The article turns to the deeds of Flavius Aetius, one of the brightest military leaders in the history of the Western Roman Empire who was called "the last Roman" by a number of his contemporaries and later annalists. The author attempts to single out the main social groups and the powers on which Flavius Aetius relied upon in his military and political activities. As a result of the analysis a conclusion has been made that social basis for the power of the army commander was considerably broad, especially in Gallia. He was supported by the majority of Italic and Gallic-Roman aristocracy, in Gallia the principals and some petty and large landowners were in his favour. However, the imperiality and some Italic aristocrats holding the highest court and civil posts of the Empire opposed Flavius Aetius; but they had to put up with his might as his activity highly contributed to the strengthening of the Empire. Besides, he could use Hunnish cavalry and relied on numerous military escort (bucellarii).

Key words: Social foundations, political influence, Flavius Aetius, Western Roman Empire, Gallia, Italic and Gallic aristocracy, imperiality, Ravenna’s court, principals, petty and large landowners, Barbarians, Hunns, military escort (bucellarii).