Classical Numismatics Discussion Members' Coin Collection Photo Gallery

Image search results - "arcadius"

AE3, Constantinople mint, 395-401 AD
Obverse: DN ARCADIVS PF AVG, Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Reverse: VIRTVS EXERCITI, Emperor standing facing in military uniform, being crowned from behind by Victory.
CONSB in exergue
RIC 60
17mm, 2.1gms.
Jerome Holderman

Arcadius Æ3. RIC IX 97 Antioch mint, 401-403 AD. D N
ARCADIVS P F AVG, helmeted bust facing 3/4
right, holding spear & shield decorated with cross
/ CONCORDIA AVGG, Constantinopolis enthroned
facing, head right, foot on prow, holding scepter &
Victory on globe, ANTG in ex. LRBC 2797.
Coin #129
cars100

Arcadius Æ3. Antioch mint, 401-403 AD. D N
ARCADIVS P F AVG, helmeted bust facing 3/4
right, holding spear & shield decorated with cross
/ CONCORDIA AVGG, Constantinopolis enthroned
facing, head right, foot on prow, holding scepter &
Victory on globe, ANTG in ex. LRBC 2797.
Coin #148
cars100

Antonivs Protti

Antonivs Protti

Antonivs Protti

Arcadius AE2. 392-395 AD. D N ARCADIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped bust right / GLORIA ROMANORVM, emperor standing facing, head right, holding standard and globeAntonivs Protti

ARCADIUS. 383-408 AD. Nicomedia mint. AE2.
Ovb: Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right. D N ARCADIVS P F AVG .
Rev: GLORIA ROMANORVM, emperor standing facing, head right, holding labarum and globe. In exergue SMNB.
RIC 46bAntonivs Protti

Arcadius, Heraclea RIC 27b, 383-395 CE & 395-408 CE
Arcadius AE2
Obverse - D N ARCADIVS P F AVG. Pearl diademed, draped & cuirassed bust right.
Reverse - GLORIA ROMANORVM. Emperor standing , head right, holding labarum and globe.
SMHB in ex. Heraclea Mint 21 mm diam. desert patinaNORMAN K

Arcadius, AE2, RIC IX 53b Constantinople 383-395 CE & 395-408 CEObverse: D N ARCADIVS P F AVG, pearl diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right, holding spear, crowned by hand of god above.
Reverse: GLORIA ROMANORVM, Emperor standing facing, head left, holding standard in left hand and resting right hand on shield, captive at feet to the left.
CONR* in ex. Constantinople mint 23.9 mm., 6.1 g.NORMAN K

Arcadius, AE3, RIC IX 70 Antioch Obverse: DN ARCADI-VS PF AVG, pearl diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right.
Reverse: VIRTVS-EXERCITI, Emperor standing left, head right, holding spear and resting left hand on shield. Victory, standing beside him crowns him with a wreath which she holds in her right hand.
Mintmark ANTA Antioch, 17.2 mm, 1.6 g.NORMAN K

Arcadius-Aquileia-RIC47d-2AE4, Aquileia mint 383-388AD
Obverse: DN ARCADIVS PF AVG, Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Reverse:VICTORIA AVGGG, Two Victories facing with wreaths.
SMAQS in exergue
RIC 47d
13mm, 1.4 gms.
Jerome Holderman

Arcadius-Siscia-RIC 39cArcadius, AE4, 383-408 AD, Siscia mint.
Obv: DN ARCADI-VS PF AVG, Diademmed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: VICTORIA AVGGG, Victory advancing left with Wreath and palm.
BSIS in exergue, RIC 39c
13mm, 1.3 gm. Jerome Holderman

(0383) ARCADIUS383 - 408 AD
Struck 383 - 388 AD
AE 23 mm 4.71 g
O: DN ARCADIVS PF AVG
DIAD DR CUIR BUST R HOLDING SPEAR, CROWNED BY HAND OF GOD ABOVE
R: GLORIA ROMANORVM
ARCADIUS STANDING FACING, HEAD L, HOLDING CHI-RHO STANDARD & SHIELED, CAPTIVE TO LEFT
SMNB IN EXE
NICOMEDIAlaney

(0383) ARCADIUS383 - 408 AD
(struck ca. 395-401)
AE 17.5 mm 2.65 g
O: DN ARCADIVS PF AVG
DIAD DR CUIR BUST R
R: VIRTVS EXERCITI
ARCADIUS STANDING L HOLDING SPEAR AND RESTING HAND ON SHIELD, BEING CROWNED BY VICTORY, PELLET IN R FIELD
SMHA IN EXE
HERACLEAlaney

(0383) ARCADIUS383 - 408 AD
Struck 395-401 AD
AE 17 mm 2.15 g
Obverse: DN ARCADIVS PF AVG, Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right
Reverse: VIRTVS EXERCITI, Emperor standing with Labarum and shield, Victory Crowning from the right
SMKB IN EXE
CYZICUS mint

laney

(0383) ARCADIUS383 - 408 AD
AE 22 mm max. 4.44 g
O: D N ARCADI-VS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right
R: GLORIA-ROMANORVM, emperor standing facing holding labarum
in right hand and globe in left.
SMK Gamma in exe
Cyzicus
RIC IX Cyzicus 27b
laney

(0383) ARCADIUS383 - 408 AD
AE 13 mm 0.85 g
O: DN ARCADIVS PF AVG, pearl diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right
R: SALVS REIPVBLICAE, Victory advancing left holding trophy over right shoulder and dragging captive, chi-rho in left field. laney

(0383) ARCADIUSAE 14 mm 2.00 glaney

(0383) ARCADIUS383-408 AD
(struck 388 AD)
AE 12.75 mm, 1.16 g
O: DN ARCADIVS PF AVG Pearl Diademed, draped and cuiriassed bust r.
R: VOT V
VOT V in laurel wreath;
SMK[] in exe.
Cyzicus mint

laney

(0383) ARCADIUS383 - 408 AD
AE 13 mm 1.06 g
O: Pearl diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right
R: Victory advancing left holding trophy over right shoulder and dragging captive, chi-rho in left field.
laney

(0383) ARCADIUS383 - 408 AD
AE 13 mm; 1.58 g
O: DN ARCADIVS P F AVG, Small laureate draped cuirassed bust right
R: VOT / V within laurel wreathlaney

(0383) ARCADIUS383 - 408
struck 392-395 AD
AE 22.5 mm max; 5.01 g
O: D N ARCADIVS P F AVG, pearl diademed, draped & cuirassed bust right
R: GLORIA ROMANORVM, emperor standing facing, head right holding labarum & globe; star to right; SMHA in ex.
Heraclea mint; RIC IX 27blaney

