Roman History 32 - Maximus To Honorius 383-400 AD

hello and welcome to the history of hello and welcome to the history of Rome episode Rome episode Rome episode 156 jockeying for 156 jockeying for 156 jockeying for [Music] [Music] [Music] position when the emperor graci was position when the emperor graci was position when the emperor graci was overthrown and murdered by the general overthrown and murdered by the general overthrown and murdered by the general Magnus maximus in 383 ad a game of high Magnus maximus in 383 ad a game of high Magnus maximus in 383 ad a game of high stakes political chess kicked off that stakes political chess kicked off that stakes political chess kicked off that wound up lasting for 5 years years wound up lasting for 5 years years wound up lasting for 5 years years before Checkmate was finally before Checkmate was finally before Checkmate was finally declared along the way the three declared along the way the three declared along the way the three Imperial courts would use every means at Imperial courts would use every means at Imperial courts would use every means at their disposal to gain the upper hand be their disposal to gain the upper hand be their disposal to gain the upper hand be they diplomatic religious or they diplomatic religious or they diplomatic religious or martial those of you who have read ahead martial those of you who have read ahead martial those of you who have read ahead know how the game turns out but the know how the game turns out but the know how the game turns out but the 5-year quasi partnership between Maximus 5-year quasi partnership between Maximus 5-year quasi partnership between Maximus valentinian II and theodosius is a valentinian II and theodosius is a valentinian II and theodosius is a fascinating little period that wound up fascinating little period that wound up fascinating little period that wound up having profound consequences for the having profound consequences for the having profound consequences for the history of the western world especially history of the western world especially history of the western world especially in the always tricky field of church in the always tricky field of church in the always tricky field of church State relations following the execution of relations following the execution of graci which was ordered by overzealous graci which was ordered by overzealous graci which was ordered by overzealous subordinates I swear Maximus Advanced on subordinates I swear Maximus Advanced on subordinates I swear Maximus Advanced on Trier took the capital without a fight Trier took the capital without a fight Trier took the capital without a fight and set up an Imperial Court for and set up an Imperial Court for and set up an Imperial Court for himself with a boy Emperor reigning in himself with a boy Emperor reigning in himself with a boy Emperor reigning in Milan and a likely Ally in theodosius Milan and a likely Ally in theodosius Milan and a likely Ally in theodosius reigning in reigning in reigning in Constantinople Maximus had good reason Constantinople Maximus had good reason Constantinople Maximus had good reason to believe that 80% of his work was to believe that 80% of his work was to believe that 80% of his work was already already already done all he had to do now was co-opt the done all he had to do now was co-opt the done all he had to do now was co-opt the weak Court of valentinian the second and weak Court of valentinian the second and weak Court of valentinian the second and request official recognition from the

request official recognition from the request official recognition from the strong Court of theodosius and he would strong Court of theodosius and he would strong Court of theodosius and he would be the unchallenged ruler of the Western be the unchallenged ruler of the Western be the unchallenged ruler of the Western Empire Empire Empire QED so rather than press on with a QED so rather than press on with a QED so rather than press on with a military offensive Maximus chose to military offensive Maximus chose to military offensive Maximus chose to instead launch a diplomatic instead launch a diplomatic instead launch a diplomatic offensive he would later consider this offensive he would later consider this offensive he would later consider this to be his greatest mistake when the courton Milan got word of when the courton Milan got word of graci's death they decided to send graci's death they decided to send graci's death they decided to send Bishop Ambrose North to Trier to have a Bishop Ambrose North to Trier to have a Bishop Ambrose North to Trier to have a chat with Maximus and feel the general chat with Maximus and feel the general chat with Maximus and feel the general out they knew that as a devout Nan out they knew that as a devout Nan out they knew that as a devout Nan Maximus would be willing to listen to Maximus would be willing to listen to Maximus would be willing to listen to what the bishop had to say rather than what the bishop had to say rather than what the bishop had to say rather than just dismissing him out of hand like he just dismissing him out of hand like he just dismissing him out of hand like he might some random might some random might some random official and the court of Milan needed official and the court of Milan needed official and the court of Milan needed Maximus to listen to Ambrose and then Maximus to listen to Ambrose and then Maximus to listen to Ambrose and then keep listening and then keep listening keep listening and then keep listening keep listening and then keep listening long enough to allow them to blockade long enough to allow them to blockade long enough to allow them to blockade the Alpine passes into the Alpine passes into the Alpine passes into Italy Ambrose played his part to Italy Ambrose played his part to Italy Ambrose played his part to Perfection and stalled for time like a Perfection and stalled for time like a Perfection and stalled for time like a seasoned seasoned seasoned Diplomat at first Maximus came out Diplomat at first Maximus came out Diplomat at first Maximus came out strong and demanded that young strong and demanded that young strong and demanded that young valentinian come north at once as a son valentinian come north at once as a son valentinian come north at once as a son comes to his father believing that the comes to his father believing that the comes to his father believing that the court of Milan had no backbone and that court of Milan had no backbone and that court of Milan had no backbone and that the mere threat of invasion would make the mere threat of invasion would make the mere threat of invasion would make them all them all them all Wilt Ambrose stalled by saying that it Wilt Ambrose stalled by saying that it Wilt Ambrose stalled by saying that it was crazy to expect valentinian and his was crazy to expect valentinian and his was crazy to expect valentinian and his mother Justina to make such a journey mother Justina to make such a journey mother Justina to make such a journey with Witter settling in but maybe it with Witter settling in but maybe it with Witter settling in but maybe it would be possible in the would be possible in the would be possible in the spring when Maxim is pressed Ambrose spring when Maxim is pressed Ambrose spring when Maxim is pressed Ambrose told the general that he did not told the general that he did not told the general that he did not actually have a mandate to make

actually have a mandate to make actually have a mandate to make guarantees of that sort and that he guarantees of that sort and that he guarantees of that sort and that he would have to go back to Milan to would have to go back to Milan to would have to go back to Milan to receive further receive further receive further instructions Maximus would have to wait instructions Maximus would have to wait instructions Maximus would have to wait a little while for a formal answer to a little while for a formal answer to a little while for a formal answer to his demands not too much longer just his demands not too much longer just his demands not too much longer just please be please be please be patient time successfully bought patient time successfully bought patient time successfully bought valentinian generals were able to valentinian generals were able to valentinian generals were able to position troops in the passes and by the position troops in the passes and by the position troops in the passes and by the time maximus realized that the whole time maximus realized that the whole time maximus realized that the whole thing had been a giant stall it was too thing had been a giant stall it was too thing had been a giant stall it was too late he had critically misjudged the late he had critically misjudged the late he had critically misjudged the Loyalty of the Milan Court to the house Loyalty of the Milan Court to the house Loyalty of the Milan Court to the house of valentinian and any chance he had at of valentinian and any chance he had at of valentinian and any chance he had at a Swift and total victory was now gone Maximus had reason to expect better gone Maximus had reason to expect better treatment from theodocious but again he treatment from theodocious but again he treatment from theodocious but again he was let was let was let down the General's envoys arrived in down the General's envoys arrived in down the General's envoys arrived in Constantinople and basically said graci Constantinople and basically said graci Constantinople and basically said graci is dead Maximus is in charge please sign is dead Maximus is in charge please sign is dead Maximus is in charge please sign here but when these envoys return to here but when these envoys return to here but when these envoys return to Trier they did not have with them the Trier they did not have with them the Trier they did not have with them the specifics of a power sharing agreement specifics of a power sharing agreement specifics of a power sharing agreement between theodosius and Maximus so much between theodosius and Maximus so much between theodosius and Maximus so much as they had well nothing at all as they had well nothing at all as they had well nothing at all theodosis just ignored their theodosis just ignored their theodosis just ignored their demands not even bothering with a demands not even bothering with a demands not even bothering with a response the Eastern Augustus had response the Eastern Augustus had response the Eastern Augustus had decided to just sort of pretend like the decided to just sort of pretend like the decided to just sort of pretend like the whole thing hadn't whole thing hadn't whole thing hadn't happened this left Maximus thoroughly happened this left Maximus thoroughly happened this left Maximus thoroughly vexed the Imperial officials down in vexed the Imperial officials down in vexed the Imperial officials down in Italy weren't supposed to be closing Italy weren't supposed to be closing Italy weren't supposed to be closing ranks around a 12-year-old and his old ranks around a 12-year-old and his old ranks around a 12-year-old and his old friend theodosius wasn't supposed to be friend theodosius wasn't supposed to be friend theodosius wasn't supposed to be giving him the cold

