Marcellan conspiracy

The Marcellan conspiracy was a political plot in late 456 or early 457 AD in the Praetorian [Prefecture of Gaul], during the period of instability following the overthrow of the Western [Roman Empire|Western Roman] emperor Avitus by the general Ricimer. The conspiracy is primarily known from the writings of Sidonius Apollinaris, a Gallo-Roman aristocrat and poet, who briefly alludes to it in his letters. Though the details remain obscure, it appears to have been an attempt to seize imperial power or establish a rival faction against the growing influence of Ricimer.