(0383) ARCADIUS383-408 AD
AE4 13 mm, 1.50 g
O: Diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right
R: VOT V in two lines within wreathlaney

(0383) ARCADIUS383-408 AD
AE4 13 mm, 1.12 g
O:DN ARCADIVS PF AVG Diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right
R: VOT V in two lines within wreath, SMHA in exe.
Heraclea mintlaney

(0383) ARCADIUS383-408 AD
AE4 13 mm, 1.38 g
O: DN ARCADIVS PF AVG Diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right
R: VOT V in two lines within wreathlaney

(0383) ARCADIUS383-408 AD
AE4 13 mm, 1.58 g
O: Diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right
R: VOT V in two lines within wreath laney

(0383) ARCADIUS383-408 AD
AE4 14 mm max., 0.81 g
O: DN ARCADIVS PF AVG Diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right
R: VOT V in two lines within wreathlaney

(0383) ARCADIUS383-408 AD
AE4 13 mm, 1.25 g
O: DN ARCADIVS PF AVG Diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right
R: VOT X MVLT XX in four lines within wreathlaney

(0383) ARCADIUS383 - 408 AD
struck 401-403 AD
AE 16 mm, 2.71 g
O: DN ARCADIVS PF AVG, diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust of Arcadius facing, holding spear and a shield decorated with a cross.
R: CONCORDIA AVGG, Constantinopolis enthroned facing, head turned right, holding a scepter and Victory on a globe, right foot resting on a prow; ANTΓ in exergue.
Antiochia mintlaney

(0383) ARCADIUS388-392
AE 13 mm, 1.44 g
O: DN ARCADIVS P F AVG Pearl-diademed and draped bust right
R: SALVS REIPVBLICAE Victory advancing l. carrying trophy and dragging captive; Christogram in l. field laney

(0383) ARCADIUS383 - 408 AD
Struck 395-401 AD
AE 17,5 mm 2.81 g
Obverse: DN ARCADIVS PF AVG, Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right
Reverse: VIRTVS EXERCITI, Emperor standing with Labarum and shield, Victory Crowning from the rightlaney

(0401) AELIA EUDOXIA(wife of Arcadius)
401 - 404 AD
STRUCK 401-4-3
AE 16X17.5 mm 2.96 g
O: AEL EVD[OXIA AVG], DRAPED BUST R, HAND OF GOD HOLDING WREATH ABOVE HEAD
R: VICTORY SEATED R INSCRIBING CHRISTOGRAM ON SHIELD SET ON COLUMN
ART GAMMA IN EXE
ANTIOCH, OFFICINA 3 RIC X 104laney

*SOLD*Arcadius AE4

Attribution: RIC 62 variant, Cohen 8, Thessalonica
Date: AD 383-388
Obverse: D N ARCADIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed & draped bust r.
Reverse: GLORIA REPVBLICE, camp gate with two turrets, Γ to l., TES in exergue
Size: 13 mmNoah

0059 Arcadius - AE 4Aquileia
388-393 AD
pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right
D N ARCADI_VS P F AVG
Victory advancing left, holding trophy and dragging captive
SALVS REI_PVBLICAE
(XP)
AQS
RIC IX Aquileia 58c
1,01g 10,5mmJ. B.

006 - Arcadius (383-408 AD) AE 3 - RIC 25cObv: DN ARCADIVS PF AVG, pearl-diademed, draped & cuirassed bust right.
Rev: VIRTVS EXERCITI, Arcadius standing facing, holding spear and leaning on shield, being crowned with wreath by Victory standing left, also holding palm branch.
Minted in Cyzicus (SMKB in exe), second officina, 395-401 AD.pierre_p77

015 - Arcadius (383-408 AD), AE 2 - RIC 15Obv: D N ARCAD-IVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right, holding spear and shield in front. Above, hand of God holding wreath.
Rev: GLORIA RO-MANORVM, Emperor standing facing, head left, holding standard and resting on shield, kneeling captive to left.
Minted in Cyzicus (SMK delta in exe), 4th officina, 383 AD.
22 mm in diam, 3,9 g. 1 commentspierre_p77

0383) ARCADIUS383 - 408 AD
Struck 395-401 AD
AE 10.5 mm, 0.65 g
Obverse: Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right
Reverse: Emperor standing with Labarum and shield, [Victory Crowning from the right, off flan]laney

104b. Aelia FlaccillaWife of Theodosius I and mother of Arcadius and Honorius.
lawrence c

107a. ArcadiusEastern Augustus
Co-Augustus under Theodosius January 383- January 395
Sole reign in East January 395 - May 408.

Named co-emperor at age 5 with father Theodosius. Made emperor of East, with capital at Constantinople. Age 17 when Theodosius died. Very weak ruler, with most power exercised by his wife and ministers.lawrence c

107a001. ArcadiusAE2 (21 mm, 4.69 g). Antioch mint. DN ARCADIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right, holding spear and shield, hand of God above / GLORIA ROMANORVM, emperor standing facing holding labarum and resting left hand on shield; kneeling captive to left; cross to left. T in right field. Mintmark star ANTS. RIC IX Antioch 41a. Agora Auc 2 (2023), Lot 539.

lawrence c

107a01. ArcadiusAE2. Heraclea (Marmara Ereglisi, Turkey) mint. 5.173g. 22.0mm. Obverse D N ARCADIVS P F AVG, pearl diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right, spear in right hand, shield on left arm, hand of God above offering diadem; reverse GLORIA ROMANORVM (glory of the Romans), emperor standing facing, head left, labarum in right hand, resting left hand on grounded shield at side, captive kneeling right on left, SMHA in exergue. RIC IX Heraclea 12, LRBC II 1955. From the Errett Bishop Collection. A FORUM coin.lawrence c

107a02. ArcadiusAE2. 22.6mm, 4.68 g. 3rd officina, Nicomedia (Izmit, Turkey) 25 Aug 383 - 28 Aug 388 A.D. Obv: D N ARCADIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right. Rev: VIRTVS EXERCITI (courage of the army), emperor standing right, left foot on captive, vexillum behind in right, globe in left hand, SMNΓ in exergue. RIC IX Nicomedia 44(c)2. A FORUM coin.lawrence c

107a03. ArcadiusAE4 of Antioch. AD 395-401. Obv: DN ARCADIVS PF AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right. Rev: VIRTVS-EXERCITI, emperor standing left, head right, holding spear, resting left hand on shield. Victory crowns him with a wreath held in her right hand. Mintmark ANTA. RIC X 70; Sear 20832lawrence c