giving him the cold giving him the cold shoulder what the hell was going on shoulder what the hell was going on shoulder what the hell was going on around around around here luckily for Maximus though everyone here luckily for Maximus though everyone here luckily for Maximus though everyone else was pretty much as vexed as he else was pretty much as vexed as he else was pretty much as vexed as he was all three Imperial power centers had was all three Imperial power centers had was all three Imperial power centers had enough troops to fend off an attack from enough troops to fend off an attack from enough troops to fend off an attack from one of the others one of the others one of the others but none of the three could muster a but none of the three could muster a but none of the three could muster a force large enough to overrun one of the force large enough to overrun one of the force large enough to overrun one of the others so theodosius could refuse to others so theodosius could refuse to others so theodosius could refuse to recognize Maximus but he couldn't yet recognize Maximus but he couldn't yet recognize Maximus but he couldn't yet March into Gaul and displace him Maximus March into Gaul and displace him Maximus March into Gaul and displace him Maximus could hold the Western provinces but he could hold the Western provinces but he could hold the Western provinces but he couldn't yet push his way into Italy couldn't yet push his way into Italy couldn't yet push his way into Italy without a heavy without a heavy without a heavy fight valentinian could hold the fight valentinian could hold the fight valentinian could hold the peninsula but he couldn't do much more peninsula but he couldn't do much more peninsula but he couldn't do much more beyond beyond beyond that so a stalemate set that so a stalemate set that so a stalemate set in sure in the spring of 384 theodosius in sure in the spring of 384 theodosius in sure in the spring of 384 theodosius marched to force to Alyria but that was marched to force to Alyria but that was marched to force to Alyria but that was mostly a PR stunt to show that he was mostly a PR stunt to show that he was mostly a PR stunt to show that he was doing something about the problem of doing something about the problem of doing something about the problem of Maximus clearly though he never had any Maximus clearly though he never had any Maximus clearly though he never had any intention of crossing the intention of crossing the intention of crossing the mountains but that didn't mean that mountains but that didn't mean that mountains but that didn't mean that theodus was actually doing theodus was actually doing theodus was actually doing nothing in fact as the emperor headed nothing in fact as the emperor headed nothing in fact as the emperor headed west for his not very serious photo op west for his not very serious photo op west for his not very serious photo op an embassy was headed east on a very an embassy was headed east on a very an embassy was headed east on a very serious mission to convince the cits to serious mission to convince the cits to serious mission to convince the cits to remain peaceful so Theodosia could could remain peaceful so Theodosia could could remain peaceful so Theodosia could could turn his full attention to Maximus turn his full attention to Maximus turn his full attention to Maximus without worrying about his without worrying about his without worrying about his rear the leader of this Embassy a senior rear the leader of this Embassy a senior rear the leader of this Embassy a senior staff officer of Vandal origin who we staff officer of Vandal origin who we staff officer of Vandal origin who we will all shortly come to know and love

Stilo meanwhile back in Italy Stilo meanwhile back in Italy valentinian II's generals were similarly valentinian II's generals were similarly valentinian II's generals were similarly engaged in PR stunts backed by serious engaged in PR stunts backed by serious engaged in PR stunts backed by serious behind thes scenes behind thes scenes behind thes scenes diplomacy the Milan Court decided that diplomacy the Milan Court decided that diplomacy the Milan Court decided that some alaman near the border with Ria some alaman near the border with Ria some alaman near the border with Ria opposed too great a threat to the Empire opposed too great a threat to the Empire opposed too great a threat to the Empire to be ignored and so an army was sent to be ignored and so an army was sent to be ignored and so an army was sent into the mountainous Province to conduct into the mountainous Province to conduct into the mountainous Province to conduct exercises and make sure the Germans exercises and make sure the Germans exercises and make sure the Germans didn't get any funny didn't get any funny didn't get any funny ideas but up in Trier a Maximus took ideas but up in Trier a Maximus took ideas but up in Trier a Maximus took those exercises for what he believed those exercises for what he believed those exercises for what he believed they were which was a show of force they were which was a show of force they were which was a show of force directed at him and he sent envoys down directed at him and he sent envoys down directed at him and he sent envoys down to Milan protesting that these troops to Milan protesting that these troops to Milan protesting that these troops were coming dangerously close to were coming dangerously close to were coming dangerously close to violating what he now consider violating what he now consider violating what he now consider considered to be his considered to be his considered to be his airspace to which valentinian's recort airspace to which valentinian's recort airspace to which valentinian's recort replied hey those Germans threaten both replied hey those Germans threaten both replied hey those Germans threaten both of us so quit being so of us so quit being so of us so quit being so paranoid this back and forth wound up paranoid this back and forth wound up paranoid this back and forth wound up opening the door for a normalization of opening the door for a normalization of opening the door for a normalization of relations valentinian in the end agreed relations valentinian in the end agreed relations valentinian in the end agreed to stay out of Gaul Britain and Spain to stay out of Gaul Britain and Spain to stay out of Gaul Britain and Spain while Maximus agreed to leave Italy while Maximus agreed to leave Italy while Maximus agreed to leave Italy alone for now and they both agreed to alone for now and they both agreed to alone for now and they both agreed to keep an eye on the frontier and defend keep an eye on the frontier and defend keep an eye on the frontier and defend the Empire from Mutual Barbarian enemies it is tough to say through all of this it is tough to say through all of this what degree of recognition Maximus what degree of recognition Maximus what degree of recognition Maximus managed to win for himself but from here managed to win for himself but from here managed to win for himself but from here on out he does seem to have moved Beyond on out he does seem to have moved Beyond on out he does seem to have moved Beyond unrecognized usurper and into a more unrecognized usurper and into a more unrecognized usurper and into a more official Augustus status but whether official Augustus status but whether official Augustus status but whether this was de facto or dour or whether or

this was de facto or dour or whether or this was de facto or dour or whether or not theodosius recognized it remains at not theodosius recognized it remains at not theodosius recognized it remains at least to me an open least to me an open least to me an open question whichever it was question whichever it was question whichever it was the three sides made no aggressive moves the three sides made no aggressive moves the three sides made no aggressive moves over the next four years and everyone over the next four years and everyone over the next four years and everyone seemed temporarily satisfied with the seemed temporarily satisfied with the seemed temporarily satisfied with the power sharing power sharing power sharing agreement but that did not mean that agreement but that did not mean that agreement but that did not mean that they stopped trying to position they stopped trying to position they stopped trying to position themselves for an inevitable themselves for an inevitable themselves for an inevitable Showdown and one of the key flanks Showdown and one of the key flanks Showdown and one of the key flanks everyone was trying to shore up was the everyone was trying to shore up was the everyone was trying to shore up was the religious flank with Ambrose of Milan religious flank with Ambrose of Milan religious flank with Ambrose of Milan once again right smack dab in the middle once again right smack dab in the middle once again right smack dab in the middle of everything at first it seemed seems a everything at first it seemed seems a little weird that the Emperors would little weird that the Emperors would little weird that the Emperors would choose this of all moments to begin choose this of all moments to begin choose this of all moments to begin taking extreme religious positions that taking extreme religious positions that taking extreme religious positions that undermine social stability but when undermine social stability but when undermine social stability but when viewed in the larger political context viewed in the larger political context viewed in the larger political context it does begin to make some it does begin to make some it does begin to make some sense both Maximus and theodosius knew sense both Maximus and theodosius knew sense both Maximus and theodosius knew that Ambrose was a huge power broker in that Ambrose was a huge power broker in that Ambrose was a huge power broker in Milan so much of a power broker that he Milan so much of a power broker that he Milan so much of a power broker that he could be seen as something of a king could be seen as something of a king could be seen as something of a king maker with The Bishop's support Maximus maker with The Bishop's support Maximus maker with The Bishop's support Maximus might just be be able to carry off the might just be be able to carry off the might just be be able to carry off the West with The Bishop's support West with The Bishop's support West with The Bishop's support theodosius might just be able to theodosius might just be able to theodosius might just be able to intertwine the valentinian and intertwine the valentinian and intertwine the valentinian and theodocian families to the point that theodocian families to the point that theodocian families to the point that they became they became they became indistinguishable which meant that indistinguishable which meant that indistinguishable which meant that theodosia's Sons would be in line to theodosia's Sons would be in line to theodosia's Sons would be in line to inherit the inherit the inherit the Empire so playing to an audience of one Empire so playing to an audience of one Empire so playing to an audience of one Maximus and theodus began to go back and Maximus and theodus began to go back and Maximus and theodus began to go back and forth in a game of who could be the

forth in a game of who could be the forth in a game of who could be the stronger more radical defender of the stronger more radical defender of the stronger more radical defender of the Nan Creed Creed of course in virtue of having been in of course in virtue of having been in of course in virtue of having been in power for 5 years already a theodus had power for 5 years already a theodus had power for 5 years already a theodus had a head a head a head start I didn't want to get sidetracked start I didn't want to get sidetracked start I didn't want to get sidetracked into this when discussing the gothic War into this when discussing the gothic War into this when discussing the gothic War but in the middle of the conflict but in the middle of the conflict but in the middle of the conflict theodosius decided to stake out a theodosius decided to stake out a theodosius decided to stake out a position in the great Christian war position in the great Christian war position in the great Christian war between the Aryans and the between the Aryans and the between the Aryans and the nans by this point in history the battle nans by this point in history the battle nans by this point in history the battle lines between the two sides had been lines between the two sides had been lines between the two sides had been drawn very roughly drawn between the drawn very roughly drawn between the drawn very roughly drawn between the Latin speaking West and the Greek Latin speaking West and the Greek Latin speaking West and the Greek speaking speaking speaking East in the west a nan majority lorded East in the west a nan majority lorded East in the west a nan majority lorded over an Aryan minority while in the East over an Aryan minority while in the East over an Aryan minority while in the East these roles were these roles were these roles were reversed this meant that when he came to reversed this meant that when he came to reversed this meant that when he came to power theodosius born in Spain and a power theodosius born in Spain and a power theodosius born in Spain and a devout Nan found himself ruling over the devout Nan found himself ruling over the devout Nan found himself ruling over the half of the Empire that believ the half of the Empire that believ the half of the Empire that believ the opposite of what he opposite of what he opposite of what he believed so what did he do did he keep believed so what did he do did he keep believed so what did he do did he keep religion from becoming a divisive issue religion from becoming a divisive issue religion from becoming a divisive issue by down playing the doctrinal by down playing the doctrinal by down playing the doctrinal differences between himself and his differences between himself and his differences between himself and his subjects well you'd think so but instead subjects well you'd think so but instead subjects well you'd think so but instead he did the other thing in early 380 with the gothic War thing in early 380 with the gothic War raging all around him theodus became raging all around him theodus became raging all around him theodus became sick so sick that he feared for his life sick so sick that he feared for his life sick so sick that he feared for his life and requested a formal and requested a formal and requested a formal baptism following this baptism the

