 23, 425 under the protection of Placidia his mother. Boniface was ordered to...
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