107a04. ArcadiusAE3. 18mm, 2.19 g. Constantinople, AD 395-401. Obv: D N ARCADI-VS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right. Rev: VIRTVS EXERCITI, Emperor standing front and holding spear and resting hand on shield, with head turned right while Victory crowns him with wreath. Mintmark CONS[?]. RIC X 60, LRBC 2205.lawrence c

107a05. ArcadiusAE4. 14mm, 1.69 g. Constantinople. 392-395 AD. Obv: DN ARCADI-VS PF AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right. Rev: GLORIA-ROMANORVM, emperor on horseback trotting right, horse has one foreleg off the ground. Mintmark CONS gamma. RIC IX Constantinople 89b var (officina).lawrence c

107a06. ArcadiusAE3. 17mm, 2.39 g. Cyzicus mint. 401-403 AD. Obv: D N ARCADIVS P F AVG, helmeted, diademed and cuirassed bust facing, holding spear and shield. Rev: CONCORDIA AVGG, Constantinopolis seated facing, head right, holding Victory on globe and sceptre, right foot on stern of a galley. Mintmark SMKA. RIC X 94.lawrence c

107a07. ArcadiusAE4. 12mm, 1.36 g. Obv: D N ARCADIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right. Rev: SALVS REI-PVBLICAE, Victory walking left holding trophy over right shoulder and dragging captive. Chi-Rho in left field. Mintmark off flan.lawrence c

107a08. ArcadiusAE4. 12mm, 1.40 g. Obv: D N ARCADIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right. Rev: SALVS REI-PVBLICAE, Victory walking left holding trophy over right shoulder and dragging captive. Chi-Rho in left field. Mintmark ANT Γ. RIC IX 67d.

Coin Note: Partially stripped patina.lawrence c

107a09. ArcadiusAE3. 16mm, 2.33 g. Obv: DN ARCADI-VS PF AVG, helmeted bust facing, spear across shoulder, holding shield decorated with cross. Rev: CONCORDIA AVGG, Constantinopolis enthroned facing, foot on prow, head right, holding sceptre. and Victory on globe. Mintmark ANTΓ. RIC IX 97.lawrence c

107a10. ArcadiusAE2. 20mm, 4.72 g. Heraclea mint. 392-395 AD. Obv: D N ARCADIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right. Rev: GLORIA ROMANORVM, Emperor standing to the front, head right, holding labarum and globe. No field marks. Mintmark SMHB. RIC IX 27b.lawrence c

107a11. ArcadiusAE4. 12mm, 1.36 g. Obv: D N ARCADIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right. Rev: SALVS REI-PVBLICAE, Victory walking left holding trophy over right shoulder and dragging captive. Chi-Rho in left field. Mintmark off flan.lawrence c

107a12. ArcadiusAe4. Heraclea. Obv: D N ARCADIVS P F AVG. Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right. Rev: SALVS REI PVBLICAE / SMHΔ.
Victory advancing left with trophy and dragging captive. RIC 26c. 1.41 g., 14 mm. Naumann Auc 113, Lot 865.
lawrence c

107b. EudoxiaAelia Eudoxia. Wife of Arcadius. Daughter of Frankish general. She controlled Arcadius during much of his reign. Died 404. Very pious Christian who influenced Arcadius in his religious edicts.lawrence c

108a. HonoriusWestern Augustus January 393-August 423.

Younger brother of Arcadius. Took control of West in 395 at age 10. Capital at Milan, then Ravenna. Under thumb of Vandal Magister Militum Stilicho. Rome sacked in 410. Died in 423, leaving no heir.lawrence c

109a. Theodosius IIEastern Empire
Co-Augustus under Arcadius 402 - 408
Sole Augustus 408 - 450

Proclaimed as co-emperor in 402 as an infant by his father Arcadius. In 408 at age 7, he became sole emperor of the East. Actual power initially was wielded first by his praetorian praefect, then in 414 his older sister Pulcheria was proclaimed augusta and assumed practical power. Many border stresses and incursions. Very involved in religious controversies of the time. Killed in a riding accident in 450.lawrence c

12 - Personalities of the EmpireFlavius Victor, Arcadius, Eudoxia, Honorius, Gala Placidia, Johannes, Theodosius II, Aelia Pulcheria, Valentinianus III, Marcian, Leon I, Severus III, Zenon I and Anastasius I (pre-reform)mdelvalle

148a Arcadius. AE4 1.0gmobv: DN ARCADIVS PF AVG pearl dia. drp. cuir bust r.
ex: VICTOR_IA AVGG Victory adv. l. holding wreath and palm
ex: ASIShill132

148d Arcadius. AE4 1.4gmobv: DN ARCADIVS PF AVG pearl dia. drp. cuir. bust r.
rev: VOT/V in laur. wreath
ex: SMHAhill132

1503 Arcadius - AE Reduced CentenionalisAlexandria
c. 404-406 AD
pearl-didemed, draped and cuirassed bust right
D N ARCADIVS P F AVG
cross
CONCORDIA (A/N)VG
ALEA
RIC X 120
1,0g 10mmJ. B.

1505b, Theodosius I, 19 January 379 - 17 January 395 A.D. (Antioch)Theodosius I, 19 January 379 - 17 January 395 A.D. Bronze AE 3, RIC 44(b), VF, Antioch, 2.17g, 18.1mm, 180o, 9 Aug 378 - 25 Aug 383 A.D. Obverse: D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG, rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right; Reverse: CONCORDIA AVGGG, Constantinopolis enthroned facing, r. foot on prow, globe in l., scepter in r., Q and F at sides, ANTG in ex; scarce.

De Imperatoribus Romanis: An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Rulers and their Families

THEODOSIUS I (379-395 A.D.)
David Woods
University College of Cork

Origin and Early Career
Flavius Theodosius was born at Cauca in Spain in about 346 to Thermantia and Theodosius the Elder (so-called to distinguish him from his son). Theodosius the Elder was a senior military officer serving in the Western empire and rose to become the magister equitum praesentalis under the emperor Valentinian I from late 368 until his execution in early 375. As the son of a soldier, Theodosius was legally obliged to enter upon a military career. He seems to have served under his father during his expedition to Britain in 367/8, and was the dux Moesiae Primae by late 374. Unfortunately, great controversy surrounds the rest of his career until Gratian had him hailed as his imperial colleague in succession to the emperor Valens at Sirmium on 19 January 379. It is clear that he was forced to retire home to Spain only to be recalled to active service shortly thereafter, but the circumstances of his forced retirement are shrouded in mystery. His father was executed at roughly the same time, and much speculation has centred on the relationship between these events.