baptism following this baptism the baptism following this baptism the emperor suddenly recovered and it was emperor suddenly recovered and it was emperor suddenly recovered and it was hard not to draw a connection between hard not to draw a connection between hard not to draw a connection between the two the two the two events events events fueled by a religious certainty that now fueled by a religious certainty that now fueled by a religious certainty that now bordered on fanaticism when theodosius bordered on fanaticism when theodosius bordered on fanaticism when theodosius entered Constantinople for the first entered Constantinople for the first entered Constantinople for the first time later in the year one of the first time later in the year one of the first time later in the year one of the first things he did was depose the Aryan things he did was depose the Aryan things he did was depose the Aryan Bishop of the capital Bishop of the capital Bishop of the capital city he then promulgated a famous edict city he then promulgated a famous edict city he then promulgated a famous edict stating flatly that the emperor stating flatly that the emperor stating flatly that the emperor considered Nan Christianity to be the considered Nan Christianity to be the considered Nan Christianity to be the only form of only form of only form of Christianity everything else would be Christianity everything else would be Christianity everything else would be considered false and heretical and be considered false and heretical and be considered false and heretical and be against the law against the law against the law through the end of the war with the through the end of the war with the through the end of the war with the Goths and into the period of stalemate Goths and into the period of stalemate Goths and into the period of stalemate with Maximus theodus endorsed and then with Maximus theodus endorsed and then with Maximus theodus endorsed and then backed a systematic program to remove backed a systematic program to remove backed a systematic program to remove Aryan clergymen from church offices and Aryan clergymen from church offices and Aryan clergymen from church offices and replace them with replace them with replace them with nans this as you can imagine did not go nans this as you can imagine did not go nans this as you can imagine did not go over too well with the locals but for over too well with the locals but for over too well with the locals but for the time being there was very little the time being there was very little the time being there was very little they could they could they could do it was one thing to fight the nans do it was one thing to fight the nans do it was one thing to fight the nans when they were just a collection of when they were just a collection of when they were just a collection of rival priests it was quite another to rival priests it was quite another to rival priests it was quite another to fight them when they were backed by fight them when they were backed by fight them when they were backed by imperial agents who had you know like imperial agents who had you know like imperial agents who had you know like swords and stuff oddly enough though theodosia's stuff oddly enough though theodosia's religious Zeal did not yet extend to religious Zeal did not yet extend to religious Zeal did not yet extend to paganism which he treated with a fair paganism which he treated with a fair paganism which he treated with a fair degree of Tolerance throughout this degree of Tolerance throughout this degree of Tolerance throughout this period blood sacrifices were out of the period blood sacrifices were out of the period blood sacrifices were out of the question of course but other than that

question of course but other than that question of course but other than that the remaining pagans in the East did not the remaining pagans in the East did not the remaining pagans in the East did not have to deal with the same kind of have to deal with the same kind of have to deal with the same kind of treatment doled out by gration in the treatment doled out by gration in the treatment doled out by gration in the West West West that tolerance would eventually be that tolerance would eventually be that tolerance would eventually be dropped by theodosius as a part of his dropped by theodosius as a part of his dropped by theodosius as a part of his general make nice with Ambrose program general make nice with Ambrose program general make nice with Ambrose program following the unpleasantries at following the unpleasantries at following the unpleasantries at thessalonica in 390 but for now thessalonica in 390 but for now thessalonica in 390 but for now theodocious generally left pagans alone when Maximus came to power in 383 alone when Maximus came to power in 383 then he could see that he had some then he could see that he had some then he could see that he had some catching up to do if he was going to be catching up to do if he was going to be catching up to do if he was going to be perceived by Ambrose as the true great perceived by Ambrose as the true great perceived by Ambrose as the true great defender of the Nan defender of the Nan defender of the Nan Creed now the main reason it was so Creed now the main reason it was so Creed now the main reason it was so important to be seen as a staunch Nan important to be seen as a staunch Nan important to be seen as a staunch Nan was because at that moment the powerful was because at that moment the powerful was because at that moment the powerful Ambrose was technically backing an Aryan Ambrose was technically backing an Aryan Ambrose was technically backing an Aryan Court the empress Justina was an Aryan Court the empress Justina was an Aryan Court the empress Justina was an Aryan and as a result her young son and as a result her young son and as a result her young son valentinian was valentinian was valentinian was too as we'll see in a second this led to too as we'll see in a second this led to too as we'll see in a second this led to all kinds of nasty little disputes all kinds of nasty little disputes all kinds of nasty little disputes between the Imperial family and the between the Imperial family and the between the Imperial family and the bishop bishop bishop and because the majority of the and because the majority of the and because the majority of the population in Milan was Nan this meant population in Milan was Nan this meant population in Milan was Nan this meant that it would be pretty easy for Ambrose that it would be pretty easy for Ambrose that it would be pretty easy for Ambrose to use these disputes to drive a huge to use these disputes to drive a huge to use these disputes to drive a huge wedge between the Imperial family and wedge between the Imperial family and wedge between the Imperial family and the citizens of Milan if he were so the citizens of Milan if he were so the citizens of Milan if he were so inclined Maximus figured that if he inclined Maximus figured that if he inclined Maximus figured that if he could prove his Nan bonafides eventually could prove his Nan bonafides eventually could prove his Nan bonafides eventually Ambrose might get sick of supporting Ambrose might get sick of supporting Ambrose might get sick of supporting those damned Heretics in the Imperial

those damned Heretics in the Imperial those damned Heretics in the Imperial Palace and throw his weight behind the Palace and throw his weight behind the Palace and throw his weight behind the Nan usurper up in Nan usurper up in Nan usurper up in Trier in an effort to win over Ambrose's in an effort to win over Ambrose's support a Maximus decided to do theodus support a Maximus decided to do theodus support a Maximus decided to do theodus as Nan extremism one as Nan extremism one as Nan extremism one better but there weren't really any better but there weren't really any better but there weren't really any Aryan clergy he could expel from Office Aryan clergy he could expel from Office Aryan clergy he could expel from Office since his provinces didn't really have since his provinces didn't really have since his provinces didn't really have too many Aryan clergymen but there were too many Aryan clergymen but there were too many Aryan clergymen but there were heretical communities out there just heretical communities out there just heretical communities out there just waiting to be waiting to be waiting to be persecuted but without patronage to cut persecuted but without patronage to cut persecuted but without patronage to cut off or lands to confiscate there was off or lands to confiscate there was off or lands to confiscate there was really only one method of persec ution really only one method of persec ution really only one method of persec ution left sometime between 384 and 386 a left sometime between 384 and 386 a left sometime between 384 and 386 a bishop from the Iberian Peninsula named bishop from the Iberian Peninsula named bishop from the Iberian Peninsula named Pilan wound up in a heated theological Pilan wound up in a heated theological Pilan wound up in a heated theological fight with the mainstream nans fight with the mainstream nans fight with the mainstream nans surrounding surrounding surrounding him after most of his allies in the him after most of his allies in the him after most of his allies in the church were deposed church were deposed church were deposed prisciliano for prisciliano for prisciliano for Aid to the great surprise of the Aid to the great surprise of the Aid to the great surprise of the heretical bishop Maximus decided to hear heretical bishop Maximus decided to hear heretical bishop Maximus decided to hear the appeal and then deny the appeal and the appeal and then deny the appeal and the appeal and then deny the appeal and then hand down a little Divine then hand down a little Divine then hand down a little Divine Justice prison and six of his followers Justice prison and six of his followers Justice prison and six of his followers were arrested and then were arrested and then were arrested and then beheaded it was the first recorded case beheaded it was the first recorded case beheaded it was the first recorded case of an execution on charges of heresy in of an execution on charges of heresy in of an execution on charges of heresy in history though technically I think he history though technically I think he history though technically I think he was brought up on charges of practicing was brought up on charges of practicing was brought up on charges of practicing magic and it was also the first recorded magic and it was also the first recorded magic and it was also the first recorded case of the state handing down a death case of the state handing down a death case of the state handing down a death sentence to resolve a church

