379-395
Chosen to rule the East after the disaster at
Adrianople, Theodosius was a great commander who
first defeated the Goths, then the rebellions of Magnus Maximus and Eugenius, before dying
in 395. His sons Arcadius and Honorius were unworthy heirs to their redoubtable
father. Theodosius was an ardent Christian, and his reign saw the destruction of many
pagan monuments, including the famous Museum of Alexandria and its great library. |
Flavius Theodosius
Emperor 379-395Theodosius,
born ca. 346, son of the famous Count Theodosius, who saved Britain from Picts and Saxons
in the reign of Valentinian I, was selected to rule the East after Adrianople. No sooner
had he brought the East under control than he was confronted with the rebellion of Maximus
and the death of Gratian. In 388 he defeated Maximus, later suppressing the revolt of
Eugenius after the death of Valentinian II. Theodosius died shortly after this last
victory.
Relatives depicted on coins:
Aelia Flaccila - wife |
Magnus Clemens
Maximus
Emperor 383-388 Maximus,
a romantic character immortalized in "Puck of Pook's Hill," was a general in
Britain when his discontented troops proclaimed him Emperor. He invaded Gaul and overthrew
Gratian, but his invasion of Italy aroused Theodosius, who supported Valentinian II and
proved to be the better general, smashing Maximus at Poetovio. Maximus was executed July
28, 388. |
Flavius Victor
Emperor
387-388 Son of Maximus, he was made Augustus in 387 and left in command of
Gaul while Maximus invaded Italy. After the defeat and execution of his father, he was
taken prisoner and executed. |
Eugenius
Emperor
392-394 After
the overthrow of Valentinian II, Arbogastes chose the Master of Offices, Eugenius,
to assume the purple. He was but a puppet of Arbogastes, and after the latter was defeated
in 394, Eugenius was executed by Theodosius. |