[For a very detailed and interesting discussion of the Foreign Policy of Theodosius and the Civil Wars that plagued his reign, please see http://www.roman-emperors.org/theo1.htm]

Family and Succession
Theodosius married twice. His first wife was the Spanish Aelia Flavia Flaccilla. She bore him Arcadius ca. 377, Honorius on 9 September 384, and Pulcheria ca. 385. Theodosius honoured her with the title of Augusta shortly after his accession, but she died in 386. In late 387 he married Galla, daughter of Valentinian I and full-sister of Valentinian II. She bore him Gratian ca. 388, Galla Placidia ca. 388/390, and died in childbirth in 394, together with her new-born son John. Of his two sons who survived infancy, he appointed Arcadius as Augustus on 19 January 383 and Honorius as Augustus on 23 January 393. His promotion of Arcadius as a full Augustus at an unusually young age points to his determination right from the start that one of his own sons should succeed him. He sought to strengthen Arcadius' position in particular by means of a series of strategic marriages whose purpose was to tie his leading "generals" irrevocably to his dynasty. Hence he married his niece and adoptive daughter Serena to his magister militum per Orientem Stilicho in 387, her elder sister Thermantia to a "general" whose name has not been preserved, and ca. 387 his nephew-in-law Nebridius to Salvina, daughter of the comes Africae Gildo. By the time of his death by illness on 17 January 395, Theodosius had promoted Stilicho from his position as one of the two comites domesticorum under his own eastern administration to that of magister peditum praesentalis in a western administration, in an entirely traditional manner, under his younger son Honorius. Although Stilicho managed to increase the power of the magister peditum praesentalis to the disadvantage of his colleague the magister equitum praesentalis and claimed that Theodosius had appointed him as guardian for both his sons, this tells us more about his cunning and ambition than it does about Theodosius' constitutional arrangements.

Theodosius' importance rests on the fact that he founded a dynasty which continued in power until the death of his grandson Theodosius II in 450. This ensured a continuity of policy which saw the emergence of Nicene Christianity as the orthodox belief of the vast majority of Christians throughout the middle ages. It also ensured the essential destruction of paganism and the emergence of Christianity as the religion of the state, even if the individual steps in this process can be difficult to identify. On the negative side, however, he allowed his dynastic interests and ambitions to lead him into two unnecessary and bloody civil wars which severely weakened the empire's ability to defend itself in the face of continued barbarian pressure upon its frontiers. In this manner, he put the interests of his family before those of the wider Roman population and was responsible, in many ways, for the phenomenon to which we now refer as the fall of the western Roman empire.

Copyright (C) 1998, David Woods.
Published: De Imperatoribus Romanis: An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Rulers and their Families http://www.roman-emperors.org/startup.htm. Used by permission.

There is a nice segue here, as we pick-up John Julius Norwich's summation of the reign of Theodosius, "Readers of this brief account of his career may well find themselves wondering, not so much whether he deserved the title of 'the Great' as how he ever came to acquire it in the first place. If so, however, they may also like to ask themselves another question: what would have been the fate of the Empire if, at that critical moment in its history after the battle of Adrianople, young Gratian had not called him from his Spanish estates and put the future of the East into his hands? . . . the probability is that the whole Empire of the East would have been lost, swallowed up in a revived Gothic kingdom, with effects on world history that defy speculation.

In his civil legislation he showed, again and again, a consideration for the humblest of his subjects that was rare indeed among rulers of the fourth century. What other prince would have decreed that any criminal, sentenced to execution, imprisonment or exile, must first be allowed thirty days' grace to put his affairs in order? Or that a specified part of his worldly goods must go to his children, upon whom their father's crimes must on no account be visited? Or that no farmer should be obliged to sell his produce to the State at a price lower than he would receive on the open market?

Had he earned his title? Not, perhaps, in the way that Constantine had done or as Justinian was to do. But, if not ultimately great himself, he had surely come very close to greatness; and had he reigned as long as they did his achievements might well have equalled theirs. He might even have saved the Western Empire. One thing only is certain: it would be nearly a century and a half before the Romans would look upon his like again" (Norwich, John Julius. Byzantium, the Early Centuries. London: Penguin Group, 1990. 116-7;118).

Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.

Cleisthenes

1505c, Theodosius I, 379 - 395 A.D. (Constantinople)Theodosius I (379 - 395 AD) AE3. 388-394 AD, RIC IX 27(a)3, Third Officina. Seventh Period. 20.27 mm. 4.8gm. Near VF with black and earthen patina. Constantinople. Obverse: DN THEODO-SIANVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, & cuirassed bust right; Reverse: GLORIA-ROMANORVM, Theodosius I standing, facing, holding labarum and globe, CONSB in exergue (scarcer reverse). A Spanish find.

De Imperatoribus Romanis: An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Rulers and their Families

THEODOSIUS I (379-395 A.D.)
David Woods
University College of Cork

Origin and Early Career
Flavius Theodosius was born at Cauca in Spain in about 346 to Thermantia and Theodosius the Elder (so-called to distinguish him from his son). Theodosius the Elder was a senior military officer serving in the Western empire and rose to become the magister equitum praesentalis under the emperor Valentinian I from late 368 until his execution in early 375. As the son of a soldier, Theodosius was legally obliged to enter upon a military career. He seems to have served under his father during his expedition to Britain in 367/8, and was the dux Moesiae Primae by late 374. Unfortunately, great controversy surrounds the rest of his career until Gratian had him hailed as his imperial colleague in succession to the emperor Valens at Sirmium on 19 January 379. It is clear that he was forced to retire home to Spain only to be recalled to active service shortly thereafter, but the circumstances of his forced retirement are shrouded in mystery. His father was executed at roughly the same time, and much speculation has centred on the relationship between these events.