sentence to resolve a church sentence to resolve a church dispute but though it earned him an dispute but though it earned him an dispute but though it earned him an ignoble place in history the Mo kind of ignoble place in history the Mo kind of ignoble place in history the Mo kind of backfired on Maximus as Ambrose harshly backfired on Maximus as Ambrose harshly backfired on Maximus as Ambrose harshly condemned the condemned the condemned the executions because it was wrong to kill executions because it was wrong to kill executions because it was wrong to kill over doctrinal disputes well no Ambrose over doctrinal disputes well no Ambrose over doctrinal disputes well no Ambrose opposed the executions on the grounds opposed the executions on the grounds opposed the executions on the grounds that Maximus had strayed out of his that Maximus had strayed out of his that Maximus had strayed out of his jurisdiction Church matters should be jurisdiction Church matters should be jurisdiction Church matters should be solved by the church Maximus had no solved by the church Maximus had no solved by the church Maximus had no right to interfere the business with priscillian interfere the business with priscillian just so happened to occur right after just so happened to occur right after just so happened to occur right after Ambrose's second trip to Trier in Ambrose's second trip to Trier in Ambrose's second trip to Trier in 385 when he went to see about retrieving 385 when he went to see about retrieving 385 when he went to see about retrieving graci's body so that it could be graci's body so that it could be graci's body so that it could be properly properly properly buried but this time around Ambrose had buried but this time around Ambrose had buried but this time around Ambrose had been met by a slightly more hostile been met by a slightly more hostile been met by a slightly more hostile version of version of version of Maximus yes he was courting the nans Maximus yes he was courting the nans Maximus yes he was courting the nans generally and yes he badly wanted generally and yes he badly wanted generally and yes he badly wanted Ambrose's support specifically but that Ambrose's support specifically but that Ambrose's support specifically but that did not stop the general from taking the did not stop the general from taking the did not stop the general from taking the opportunity to angrily come down on opportunity to angrily come down on opportunity to angrily come down on Ambrose for bargaining in bad faith the Ambrose for bargaining in bad faith the Ambrose for bargaining in bad faith the last time time last time time last time time around convinced that the bishop around convinced that the bishop around convinced that the bishop stalling had cost him his best chance at stalling had cost him his best chance at stalling had cost him his best chance at total Victory Maximus refused to release total Victory Maximus refused to release total Victory Maximus refused to release graci's body and Ambrose wound up graci's body and Ambrose wound up graci's body and Ambrose wound up heading home heading home heading home empty-handed it is entirely possible empty-handed it is entirely possible empty-handed it is entirely possible that Fallout from this Summit was behind that Fallout from this Summit was behind that Fallout from this Summit was behind Ambrose's later condemnation of the Ambrose's later condemnation of the Ambrose's later condemnation of the execution of priscillian though Ambrose execution of priscillian though Ambrose execution of priscillian though Ambrose did not really need an ulterior motive did not really need an ulterior motive did not really need an ulterior motive to argue that Emperors had no business

to argue that Emperors had no business to argue that Emperors had no business messing with church Affairs his belief messing with church Affairs his belief messing with church Affairs his belief in that principle is well documented part of that well documented part of that well documentation came shortly thereafter in documentation came shortly thereafter in documentation came shortly thereafter in 386 and is the famous incident at the 386 and is the famous incident at the 386 and is the famous incident at the porchin Basilica during his years as Bishop Basilica during his years as Bishop Ambrose so completely put his Nan stamp Ambrose so completely put his Nan stamp Ambrose so completely put his Nan stamp on Milan that by the mid 380s the Aryan on Milan that by the mid 380s the Aryan on Milan that by the mid 380s the Aryan minority in the city including the minority in the city including the minority in the city including the empress Justina and the emperor empress Justina and the emperor empress Justina and the emperor valentinian II literally had no place to valentinian II literally had no place to valentinian II literally had no place to worship Ambrose allowed not a single worship Ambrose allowed not a single worship Ambrose allowed not a single Church in the city to preach anything Church in the city to preach anything Church in the city to preach anything resembling that heretical Aryan resembling that heretical Aryan resembling that heretical Aryan nonsense this of course greatly annoyed nonsense this of course greatly annoyed nonsense this of course greatly annoyed the empress until in 386 she asked for a the empress until in 386 she asked for a the empress until in 386 she asked for a small measure of consideration she asked small measure of consideration she asked small measure of consideration she asked Ambrose to give the arens one Church in Ambrose to give the arens one Church in Ambrose to give the arens one Church in the city center and one church out in the city center and one church out in the city center and one church out in the suburbs so that her and her the suburbs so that her and her the suburbs so that her and her doctrinal Brethren could worship in doctrinal Brethren could worship in doctrinal Brethren could worship in peace Ambrose of course flatly peace Ambrose of course flatly peace Ambrose of course flatly refused so what if the request was refused so what if the request was refused so what if the request was coming directly from the emperor coming directly from the emperor coming directly from the emperor aryanism was heresy and wasn't going to aryanism was heresy and wasn't going to aryanism was heresy and wasn't going to get a platform so long as Ambrose was get a platform so long as Ambrose was get a platform so long as Ambrose was Bishop of Bishop of Bishop of Milan so then a petorian prefect came Milan so then a petorian prefect came Milan so then a petorian prefect came around to talk sensibly with Ambrose and around to talk sensibly with Ambrose and around to talk sensibly with Ambrose and said look maybe just give her the one in said look maybe just give her the one in said look maybe just give her the one in the suburbs the so-called porchin the suburbs the so-called porchin the suburbs the so-called porchin Basilica that would be all right Basilica that would be all right Basilica that would be all right wouldn't it but again Ambrose

wouldn't it but again Ambrose wouldn't it but again Ambrose refused this annoyed the EMP so much refused this annoyed the EMP so much refused this annoyed the EMP so much that she had valentinian order a that she had valentinian order a that she had valentinian order a contingent of hous guards down to the contingent of hous guards down to the contingent of hous guards down to the Basilica in question to just take it by Basilica in question to just take it by Basilica in question to just take it by force these guards entered the church force these guards entered the church force these guards entered the church and began hanging up Aryan decorations and began hanging up Aryan decorations and began hanging up Aryan decorations in preparation for an Aryan Easter in preparation for an Aryan Easter in preparation for an Aryan Easter Service when word got out of what was Service when word got out of what was Service when word got out of what was happening pretty soon Ambrose's naan happening pretty soon Ambrose's naan happening pretty soon Ambrose's naan congregation showed up at the scene and congregation showed up at the scene and congregation showed up at the scene and began violently agitating against the began violently agitating against the began violently agitating against the occupation of the occupation of the occupation of the church then a small group of them pushed church then a small group of them pushed church then a small group of them pushed their way in pushed out the guards and their way in pushed out the guards and their way in pushed out the guards and blockaded the door so now we have a blockaded the door so now we have a blockaded the door so now we have a full-blown full-blown full-blown situation Ambrose himself stayed away situation Ambrose himself stayed away situation Ambrose himself stayed away from the scene but made it known that he from the scene but made it known that he from the scene but made it known that he fully supported the expulsion of the fully supported the expulsion of the fully supported the expulsion of the arens various Imperial officials knowing arens various Imperial officials knowing arens various Imperial officials knowing full well that Ambrose could put a stop full well that Ambrose could put a stop full well that Ambrose could put a stop to it all if he wanted to came around to to it all if he wanted to came around to to it all if he wanted to came around to broker a deal but the bishop refused to broker a deal but the bishop refused to broker a deal but the bishop refused to compromise eventually with a hostile mob compromise eventually with a hostile mob compromise eventually with a hostile mob overwhelming the outnumbered Imperial overwhelming the outnumbered Imperial overwhelming the outnumbered Imperial troops Justina relented and ordered her troops Justina relented and ordered her troops Justina relented and ordered her men to men to men to withdraw the bishop of Milan had just withdraw the bishop of Milan had just withdraw the bishop of Milan had just stared down the empress and stared down the empress and stared down the empress and won I imagine that his success on that won I imagine that his success on that won I imagine that his success on that day bolstered his confidence to the day bolstered his confidence to the day bolstered his confidence to the point that when the time came he felt no point that when the time came he felt no point that when the time came he felt no fear about getting into a staring fear about getting into a staring fear about getting into a staring contest with an emperor and not a boy contest with an emperor and not a boy contest with an emperor and not a boy Emperor like valentinian II or a Emperor like valentinian II or a Emperor like valentinian II or a malleable young Emperor like gracian but malleable young Emperor like gracian but malleable young Emperor like gracian but a fully established Soldier Emperor like

