A Short Introduction to Theodosius the Great: The Last Emperor of a United Roman Empire

Theodosius the Great (379-395 CE) was the last emperor to rule over a united Roman Empire. His reign marked a turning point in Roman history, as it saw the empire become increasingly Christianized and the eastern and western halves of the empire begin to drift apart. Theodosius was a complex and fascinating figure, and his life and reign are still studied by historians today.

A Short Introduction to Theodosius the Great (Illustrated)

by John Lord

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2940 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	30 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	164 pages
Item Weight	:	1.09 pounds
Dimensions	:	5.67 x 1.14 x 8.39 inches

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Early Life and Career

Theodosius was born in Hispania (modern-day Spain) in 347 CE. His father, Theodosius the Elder, was a successful general who had served under Emperor Valentinian I. Theodosius the Younger followed in his father's footsteps, and he too became a successful military commander. In 374 CE, he was appointed commander of the Roman army in the east.

Reign as Emperor

Theodosius became emperor in 379 CE, after the death of Emperor Valens. The empire was in a state of chaos at the time, with the Goths and other barbarian tribes invading from the north. Theodosius quickly proved himself to be a capable military commander, and he was able to defeat the Goths and restore order to the empire.

One of Theodosius's most important achievements was his victory over the usurper Magnus Maximus in 388 CE. Maximus had seized power in the western half of the empire, but Theodosius defeated him and reunited the empire under his rule.

Theodosius was also a devout Christian, and he played a major role in the Christianization of the Roman Empire. In 380 CE, he issued the Edict of Thessalonica, which made Christianity the official religion of the empire. Theodosius also cracked down on paganism, and he ordered the destruction of many pagan temples and statues.

Theodosius's reign was also marked by the division of the Roman Empire into two halves. In 395 CE, he divided the empire between his two sons, Arcadius and Honorius. Arcadius became emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire, while Honorius became emperor of the Western Roman Empire. The division of the empire was a major turning point in Roman history, and it marked the beginning of the end of the Roman Empire.

Legacy

Theodosius the Great died in 395 CE. He was a complex and fascinating figure, and his reign was a turning point in Roman history. He was a successful military commander, a devout Christian, and a skilled politician. He also played a major role in the division of the Roman Empire into two halves. Theodosius's legacy is still felt today, and he is considered to be one of the most important emperors in Roman history.

Theodosius the Great was a complex and fascinating figure who played a major role in shaping the course of Roman history. His reign marked a turning point in the empire, as it saw the empire become increasingly Christianized and the eastern and western halves of the empire begin to drift apart. Theodosius was a successful military commander, a devout Christian, and a skilled politician. He was also a controversial figure, and his actions had a lasting impact on the Roman Empire.

A Short Introduction to Theodosius the Great (Illustrated)

by John Lord

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2940 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	30 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	164 pages
Item Weight	:	1.09 pounds
Dimensions	:	5.67 x 1.14 x 8.39 inches

FREE