[For a very detailed and interesting discussion of the Foreign Policy of Theodosius and the Civil Wars that plagued his reign, please see http://www.roman-emperors.org/theo1.htm]

Family and Succession
Theodosius married twice. His first wife was the Spanish Aelia Flavia Flaccilla. She bore him Arcadius ca. 377, Honorius on 9 September 384, and Pulcheria ca. 385. Theodosius honoured her with the title of Augusta shortly after his accession, but she died in 386. In late 387 he married Galla, daughter of Valentinian I and full-sister of Valentinian II. She bore him Gratian ca. 388, Galla Placidia ca. 388/390, and died in childbirth in 394, together with her new-born son John. Of his two sons who survived infancy, he appointed Arcadius as Augustus on 19 January 383 and Honorius as Augustus on 23 January 393. His promotion of Arcadius as a full Augustus at an unusually young age points to his determination right from the start that one of his own sons should succeed him. He sought to strengthen Arcadius' position in particular by means of a series of strategic marriages whose purpose was to tie his leading "generals" irrevocably to his dynasty. Hence he married his niece and adoptive daughter Serena to his magister militum per Orientem Stilicho in 387, her elder sister Thermantia to a "general" whose name has not been preserved, and ca. 387 his nephew-in-law Nebridius to Salvina, daughter of the comes Africae Gildo. By the time of his death by illness on 17 January 395, Theodosius had promoted Stilicho from his position as one of the two comites domesticorum under his own eastern administration to that of magister peditum praesentalis in a western administration, in an entirely traditional manner, under his younger son Honorius. Although Stilicho managed to increase the power of the magister peditum praesentalis to the disadvantage of his colleague the magister equitum praesentalis and claimed that Theodosius had appointed him as guardian for both his sons, this tells us more about his cunning and ambition than it does about Theodosius' constitutional arrangements.

Theodosius' importance rests on the fact that he founded a dynasty which continued in power until the death of his grandson Theodosius II in 450. This ensured a continuity of policy which saw the emergence of Nicene Christianity as the orthodox belief of the vast majority of Christians throughout the middle ages. It also ensured the essential destruction of paganism and the emergence of Christianity as the religion of the state, even if the individual steps in this process can be difficult to identify. On the negative side, however, he allowed his dynastic interests and ambitions to lead him into two unnecessary and bloody civil wars which severely weakened the empire's ability to defend itself in the face of continued barbarian pressure upon its frontiers. In this manner, he put the interests of his family before those of the wider Roman population and was responsible, in many ways, for the phenomenon to which we now refer as the fall of the western Roman empire.

Copyright (C) 1998, David Woods.
Published: De Imperatoribus Romanis: An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Rulers and their Families http://www.roman-emperors.org/startup.htm. Used by permission.

There is a nice segue here, as we pick-up John Julius Norwich's summation of the reign of Theodosius, "Readers of this brief account of his career may well find themselves wondering, not so much whether he deserved the title of 'the Great' as how he ever came to acquire it in the first place. If so, however, they may also like to ask themselves another question: what would have been the fate of the Empire if, at that critical moment in its history after the battle of Adrianople, young Gratian had not called him from his Spanish estates and put the future of the East into his hands? . . . the probability is that the whole Empire of the East would have been lost, swallowed up in a revived Gothic kingdom, with effects on world history that defy speculation.

In his civil legislation he showed, again and again, a consideration for the humblest of his subjects that was rare indeed among rulers of the fourth century. What other prince would have decreed that any criminal, sentenced to execution, imprisonment or exile, must first be allowed thirty days' grace to put his affairs in order? Or that a specified part of his worldly goods must go to his children, upon whom their father's crimes must on no account be visited? Or that no farmer should be obliged to sell his produce to the State at a price lower than he would receive on the open market?

Had he earned his title? Not, perhaps, in the way that Constantine had done or as Justinian was to do. But, if not ultimately great himself, he had surely come very close to greatness; and had he reigned as long as they did his achievements might well have equalled theirs. He might even have saved the Western Empire. One thing only is certain: it would be nearly a century and a half before the Romans would look upon his like again" (Norwich, John Julius. Byzantium, the Early Centuries. London: Penguin Group, 1990. 116-7;118).

Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.Cleisthenes

161 Aelia Flaccilla (???- 386 A.D.), Constantinopolis, RIC IX 055-3, -/-//CONΓ, AE-1, SALVS REIPVBLICAE, Victory seated right, #1161 Aelia Flaccilla (???- 386 A.D.), Constantinopolis, RIC IX 055-3, -/-//CONΓ, AE-1, SALVS REIPVBLICAE, Victory seated right, #1
Wife of Theodosius I and mother of Honorius and Arcadius.
avers:- AEL FLAC CILLA AVG, Draped bust right, wearing elaborate headdress, necklace, and mantle.
revers:- SALVS REI PVBLICAE, Victory seated right on throne, inscribing a Christogram on a shield set on a column.
exe: -/-//CONΓ, diameter: 22mm, weight: g, axis: h,
mint: Constantinopolis, date: 379-388 A.D., ref: RIC IX 55, p-229,
Q-0011 commentsquadrans

161 Aelia Flaccilla (???- 386 A.D.), Constantinopolis, RIC IX 061-3, -/-//CONE, AE-4, SALVS REIPVBLICAE, Victory seated right, #1161 Aelia Flaccilla (???- 386 A.D.), Constantinopolis, RIC IX 061-3, -/-//CONE, AE-4, SALVS REIPVBLICAE, Victory seated right, #1
Wife of Theodosius I and mother of Honorius and Arcadius.
avers:- AEL FLACILLA AVG, Diademed, draped bust bust right.
revers:- SALVS REIPVBLICAE, Victory seated right, inscribing Chi-Rho on shield.
exe: -/-//CONE, diameter: 10-10,5mm, weight: 0,80g, axis: 6h,
mint: Constantinopolis, date: 379-388 A.D., ref: RIC IX 61-3, p-229,
Q-001quadrans

161 Aelia Flaccilla (???- 386 A.D.), Heraclea, RIC IX 017-1, -/-//SMHA, AE-4, SALVS REIPVBLICAE, Victory seated right, R!, #1161 Aelia Flaccilla (???- 386 A.D.), Heraclea, RIC IX 017-1, -/-//SMHA, AE-4, SALVS REIPVBLICAE, Victory seated right, R!, #1
Wife of Theodosius I and mother of Honorius and Arcadius.
avers:- AEL FLAC CILLA AVG, Draped bust right, wearing elaborate headdress, necklace, and mantle.
revers:- SALVS REI PVBLICAE, Victory seated right on throne, inscribing a Christogram on a shield set on a column.
exe: -/-//SMHA, diameter: 14-14,5mm, weight: 1,18g, axis: 11h, R!
mint: Heraclea, date: 379-388 A.D., ref: RIC IX 17-1, p-196,
Q-001quadrans

165 Acadius (384-408 A.D.), RIC X Antioch 070, -/-//ANTA, AE-4, VIRTVS EXERCITI, Emperor and Victory, #1165 Acadius (384-408 A.D.), RIC X Antioch 070, -/-//ANTA, AE-4, VIRTVS EXERCITI, Emperor and Victory, #1
avers: D N ARCADIVS P F AVG, Pearl-diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right.
reverse: VIRTVS EXERCITI, Emperor standing left, head right, holding spear and resting left hand on shield. Victory, standing beside him crowns him with a wreath held in her right hand.
exergue: -/-//ANTA, diameter: 15,0-16,0mm, weight: 2,11g, axis: 0h,
mint: Antioch, date: 395-401 A.D.,
ref: RIC X Antioch 070, Sear 20832,
Q-001quadrans