a fully established Soldier Emperor like a fully established Soldier Emperor like theodos theodos theodos who had just won a civil war making him who had just won a civil war making him who had just won a civil war making him the last sole ruler of the Roman the last sole ruler of the Roman the last sole ruler of the Roman Empire there is a Spanish word for what Empire there is a Spanish word for what Empire there is a Spanish word for what Ambrose had and that word is coones while these religious coones while these religious controversies swirled the three Imperial controversies swirled the three Imperial controversies swirled the three Imperial centers of the Empire continued to centers of the Empire continued to centers of the Empire continued to maneuver around one another maneuver around one another maneuver around one another politically a Maximus kept working politically a Maximus kept working politically a Maximus kept working toward full recognition the valentinian toward full recognition the valentinian toward full recognition the valentinian II or at least the high officials of his II or at least the high officials of his II or at least the high officials of his court kept working to maintain their court kept working to maintain their court kept working to maintain their independence in the face not only of the independence in the face not only of the independence in the face not only of the threat posed by maximus in the north but threat posed by maximus in the north but threat posed by maximus in the north but also the threat by also the threat by also the threat by theodosius at any moment the Eastern theodosius at any moment the Eastern theodosius at any moment the Eastern Augustus might decide to step in and Augustus might decide to step in and Augustus might decide to step in and declare himself the protector of declare himself the protector of declare himself the protector of valentinian II which would be nothing valentinian II which would be nothing valentinian II which would be nothing more than a polite way of saying the more than a polite way of saying the more than a polite way of saying the valentinians days as an independent valentinians days as an independent valentinians days as an independent Emperor were Emperor were Emperor were over in the East meanwhile theodosius over in the East meanwhile theodosius over in the East meanwhile theodosius kept working methodically to ensure the kept working methodically to ensure the kept working methodically to ensure the stability and safety of his provinces so stability and safety of his provinces so stability and safety of his provinces so that he could go face down Maximus that he could go face down Maximus that he could go face down Maximus properly he had not yet answered properly he had not yet answered properly he had not yet answered definitively the question of recognition definitively the question of recognition definitively the question of recognition of Maximus or civil war with Maximus but of Maximus or civil war with Maximus but of Maximus or civil war with Maximus but it was pretty clear that he wanted civil it was pretty clear that he wanted civil it was pretty clear that he wanted civil war with maximus in 386 though maximus's hope maximus in 386 though maximus's hope that theodocious would wind up choosing that theodocious would wind up choosing that theodocious would wind up choosing recognition was raised by the appearance recognition was raised by the appearance recognition was raised by the appearance on the North Bank of the danu of an

on the North Bank of the danu of an on the North Bank of the danu of an armed force of Gangi armed force of Gangi armed force of Gangi Goths in a scene earily reminiscent of Goths in a scene earily reminiscent of Goths in a scene earily reminiscent of the events of 376 the gungi were the events of 376 the gungi were the events of 376 the gungi were demanding that they be allowed to settle demanding that they be allowed to settle demanding that they be allowed to settle in Roman territory just as their cousins in Roman territory just as their cousins in Roman territory just as their cousins had been allowed to settle a few years had been allowed to settle a few years had been allowed to settle a few years before with said cousins already causing before with said cousins already causing before with said cousins already causing formidable administrative and security formidable administrative and security formidable administrative and security headaches for theodosius though the headaches for theodosius though the headaches for theodosius though the thought of even more Goths settling in thought of even more Goths settling in thought of even more Goths settling in the Empire drove the emperor to Fitz the Empire drove the emperor to Fitz the Empire drove the emperor to Fitz he was over dealing with Goths so he was over dealing with Goths so he was over dealing with Goths so completely over the completely over the completely over the Goths and so he came up with a rather Goths and so he came up with a rather Goths and so he came up with a rather brutal brutal brutal solution the gungi petitioners were told solution the gungi petitioners were told solution the gungi petitioners were told that they would indeed be allowed to that they would indeed be allowed to that they would indeed be allowed to settle in the settle in the settle in the Empire but once they were in their rafts Empire but once they were in their rafts Empire but once they were in their rafts and crossing over the river and crossing over the river and crossing over the river surprise the Imperial Fleet Manning the surprise the Imperial Fleet Manning the surprise the Imperial Fleet Manning the danu suddenly attacked the Goths were danu suddenly attacked the Goths were danu suddenly attacked the Goths were surrounded and then slaughtered surrounded and then slaughtered surrounded and then slaughtered so completely over dealing with Goths in 387 maximus's hope for Goths in 387 maximus's hope for recognition was dashed for good when recognition was dashed for good when recognition was dashed for good when Roman ambassadors returned from a final Roman ambassadors returned from a final Roman ambassadors returned from a final round of talks with the cids treaty in round of talks with the cids treaty in round of talks with the cids treaty in hand I haven't been able to find a good hand I haven't been able to find a good hand I haven't been able to find a good way to slip this bit in yet so I'm just way to slip this bit in yet so I'm just way to slip this bit in yet so I'm just going to sort of wedge it in right now going to sort of wedge it in right now going to sort of wedge it in right now but the Persian king the Roman but the Persian king the Roman but the Persian king the Roman ambassadors dealt with now was shapur ambassadors dealt with now was shapur ambassadors dealt with now was shapur the thirdd rather than that old

the thirdd rather than that old the thirdd rather than that old implacable enemy of the Romans shapur implacable enemy of the Romans shapur implacable enemy of the Romans shapur II sadly shapur the great finally died II sadly shapur the great finally died II sadly shapur the great finally died in 379 ad after a remarkable 70-year in 379 ad after a remarkable 70-year in 379 ad after a remarkable 70-year Reign Over his Reign Over his Reign Over his Empire which you'd think would be some Empire which you'd think would be some Empire which you'd think would be some kind of record but history is apparently kind of record but history is apparently kind of record but history is apparently full of monarchs who reigned for 70 plus full of monarchs who reigned for 70 plus full of monarchs who reigned for 70 plus years Louis the 14th and his 72 years years Louis the 14th and his 72 years years Louis the 14th and his 72 years running France among running France among running France among them the record for longest of ified them the record for longest of ified them the record for longest of ified rign because I know you're just dying rign because I know you're just dying rign because I know you're just dying for me to tell you this goes to Sauza II for me to tell you this goes to Sauza II for me to tell you this goes to Sauza II king of swasiland who reigned 82 years king of swasiland who reigned 82 years king of swasiland who reigned 82 years 254 days between 1899 and 254 days between 1899 and 254 days between 1899 and 1982 the record for longest unverified 1982 the record for longest unverified 1982 the record for longest unverified Reign goes to the Egyptian Pepe II an Reign goes to the Egyptian Pepe II an Reign goes to the Egyptian Pepe II an Old Kingdom pharaoh who reigned 94 years Old Kingdom pharaoh who reigned 94 years Old Kingdom pharaoh who reigned 94 years between 2278 and 2184 BC good job guys between 2278 and 2184 BC good job guys between 2278 and 2184 BC good job guys anyway I note the passing of shapur II anyway I note the passing of shapur II anyway I note the passing of shapur II because man that guy has been an onagan because man that guy has been an onagan because man that guy has been an onagan off again Boogeyman of the Romans since off again Boogeyman of the Romans since off again Boogeyman of the Romans since he was first provoked by Constantine the he was first provoked by Constantine the he was first provoked by Constantine the Great way back in Great way back in Great way back in 336 he rightfully deserves his place in 336 he rightfully deserves his place in 336 he rightfully deserves his place in the pantheon of alltime great enemies of the pantheon of alltime great enemies of the pantheon of alltime great enemies of the Roman Empire and may He Rest In Peace So the ambassadors returned with a Peace So the ambassadors returned with a bad deal for Rome but a good deal for bad deal for Rome but a good deal for bad deal for Rome but a good deal for theodus right at that

theodus right at that theodus right at that moment the Romans agreed to seed four moment the Romans agreed to seed four moment the Romans agreed to seed four fifths of Armenia to CED control in fifths of Armenia to CED control in fifths of Armenia to CED control in exchange for exchange for exchange for peace the deal may have been a crappy peace the deal may have been a crappy peace the deal may have been a crappy one but it gave theodus the peace he one but it gave theodus the peace he one but it gave theodus the peace he wanted and it broke the Imperial wanted and it broke the Imperial wanted and it broke the Imperial stalemate that had defined the empire stalemate that had defined the empire stalemate that had defined the empire for 5 for 5 for 5 years theodosius was now free to move on years theodosius was now free to move on years theodosius was now free to move on Maximus and everyone knew it which Maximus and everyone knew it which Maximus and everyone knew it which changed the whole changed the whole changed the whole equation as soon as he found out about equation as soon as he found out about equation as soon as he found out about the deal Maximus knew he could no longer the deal Maximus knew he could no longer the deal Maximus knew he could no longer afford to sit back and hope for a afford to sit back and hope for a afford to sit back and hope for a peaceful peaceful peaceful resolution so near the end of 387 he resolution so near the end of 387 he resolution so near the end of 387 he mobilized his forces and drove them mobilized his forces and drove them mobilized his forces and drove them South into Italy blowing through the South into Italy blowing through the South into Italy blowing through the Garrison protecting the Alpine Garrison protecting the Alpine Garrison protecting the Alpine passes valentinian's advisers determined passes valentinian's advisers determined passes valentinian's advisers determined that maximus's Army was too strong and that maximus's Army was too strong and that maximus's Army was too strong and coming too fast for them to fight back coming too fast for them to fight back coming too fast for them to fight back so they packed up and fled for the so they packed up and fled for the so they packed up and fled for the protection of theodosia's court protection of theodosia's court protection of theodosia's court there was still a lingering fear that there was still a lingering fear that there was still a lingering fear that theodus might take this opportunity to theodus might take this opportunity to theodus might take this opportunity to essentially depose young valentinian but essentially depose young valentinian but essentially depose young valentinian but that was a risk they were going to have that was a risk they were going to have that was a risk they were going to have to take next week we will see that their take next week we will see that their fears were fears were fears were misguided far from wanting to depose misguided far from wanting to depose misguided far from wanting to depose valentinian theodocious will demand that valentinian theodocious will demand that valentinian theodocious will demand that the two Emperors be bound together even the two Emperors be bound together even the two Emperors be bound together even closer than closer than closer than ever yes theodus had his eye on the Next ever yes theodus had his eye on the Next ever yes theodus had his eye on the Next Generation and wanted to ensure a clear Generation and wanted to ensure a clear Generation and wanted to ensure a clear path for his own Sons to inherit the