165 Arcadius (384-408 A.D.), Cyzicus, RIC IX 020d4, -/-//SMKΔ, AE-4, VOT/ V, in wreath, #1165 Arcadius (384-408 A.D.), Cyzicus, RIC IX 020d4, -/-//SMKΔ, AE-4, VOT/ V, in wreath, #1
avers: D N ARCADIVS P F AVG, Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.(4a/A)
reverse: Wreath, VOT/V within.
exergue: -/-//SMKΔ, diameter: 14 mm, weight: g, axis: h,
mint: Cyzicus, date: 383-384 A.D., ref: RIC IX 20d-4, p-244,
Q-0011 commentsquadrans

165 Arcadius (384-408 A.D.), Heraclea, RIC IX 027b1, -/-//SMHA, AE-2, GLORIA ROMANORVM, Arcadius standing facing, #1165 Arcadius (384-408 A.D.), Heraclea, RIC IX 027b1, -/-//SMHA, AE-2, GLORIA ROMANORVM, Arcadius standing facing, #1
avers: D N ARCARIVS P F AVG, Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.(2/A)
reverse: GLORIA ROMANORVM, Arcadius standing facing, holding labarum and globe.
exergue: -/-//SMHA, diameter: 21-24mm, weight: g, axis: h,
mint: Heraclea, date: 392-395 A.D., ref: RIC IX 27b1, p-199,
Q-001quadrans

165 Arcadius (384-408 A.D.), Siscia, RIC IX 039c1, -/-//ASIS, AE-4, VICTORIA AVG G G, Victory advancing left, Rare!, #1165 Arcadius (384-408 A.D.), Siscia, RIC IX 039c1, -/-//ASIS, AE-4, VICTORIA AVG G G, Victory advancing left, Rare!, #1
avers: D N ARCADIVS P F AVG, Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right (3a/A).
reverse: VICTOR IA AVG G G, Victory advancing left, holding wreath and palm.
exergue: -/-//ASIS, diameter: 13-13,5 mm, weight: 1,50g, axis: 7h,
mint: Siscia, date: 384-387 A.D., ref: RIC IX 39c1, p-155, Rare!
Q-0011 commentsquadrans

165 Arcadius (384-408 A.D.), Siscia, RIC IX 039c2, -/-//BSIS, AE-4, VICTORIA AVG G G, Victory advancing left, Rare!, #1165 Arcadius (384-408 A.D.), Siscia, RIC IX 039c2, -/-//BSIS, AE-4, VICTORIA AVG G G, Victory advancing left, Rare!, #1
avers: D N ARCADIVS P F AVG, Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right (3a/A).
reverse: VICTOR IA AVG G G, Victory advancing left, holding wreath and palm.
exergue: -/-//BSIS, diameter: 13,0-14,0 mm, weight: 1,11g, axis: 7h,
mint: Siscia, date: 384-387 A.D., ref: RIC IX 39c2, p-155, Rare!
Q-001quadrans

165 Arcadius (384-408 A.D.), Thessalonica, RIC IX 059c1, AE-3, -/-//TES, GLORIA REI PVBLICE, Campgate with two turrets, Christogram (ChiRho) above, Scarce, #1165 Arcadius (384-408 A.D.), Thessalonica, RIC IX 059c1, AE-3, -/-//TES, GLORIA REI PVBLICE, Campgate with two turrets, Christogram (ChiRho) above, Scarce, #1
avers: D N ARCADIVS P F AVG, Diademed bust left, in imperial mantle, holding mappa and sceptre. (C)
reverse: GLORIA REI PVBLICE, Campgate with two turrets, closed gate, 6 layers of stone, Christogram (ChiRho) above.
exergue: -/-//TES, diameter: 16,5-17,0 mm, weight: 1.69g, axis: 0h,
mint: Thessalonica, date: 383-388 A.D., ref: RIC IX 059c1, p-,
Q-001quadrans

165 Arcadius (384-408 A.D.), Thessalonica, RIC IX 062c, AE-4, Γ/-//TES, GLORIA REI PVBLICE, Campgate with two turrets, #1165 Arcadius (384-408 A.D.), Thessalonica, RIC IX 062c, AE-4, Γ/-//TES, GLORIA REI PVBLICE, Campgate with two turrets, #1
avers: D N ARCADIVS P F AVG, Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
reverse: GLORIA REI PVBLICE, Campgate with two turrets, closed gate, 6 layers of stone.
exergue: Γ/-//TES, diameter: 12 mm, weight: 1.15g, axis: 5h,
mint: Thessalonica, date: 383-388A.D., ref: RIC IX 062c, p-,
Q-0012 commentsquadrans

179 Honorius ( 393-423 A.D.), Alexandria, RIC X 157 (Arcadius), -/-//ALEA, AE-3, GLORIA ROMANORVM, Three emperors standing side by side, Scarce! #1179 Honorius ( 393-423 A.D.), Alexandria, RIC X 157 (Arcadius), -/-//ALEA, AE-3, GLORIA ROMANORVM, Three emperors standing side by side, Scarce! #1
avers:- D N HONORI VS P F AVG, Pearl diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right, star behind head.
revers:- GLORI A ROMA NORVM, Three emperors ( Arcadius, Honorius, and Theodosius II ) standing side by side holding spears, the two outer ones taller, each resting hand on shield, the middle one holding a globe.
exerg: -/-//ALEA, diameter: 13,7 mm, weight: 1,66g, axes: 0h,
mint: Alexandria, date:406-408 A.D., ref: RIC X 157 (Arcadius), p-252, Scarce!
Q-0012 commentsquadrans

185- Arcadius, VictoriaArcadius, AE4, 383-408 AD, Siscia mint.
Obv: DN ARCADI-VS PF AVG, Diademmed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: VICTORIA AVGGG, Victory advancing left with Wreath and palm.
ASIS in exergue, RIC 39d, (R2)
13mm, 1.1 gm.Jerome Holderman

188 - Arcadius - RIC IX Antioch 136AE4
Obv:– DN ARCADIVS AVG, Laureate, draped and curassed bust right
Rev:– CONCOR-DIA AVGGG, cross
Minted in Antioch (ANTA). A.D. 404-406
Reference(s) – RIC X 136 (Rated S)

0.86g. 10.27 mm. 0 degrees.maridvnvm

188 - Arcadius - RIC IX Antioch 70aAE4
Obv:– DN ARCADIVS AVG, Laureate, draped and curassed bust right
Rev:– SALVS REIPVBLICAE, Victory advancing left, carrying trophy over shoulder and dragging captive; Christogram in left field
Minted in Antioch (ANTÎ“ in exe).
RIC IX Antioch 70amaridvnvm

188 - Arcadius - RIC XI Alexandria 016AE2
Obv:– D N ARCADIVS P F AVG, Pearl diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right, spear in right hand, shield on left arm, hand of God above offering diadem
Rev:– GLORIA ROMANORVM (glory of the Romans), Emperor standing facing, head left, wearing diadem and military garb, vexillum in right hand, resting left hand on grounded shield at side, captive seated facing on left with hands bound behind his back and looking up at the Emperor
Minted in Alexandria (T|_//ALED). 19 Jan 383 - c. 386 A.D
Reference(s) – RIC XI Alexandria 16 maridvnvm

188 - Arcadius Siliqua - RIC IX, 43(c) Obv:– DN ARCADIVS AVG, Pearl-diademed, draped and curassed bust right
Rev:– VRBS ROMA, Roma seated left on cuirass, Victory on globe in right hand, reversed spear in left
Minted in Lugdunum (LVGPS). August 28, A.D. 388-May 15, A.D. 392, Sixth Period
Reference:– RIC IX, 43(c) (rated Rare)maridvnvm

189 - Eudoxia - RIC X Arcadius 102AE3
Obv:– AEL EVDOXIA AVG, Diademed bust right, draped
Rev:– SALVS REIPVBLICAE, Victory seated right on cuirass, pointing one hand at a shield inscribed with the Chi-Rho as she balances it atop a column with her other hand
Minted in Nicomedia (SMNA in exe.) A.D. 401-403
RIC X Arcadius 102 (R)maridvnvm

197. Arcadius (383-408 A.D.)Av.: DN ARCADIVS PF AVGVSTVS
Rv.: VIRTVS EXERCITI
Left: chi-rho
Ex.: CONS gamma

AE Maiorina Ø21-23 / 5.5g
RIC IX 83c Constantinople

198. Aelia Eudoxia (Wife of Arcadius)Av.: AEL EVDOXIA AVG
Rv.: SALVS REIPVBLICAE
Ex.: SMKA

AE Follis Ø16-18 / 2.8g
RIC X 103 Cyzicus1 comments

1ex Eugenius392-394

AR siliqua

Bearded, pearl diademed, draped, cuirassed bust rightt, DN EVGENIVS PF AVG
Roma seated left on cuirass, MDPS below, VIRTVS ROMANORVM

RIC 32c

Zosimus reports: Eugenius became the sincere friend of Arbogastes, who had no secret which he did not confide to him. Recollecting Eugenius, therefore, at this juncture, who by his extraordinary learning and the gravity of his conversation seemed well-adapted for the management of an empire, he communicated to him his designs. But finding him not pleased with the proposals, he attempted to prevail on him by all the arts he could use, and entreated him not to reject what fortune so favourably offered. Having at length persuaded him, he deemed it advisable in the first place to remove Valentinian, and thus to deliver the sole authority to Eugenius. With this view he proceeded to Vienna, a town in Gaul, where the emperor resided; and as he was amusing himself near the town in some sports with the soldiers, apprehending no danger, Arbogastes gave him a mortal wound. To this audacious action the soldiers quietly submitted, not only because he was so brave and warlike a person, but because they were attached to him through his contempt of riches. As soon as he had performed this action, he declared Eugenius emperor, and infused into them the most favourable hopes that he would prove an excellent ruler, since he possessed such extraordinary qualifications. . . .

[Theodosius marched against Eugenius.] The emperor (having mourned for [his just deceased wife] a whole day, according to the rule of Homer), proceeded with his army to the war, leaving behind him his son Arcadius, who had some time previously been made emperor. This prince being young, his father, in order to amend the defects of his nonage, left with him Rufinus, who was prefect of the court, and acted as he pleased, even as much as the power of sovereignty enabled the emperor himself to do. Having done this, he took with him his younger son Honorius, quickly passed through the intermediate countries, and having exceded his expectations in crossing the Alps, arrived where the enemy was stationed : Eugenius being astonished at seeing him there whom he so little expected. But as he was arrived there, and consequently was under the necessity of engaging, he judged it most prudent to place the Barbarian troops in front, and to expose them first. He ordered Gaines with the troops under his command to make the first attack, and the other commanders of Barbarian soldiers to follow him, either cavalry, horse archers, or infantry. Eugenius then drew out his forces. When the two armies were engaged, so great an eclipse of the sun happened, that for more than half the time of the action it appeared rather to be night than day. As they fought therefore a kind of nocturnal battle, so great a slaughtor was made, that in the same day the greater part of the allies of Theodosius were slain, with their commander Bacurius, who fought very courageously at their head, while the other commanders escaped very narrowly with the remainder. When night came on and the armies had rallied, Eugenius was so elated with his victory, that he distributed money among those who had behaved with the greatest gallantry in the battle, and gave them time to refresh themselves, as if after such a defeat there was no probability of another engagement As they were thus solacing themselves, the emperor Theodosius about break of day fell suddenly on them with his whole forces, while they were still reclined |129 on the ground, and killed them before they knew of the approach of an enemy. He then proceeded to the tent of Eugenius, where he attacked those who were around him, killing many of them, and taking some of them in their flight, among whom was Eugenius. When they had got him in their power, they cut off his head, and carried it on a long spear around the camp, in order to shew those who still adhered to him, that it was now their interest to be reconciled to the emperor, inasmuch as the usurper was removed. Blindado

1ey Arcadius383-408

AE4

Pearl-diademed, draped & cuirassed bust right, D N ARCADIVS P F AVG
Emperor advancing right, seizing bound captive by the hair & carrying labarum, BSISC in ex., GLORIA ROMANORVM

RIC 38c2

Zosimus recorded, [Theodosius] proceeded with his army to the war [against Eugenius], leaving behind him his son Arcadius, who had some time previously been made emperor. . . .