path for his own Sons to inherit the path for his own Sons to inherit the Empire but for now he really would be Empire but for now he really would be Empire but for now he really would be the protector that valentinian the protector that valentinian the protector that valentinian needed right now it was time for war needed right now it was time for war needed right now it was time for war with hello and welcome to the history of hello and welcome to the history of Rome episode Rome episode Rome episode 157 Only The pentant man shall pass in late 387 ad the 12-year-old pass in late 387 ad the 12-year-old Emperor valentinian II his mother Emperor valentinian II his mother Emperor valentinian II his mother Justina and the rest of the Milan Court Justina and the rest of the Milan Court Justina and the rest of the Milan Court showed up in thessalonica begging showed up in thessalonica begging showed up in thessalonica begging theodosius for theodosius for theodosius for Asylum the Eastern Augustus aware that Asylum the Eastern Augustus aware that Asylum the Eastern Augustus aware that his brother Emperor had been put to his brother Emperor had been put to his brother Emperor had been put to flight by the usurper Maximus had flight by the usurper Maximus had flight by the usurper Maximus had traveled down to the port city in traveled down to the port city in traveled down to the port city in advance and received the Exile court advance and received the Exile court advance and received the Exile court with open arms promising to do with open arms promising to do with open arms promising to do everything he could to restore everything he could to restore everything he could to restore valentinian to valentinian to valentinian to power but not just out of the goodness power but not just out of the goodness power but not just out of the goodness of his of his of his heart the price for Theo's help was the heart the price for Theo's help was the heart the price for Theo's help was the hand of valentinian sister Gala in

hand of valentinian sister Gala in hand of valentinian sister Gala in marriage the Eastern augustus' first marriage the Eastern augustus' first marriage the Eastern augustus' first wife Elia filla mother of the two future wife Elia filla mother of the two future wife Elia filla mother of the two future Emperors arcadius and honorius had died Emperors arcadius and honorius had died Emperors arcadius and honorius had died in 385 and theodocious was looking for a in 385 and theodocious was looking for a in 385 and theodocious was looking for a marital Alliance that would bind his marital Alliance that would bind his marital Alliance that would bind his clan to the valentinians forming a clan to the valentinians forming a clan to the valentinians forming a single intertwined single intertwined single intertwined Dynasty the price seemed reasonable Dynasty the price seemed reasonable Dynasty the price seemed reasonable enough to the empress Justina and the enough to the empress Justina and the enough to the empress Justina and the marriage was hastily arranged marriage was hastily arranged marriage was hastily arranged emerging from the wedding ceremony as a emerging from the wedding ceremony as a emerging from the wedding ceremony as a single political unit the theodocian single political unit the theodocian single political unit the theodocian valentinian dynasty then prepared for war Maximus had timed his attack on war Maximus had timed his attack on Italy perfectly waiting until the last Italy perfectly waiting until the last Italy perfectly waiting until the last minute before winter sent in to minute before winter sent in to minute before winter sent in to pounce by the time theodosius learned of pounce by the time theodosius learned of pounce by the time theodosius learned of the attack it was too late in the year the attack it was too late in the year the attack it was too late in the year for the Eastern Augustus to do anything for the Eastern Augustus to do anything for the Eastern Augustus to do anything about it he would have to wait until about it he would have to wait until about it he would have to wait until spring which meant that Maximus had spring which meant that Maximus had spring which meant that Maximus had bought himself six months to get his bought himself six months to get his bought himself six months to get his house in order and ready his troops for house in order and ready his troops for house in order and ready his troops for an inevitable an inevitable an inevitable Counterattack the general had already Counterattack the general had already Counterattack the general had already laid the groundwork for defending Italy laid the groundwork for defending Italy laid the groundwork for defending Italy during his initial Invasion as it is during his initial Invasion as it is during his initial Invasion as it is assumed that bribery and induced assumed that bribery and induced assumed that bribery and induced defections had been the main reason he defections had been the main reason he defections had been the main reason he had penetrated the Alpine passes so had penetrated the Alpine passes so had penetrated the Alpine passes so easily when these Italian forces were easily when these Italian forces were easily when these Italian forces were combined with his GIC Legions maximus's combined with his GIC Legions maximus's combined with his GIC Legions maximus's Army was at least on paper equal to just Army was at least on paper equal to just Army was at least on paper equal to just about anything theodocious would be able about anything theodocious would be able about anything theodocious would be able to put in the field after all we are to put in the field after all we are to put in the field after all we are still just a few years removed from the still just a few years removed from the still just a few years removed from the devastating Gothic War it's not like the

devastating Gothic War it's not like the devastating Gothic War it's not like the legions of the middle Empire had a lot legions of the middle Empire had a lot legions of the middle Empire had a lot of men to spare for a civil war but theodosius had been laying some war but theodosius had been laying some groundwork of his own we saw last week groundwork of his own we saw last week groundwork of his own we saw last week how the peace treaty with the cits freed how the peace treaty with the cits freed how the peace treaty with the cits freed up at least some Syrian border troops up at least some Syrian border troops up at least some Syrian border troops for the campaign but the Eastern for the campaign but the Eastern for the campaign but the Eastern augustus's main source of recruits for augustus's main source of recruits for augustus's main source of recruits for the coming civil war would actually come the coming civil war would actually come the coming civil war would actually come from the ranks of the very barbarians he from the ranks of the very barbarians he from the ranks of the very barbarians he spent his first few years in office spent his first few years in office spent his first few years in office fighting in these turbulent times fighting in these turbulent times fighting in these turbulent times alliances were formed broken and alliances were formed broken and alliances were formed broken and reformed with dizzying reformed with dizzying reformed with dizzying speed theodus had not stopped working speed theodus had not stopped working speed theodus had not stopped working after successfully bringing an end to after successfully bringing an end to after successfully bringing an end to the gothic war with a combination of the gothic war with a combination of the gothic war with a combination of attrition and diplomacy and throughout attrition and diplomacy and throughout attrition and diplomacy and throughout the mid 380s he continued to focus his the mid 380s he continued to focus his the mid 380s he continued to focus his attention on winning over as many attention on winning over as many attention on winning over as many barbarians as he possibly could to his barbarians as he possibly could to his barbarians as he possibly could to his side and that did not just mean goths side and that did not just mean goths side and that did not just mean goths that meant factions of Huns and alons that meant factions of Huns and alons that meant factions of Huns and alons from Beyond the danu frontier who were from Beyond the danu frontier who were from Beyond the danu frontier who were more than willing to sell their more than willing to sell their more than willing to sell their cavalries into imperial service if the cavalries into imperial service if the cavalries into imperial service if the price was right nothing about the armed conflicts right nothing about the armed conflicts of late Antiquity make them easy to of late Antiquity make them easy to of late Antiquity make them easy to paint in Stark black and white terms and paint in Stark black and white terms and paint in Stark black and white terms and the war that is about to break out the war that is about to break out the war that is about to break out between theodosius and Maximus is a between theodosius and Maximus is a between theodosius and Maximus is a great example of why it's so great example of why it's so great example of why it's so hard theodosia's Top Field generals riir hard theodosia's Top Field generals riir hard theodosia's Top Field generals riir the general who had come east at the the general who had come east at the the general who had come east at the outset of the gothic war and Rick amir's

outset of the gothic war and Rick amir's outset of the gothic war and Rick amir's nephew aragos were both ethnic Franks nephew aragos were both ethnic Franks nephew aragos were both ethnic Franks from the lower from the lower from the lower rine they would be leading a mixed band rine they would be leading a mixed band rine they would be leading a mixed band of Roman legionaries drawn from the danu of Roman legionaries drawn from the danu of Roman legionaries drawn from the danu provinces Gothic auxiliaries called up provinces Gothic auxiliaries called up provinces Gothic auxiliaries called up according to the terms of their according to the terms of their according to the terms of their settlement agreement and hun and Alon settlement agreement and hun and Alon settlement agreement and hun and Alon mercenaries who were paid to serve as mercenaries who were paid to serve as mercenaries who were paid to serve as theodosia's Cavalry theodosia's Cavalry theodosia's Cavalry arm they would be fighting against arm they would be fighting against arm they would be fighting against against Maximus who hailed from the same against Maximus who hailed from the same against Maximus who hailed from the same region of Spain as theodosius but whose region of Spain as theodosius but whose region of Spain as theodosius but whose Army consisted mostly of gallic Army consisted mostly of gallic Army consisted mostly of gallic legionaries who were basically just legionaries who were basically just legionaries who were basically just ethnic Germans living on the west side ethnic Germans living on the west side ethnic Germans living on the west side of the Rind and alaman auxiliaries who of the Rind and alaman auxiliaries who of the Rind and alaman auxiliaries who answered maximus's Call to Arms after answered maximus's Call to Arms after answered maximus's Call to Arms after years of friendly patronage from the years of friendly patronage from the years of friendly patronage from the General in other words when looked at General in other words when looked at General in other words when looked at from a few miles up this Roman Civil War from a few miles up this Roman Civil War from a few miles up this Roman Civil War resembles nothing so much as a giant resembles nothing so much as a giant resembles nothing so much as a giant squabble between rival Barbarian tries squabble between rival Barbarian tries squabble between rival Barbarian tries take out Maximus and theodus and really take out Maximus and theodus and really take out Maximus and theodus and really how many Romans in this Roman Civil War how many Romans in this Roman Civil War how many Romans in this Roman Civil War are left not many I can tell you that when spring came theodocious went that when spring came theodocious went on the offensive and ordered a on the offensive and ordered a on the offensive and ordered a two-pronged assault on the Italian two-pronged assault on the Italian two-pronged assault on the Italian Peninsula ground forces would March West Peninsula ground forces would March West Peninsula ground forces would March West through the Alps while a naval force through the Alps while a naval force through the Alps while a naval force would simultaneously sail up the would simultaneously sail up the would simultaneously sail up the Adriatic and attack by Adriatic and attack by Adriatic and attack by sea Maximus using aquala as his base of sea Maximus using aquala as his base of sea Maximus using aquala as his base of operations were quickly to counter both operations were quickly to counter both operations were quickly to counter both threats pulling a force down to deal threats pulling a force down to deal threats pulling a force down to deal with the naval Invasion while directing

with the naval Invasion while directing with the naval Invasion while directing the bulk of his forces to block up the the bulk of his forces to block up the the bulk of his forces to block up the mountain mountain mountain passes but unfortunately for Maximus the passes but unfortunately for Maximus the passes but unfortunately for Maximus the winner had worked both ways and he too winner had worked both ways and he too winner had worked both ways and he too had been forced to wait until spring to had been forced to wait until spring to had been forced to wait until spring to make many of these make many of these make many of these moves so when an advanced guard of his moves so when an advanced guard of his moves so when an advanced guard of his army occupied the small city of cysia in army occupied the small city of cysia in army occupied the small city of cysia in what is now Slovenia they were unable to what is now Slovenia they were unable to what is now Slovenia they were unable to complete the defensive for ifications complete the defensive for ifications complete the defensive for ifications necessary to hold theodocious necessary to hold theodocious necessary to hold theodocious off with the Lightning Fast hun Cavalry off with the Lightning Fast hun Cavalry off with the Lightning Fast hun Cavalry leading the way theodosia's land Army leading the way theodosia's land Army leading the way theodosia's land Army made contact with maximus' forces at made contact with maximus' forces at made contact with maximus' forces at sisia and easily ran them sisia and easily ran them sisia and easily ran them off but this was just the opening off but this was just the opening off but this was just the opening Skirmish the real test would come a 100 Skirmish the real test would come a 100 Skirmish the real test would come a 100 miles to the north in the Fortified city miles to the north in the Fortified city miles to the north in the Fortified city of poio where maximus's Main Army LED in of poio where maximus's Main Army LED in of poio where maximus's Main Army LED in person by his brother was person by his brother was person by his brother was stationed details are scarce but it stationed details are scarce but it stationed details are scarce but it appears the two sides met in battle in appears the two sides met in battle in appears the two sides met in battle in Midsummer 388 and after an intensely Midsummer 388 and after an intensely Midsummer 388 and after an intensely fought back and forth battle theodocious fought back and forth battle theodocious fought back and forth battle theodocious emerged Victorious with his armies guarding the Victorious with his armies guarding the mountains defeated and his Southern mountains defeated and his Southern mountains defeated and his Southern flank failing in the face of the naval flank failing in the face of the naval flank failing in the face of the naval assault Maximus called for assault Maximus called for assault Maximus called for reinforcements from the North and then reinforcements from the North and then reinforcements from the North and then fled back to aquala to await fled back to aquala to await fled back to aquala to await relief but with theodosia's forces relief but with theodosia's forces relief but with theodosia's forces breathing down Italy's neck the powers breathing down Italy's neck the powers breathing down Italy's neck the powers that be in Aqua decided that standing that be in Aqua decided that standing that be in Aqua decided that standing behind Maximus was suicide whereas behind Maximus was suicide whereas behind Maximus was suicide whereas handing him over likely meant they would handing him over likely meant they would handing him over likely meant they would Escape all this with their heads intact

Escape all this with their heads intact Escape all this with their heads intact so they thought it over for roughly two so they thought it over for roughly two so they thought it over for roughly two nond and put maximus in nond and put maximus in nond and put maximus in Chains when theodosia's forces arrived Chains when theodosia's forces arrived Chains when theodosia's forces arrived Maximus was handed over and on August Maximus was handed over and on August Maximus was handed over and on August 28th 388 ad General was 28th 388 ad General was 28th 388 ad General was beheaded I'll never quite be sure what beheaded I'll never quite be sure what beheaded I'll never quite be sure what his official title was but he did rule his official title was but he did rule his official title was but he did rule the Western provinces for 5 years and by the Western provinces for 5 years and by the Western provinces for 5 years and by all accounts did a pretty good job and all accounts did a pretty good job and all accounts did a pretty good job and now he's dead so there you go with Maximus dead a theodus entered go with Maximus dead a theodus entered Milan unopposed and then called on Milan unopposed and then called on Milan unopposed and then called on valentinian and the rest of his Exile valentinian and the rest of his Exile valentinian and the rest of his Exile Court to Court to Court to return the war over securing the peace return the war over securing the peace return the war over securing the peace was now the main task confronting the was now the main task confronting the was now the main task confronting the Victorious theodosius and as in his Victorious theodosius and as in his Victorious theodosius and as in his dealings with the Goths the Eastern dealings with the Goths the Eastern dealings with the Goths the Eastern Augustus demonstrated that he found Augustus demonstrated that he found Augustus demonstrated that he found clemency and forgiveness far superior clemency and forgiveness far superior clemency and forgiveness far superior tools to work with than hostility and tools to work with than hostility and tools to work with than hostility and revenge almost no punitive action was revenge almost no punitive action was revenge almost no punitive action was taken against the men who had sided with taken against the men who had sided with taken against the men who had sided with Maximus and even within the General's Maximus and even within the General's Maximus and even within the General's own family only his eldest son who had own family only his eldest son who had own family only his eldest son who had been named maximus's official co-ruler been named maximus's official co-ruler been named maximus's official co-ruler and successor paid the ultimate price and successor paid the ultimate price and successor paid the ultimate price for the General's for the General's for the General's transgressions his wife and daughters transgressions his wife and daughters transgressions his wife and daughters were allowed to live out their lives in were allowed to live out their lives in were allowed to live out their lives in peace with their security peace with their security peace with their security guaranteed as Julius Caesar had shown so guaranteed as Julius Caesar had shown so guaranteed as Julius Caesar had shown so many years before this sort of Habitual many years before this sort of Habitual many years before this sort of Habitual blanket clemency can sometimes come back blanket clemency can sometimes come back blanket clemency can sometimes come back to bite you but theodus likely felt like to bite you but theodus likely felt like to bite you but theodus likely felt like the alternative would have been far

the alternative would have been far the alternative would have been far worse it's not like Maximus had been worse it's not like Maximus had been worse it's not like Maximus had been unpopular with either the people or the unpopular with either the people or the unpopular with either the people or the military going after his supporters military going after his supporters military going after his supporters would have meant well going after would have meant well going after would have meant well going after everyone really better to risk some everyone really better to risk some everyone really better to risk some reignited Revolt later on then guarantee reignited Revolt later on then guarantee reignited Revolt later on then guarantee one now by coming down too one now by coming down too one now by coming down too harshly harshly harshly aside from the people and the soldiers aside from the people and the soldiers aside from the people and the soldiers of the West there was one other major of the West there was one other major of the West there was one other major player that theodosius was Keen to Plate player that theodosius was Keen to Plate player that theodosius was Keen to Plate the bishop of the bishop of the bishop of Milan Ambrose had stayed behind when the Milan Ambrose had stayed behind when the Milan Ambrose had stayed behind when the Imperial Court had abandoned the Italian Imperial Court had abandoned the Italian Imperial Court had abandoned the Italian Capital to Maximus and his steadfast Capital to Maximus and his steadfast Capital to Maximus and his steadfast refusal to be pushed around had elevated refusal to be pushed around had elevated refusal to be pushed around had elevated his popularity and he was already pretty his popularity and he was already pretty his popularity and he was already pretty popular into the popular into the popular into the stratosphere not that staying took some stratosphere not that staying took some stratosphere not that staying took some immense amount of courage or anything if immense amount of courage or anything if immense amount of courage or anything if Ambrose felt he had a thing to fear from Ambrose felt he had a thing to fear from Ambrose felt he had a thing to fear from the devoutly Nan Maximus he probably the devoutly Nan Maximus he probably the devoutly Nan Maximus he probably would have high tailed it out of there would have high tailed it out of there would have high tailed it out of there but he didn't and so he but he didn't and so he but he didn't and so he didn't if theodocious understood that didn't if theodocious understood that didn't if theodocious understood that the road to a secure Western Empire went the road to a secure Western Empire went the road to a secure Western Empire went right through the Bishop's church and so right through the Bishop's church and so right through the Bishop's church and so he reached out to Ambrose in an attempt he reached out to Ambrose in an attempt he reached out to Ambrose in an attempt to bring the influential clergyman over to bring the influential clergyman over to bring the influential clergyman over to his side but theodosius was about to to his side but theodosius was about to to his side but theodosius was about to discover that Ambrose was the kind of discover that Ambrose was the kind of discover that Ambrose was the kind of man who while willing to make deals was man who while willing to make deals was man who while willing to make deals was only willing to make them on his own only willing to make them on his own only willing to make them on his own terms thoroughly empowered and not at terms thoroughly empowered and not at terms thoroughly empowered and not at all impressed by Imperial displays of all impressed by Imperial displays of all impressed by Imperial displays of power Ambrose had no intention of power Ambrose had no intention of power Ambrose had no intention of compromising with theodosius on anything