THE whole empire being vested in Arcadius and Honorius, they indeed appeared by their title to possess the sovereign authority, although the universal administration of affairs was under Rufinus in the east, and under Stilico in the west. By these all causes were determined, at their own pleasure; for whoever bribed plentifully, or by any other means of friendship or consanguinity could make the judge his advocate, was sure to succeed in the process. From hence it happened that most of those great estates, which cause the possessors to be generally esteemed fortunate, devolved to these two; since some endeavoured by gifts to avoid false accusations, and others relinquished all their possessions to obtain an office, or in any other manner to purchase the ruin of particular cities. While iniquity of every kind presided, therefore, in the respective cities, the money from all quarters flowed into the coffers of Rufinus and Stilico ; while on the reverse, poverty preyed on the habitations of those who had formerly been rich. Nor were the emperors acquainted with anything that was done, but thought all that Rufinus and Stilico commanded was done by virtue of some unwritten law. After they had amassed immense wealth, Rufinus began to concert the means of becoming emperor, by making his own daughter, who was now marriageable. . . . [A different cabal persuaded Arcadius to marry a different girl.]. . . .

Before this juncture a report had been circulated at Rome, that the emperor Arcadius was dead, which was confirmed after the departure of Arcadius for Ravenna. Stilico being at Ravenna while the emperor was at a city of Aemilia, called Bononia, about seventy miles distant, the emperor sent for him to chastise the soldiers, who mutinied amongst each other by the way. Stilico, therefore, having collected the mutinous troops together, informed them that the emperor had commanded him to correct them for their disobedience, and to punish them by a decimation, or putting to death every tenth man. At this they were in such consternation, that they burst into tears, and desiring him to have compassion on them, prevailed on him to promise them a pardon from the emperor. The emperor having performed what Stilico had promised, they applied themselves to public business. For Stilico was desirous of proceeding to the east to undertake the management of the affairs of Theodosius, the son of Arcadius, who was very young, and in want of a guardian. Honorius himself was also inclined to undertake the same journey, with a design to secure the dominions of that emperor. But Stilico, being displeased at that, and laying before the emperor a calculation of the immense sum of money it would require to defray the expence of such an expedition, deterred him from the enterprise.Blindado

1ez EudoxiaAE 18mm

Diademed draped bust right being crowned by manus Dei, AEL EVDOXIA AVG
Victory seated right, supporting shield on column inscribed with chi-rho; mintmark CONSA., SALVS REIPVBLICAE

RIC 101
Wife of Arcadius, she virtually ruled the East from 400 until her death in 404.Blindado

1fa Honorius393-423

AE3

RIC 403

Pearl diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right, DN HONORIVS PF AVG
Two emperors standing facing, heads turned to one another, each holding spear and resting hand on shield, GLORIA ROMANORVM. Mintmark SMKA.

Zosimus wrote: [Theodosius] proceeded with his army to the war [against Eugenius], leaving behind him his son Arcadius, who had some time previously been made emperor. . . . Having done this, he took with him his younger son Honorius, quickly passed through the intermediate countries, and having exceded his expectations in crossing the Alps, arrived where the enemy was stationed. . . . The emperor Theodosius after these successes proceeded to Rome, where he declared his son Honorius emperor, and appointing Stilico to the command of his forces there, left him as guardian to his son. . . . The emperor Theodosius, having consigned Italy, Spain, Celtica, and Libya to his son Honorius, died of a disease on his journey towards Constantinople. . . .

THE whole empire being vested in Arcadius and Honorius, they indeed appeared by their title to possess the sovereign authority, although the universal administration of affairs was under Rufinus in the east, and under Stilico in the west. By these all causes were determined, at their own pleasure; for whoever bribed plentifully, or by any other means of friendship or consanguinity could make the judge his advocate, was sure to succeed in the process. From hence it happened that most of those great estates, which cause the possessors to be generally esteemed fortunate, devolved to these two; since some endeavoured by gifts to avoid false accusations, and others relinquished all their possessions to obtain an office, or in any other manner to purchase the ruin of particular cities. While iniquity of every kind presided, therefore, in the respective cities, the money from all quarters flowed into the coffers of Rufinus and Stilico ; while on the reverse, poverty preyed on the habitations of those who had formerly been rich. Nor were the emperors acquainted with anything that was done, but thought all that Rufinus and Stilico commanded was done by virtue of some unwritten law. . . .

After the autumn was terminated, and winter had commenced, Bassus and Philippus being chosen consuls, the emperor Honorius, who had long before lost his wife Maria, desired to marry her sister Thermantia. But Stilico appeared not to approve of the match, although it was promoted by Serena, who wished it to take place from these motives. When Maria was about to be married to Honorius, her mother, deeming her too young for the marriage-state and being unwilling to defer the marriage, although she thought that to submit so young and tender a person to the embraces of a man was offering violence to nature, she had recourse to a woman who knew how to manage such affairs, and by her means contrived that Maria should live with the emperor and share his bed, but that he should not have the power to deprive her of virginity. In the meantime Maria died a virgin, and Serena, who, as may readily be supposed, was desirous to become the grandmother of a young emperor or empress, through fear of her influence being diminished, used all her endeavours to marry her other daughter to Honorius. This being accomplished, the young lady shortly afterwards died in the same manner as the former. . . . .

For Stilico was desirous of proceeding to the east to undertake the management of the affairs of Theodosius, the son of Arcadius, who was very young, and in want of a guardian. Honorius himself was also inclined to undertake the same journey, with a design to secure the dominions of that emperor. But Stilico, being displeased at that, and laying before the emperor a calculation of the immense sum of money it would require to defray the expence of such an expedition, deterred him from the enterprise. . . .

In the mean time, the emperor Honorius commanded his wife Thermantia to be taken from the imperial throne, and to be restored to her mother, who notwithstanding was without suspicion. . . . Alaric began his expedition against Rome, and ridiculed the preparations made by Honorius. . . . The emperor Honorius was now entering on the consulship, having enjoyed that honour eight times, and the emperor Theodosius in the east three times. At this juncture the rebel Constantine sent some eunches to Honorius, to intreat pardon from him for having accepted of the empire. When the emperor heard this petition, perceiving that it was not easy for him, since Alaric and his barbarians were so near, to prepare for other wars ; and consulting the safety of his relations who were in the hands of the rebel, whose names were Verenianus and Didymius; he not only granted his request, but likewise sent him an imperial robe. . . .

Note: No ancient source reports the sack of Rome by the Goths in 410, they having besieged the city three times, all while Honorius huddled in a besieged Ravenna. Honorius retained his nominal capacity until he died in 423.Blindado

201 - AELIA FLACILLAAelia Flavia Flaccilla was a Roman empress, first wife of the Roman Emperor Theodosius I, and mother of Aelia Pulcheria and the future emperors Arcadius and Honorius.

for obverse, reverse and coin details click hereshanxi

205 - ARCADIVSFlavius Arcadius was Roman emperor from 383 to 408.

for obverse, reverse and coin details click hereshanxi

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