compromising with theodosius on anything compromising with theodosius on anything the emperor was going to have to come to him theodosius caught his first whiff of him theodosius caught his first whiff of Ambrose's willingness to go head-to-head Ambrose's willingness to go head-to-head Ambrose's willingness to go head-to-head with an Imperial Court when news came with an Imperial Court when news came with an Imperial Court when news came that far in the East some fanatical that far in the East some fanatical that far in the East some fanatical monks had talked themselves up into a monks had talked themselves up into a monks had talked themselves up into a righteous Fury and then decided to go righteous Fury and then decided to go righteous Fury and then decided to go take that Fury out on an ancient Jewish take that Fury out on an ancient Jewish take that Fury out on an ancient Jewish synagogue theodosius you'll recall synagogue theodosius you'll recall synagogue theodosius you'll recall usually reserved his own religious usually reserved his own religious usually reserved his own religious fanaticism for intra-christian conflicts fanaticism for intra-christian conflicts fanaticism for intra-christian conflicts and skewed tolerant when other religions and skewed tolerant when other religions and skewed tolerant when other religions were were were involved when he learned of the monks' involved when he learned of the monks' involved when he learned of the monks' crime the emperor ordered them to pay to crime the emperor ordered them to pay to crime the emperor ordered them to pay to have the synagogue rebuilt it seemed have the synagogue rebuilt it seemed have the synagogue rebuilt it seemed like this was a routine bit of Law and like this was a routine bit of Law and like this was a routine bit of Law and Order private property had been Order private property had been Order private property had been destroyed everyone knew who had done it destroyed everyone knew who had done it destroyed everyone knew who had done it and so the vandals not that we can and so the vandals not that we can and so the vandals not that we can really call them that yet ought to pay really call them that yet ought to pay really call them that yet ought to pay for the repairs okay what's for the repairs okay what's for the repairs okay what's next so theodosius was shocked when next so theodosius was shocked when next so theodosius was shocked when Ambrose took to his pulpit and denounced Ambrose took to his pulpit and denounced Ambrose took to his pulpit and denounced the emperor's decision in extremely the emperor's decision in extremely the emperor's decision in extremely harsh harsh harsh language taken aback by The Assault the language taken aback by The Assault the language taken aback by The Assault the emperor modified his decision ordering emperor modified his decision ordering emperor modified his decision ordering the whole Civic community in question to the whole Civic community in question to the whole Civic community in question to help rebuild the synagogue rather than help rebuild the synagogue rather than help rebuild the synagogue rather than focusing solely on the focusing solely on the focusing solely on the monks but but Ambrose continued to take monks but but Ambrose continued to take monks but but Ambrose continued to take offense asking his congregation why a offense asking his congregation why a offense asking his congregation why a single public dollar should go toward single public dollar should go toward single public dollar should go toward building a temple for Sac religious Jews building a temple for Sac religious Jews building a temple for Sac religious Jews and then asking further hey you know why and then asking further hey you know why and then asking further hey you know why aren't we giving that money to the monks

aren't we giving that money to the monks aren't we giving that money to the monks as a reward for the good work that as a reward for the good work that as a reward for the good work that they've they've they've done theodus was shocked by The Bishop's done theodus was shocked by The Bishop's done theodus was shocked by The Bishop's demagoguing on the issue but with the demagoguing on the issue but with the demagoguing on the issue but with the people of Milan raised up now into a people of Milan raised up now into a people of Milan raised up now into a mighty Rabel the emperor decided to just mighty Rabel the emperor decided to just mighty Rabel the emperor decided to just cut bait the order to rebuild the cut bait the order to rebuild the cut bait the order to rebuild the synagogue was quietly dropped Ambrose synagogue was quietly dropped Ambrose synagogue was quietly dropped Ambrose had once again stared down the Imperial had once again stared down the Imperial had once again stared down the Imperial Court and won but his best was still to come despite the shot that Ambrose had come despite the shot that Ambrose had just fired across his bow theodosius was just fired across his bow theodosius was just fired across his bow theodosius was not ready to become an anti-all other not ready to become an anti-all other not ready to become an anti-all other religions kind of Christian just religions kind of Christian just religions kind of Christian just yet in June of 389 he traveled down to yet in June of 389 he traveled down to yet in June of 389 he traveled down to Rome to secure the support of the old Rome to secure the support of the old Rome to secure the support of the old Roman senate and slashing around a bunch Roman senate and slashing around a bunch Roman senate and slashing around a bunch of extremist Christian RoR wasn't going of extremist Christian RoR wasn't going of extremist Christian RoR wasn't going to get him to get him to get him anywhere instead he engaged in a very anywhere instead he engaged in a very anywhere instead he engaged in a very lowkey charm offensive designed to set lowkey charm offensive designed to set lowkey charm offensive designed to set the Senator's Minds at the Senator's Minds at the Senator's Minds at ease while in the city he made a habit ease while in the city he made a habit ease while in the city he made a habit of dropping the most ostentatious bits of dropping the most ostentatious bits of dropping the most ostentatious bits of his Imperial regalia and leave behind of his Imperial regalia and leave behind of his Imperial regalia and leave behind his military escorts when he called on his military escorts when he called on his military escorts when he called on Senators at their homes for a brief Senators at their homes for a brief Senators at their homes for a brief moment there Theodosia seemed to return moment there Theodosia seemed to return moment there Theodosia seemed to return to the princeps model and presented to the princeps model and presented to the princeps model and presented himself as a man a leader and an himself as a man a leader and an himself as a man a leader and an honorable Soldier rather than a warlord honorable Soldier rather than a warlord honorable Soldier rather than a warlord and a living and a living and a living God the charm offensive did the trick God the charm offensive did the trick God the charm offensive did the trick and the Senate fell over itself praising and the Senate fell over itself praising and the Senate fell over itself praising theodocious and promising their complete theodocious and promising their complete theodocious and promising their complete support the emperor's reasonable front

support the emperor's reasonable front support the emperor's reasonable front was so comforting that the great Senator was so comforting that the great Senator was so comforting that the great Senator sakas even took the opportunity to ask sakas even took the opportunity to ask sakas even took the opportunity to ask that the sacred altar of Victory be that the sacred altar of Victory be that the sacred altar of Victory be restored but that went a little too far restored but that went a little too far restored but that went a little too far and theodus firmly though politely and theodus firmly though politely and theodus firmly though politely refused these happy times would not last however these happy times would not last however as events were about to overtake them as events were about to overtake them as events were about to overtake them all giving Ambrose The Leverage he all giving Ambrose The Leverage he all giving Ambrose The Leverage he needed to really bend the emperor over needed to really bend the emperor over needed to really bend the emperor over the the the cross the bishop had been chafing a cross the bishop had been chafing a cross the bishop had been chafing a little bit since theodosia's arrival in little bit since theodosia's arrival in little bit since theodosia's arrival in Italy because while the emperor clearly Italy because while the emperor clearly Italy because while the emperor clearly desired an alliance with the church of desired an alliance with the church of desired an alliance with the church of Milan he was not proving nearly as Milan he was not proving nearly as Milan he was not proving nearly as pliable as gracian or valentinian II the pliable as gracian or valentinian II the pliable as gracian or valentinian II the young Emperors had been more than young Emperors had been more than young Emperors had been more than willing to bring Amber Ro in on their willing to bring Amber Ro in on their willing to bring Amber Ro in on their Inner Circle discussions of policy Inner Circle discussions of policy Inner Circle discussions of policy making the bishop practically a minister making the bishop practically a minister making the bishop practically a minister of of of state but theodus had his own Inner state but theodus had his own Inner state but theodus had his own Inner Circle of advisers and ever since the Circle of advisers and ever since the Circle of advisers and ever since the defeat of Maximus Ambrose had found defeat of Maximus Ambrose had found defeat of Maximus Ambrose had found himself on the outside looking in hence himself on the outside looking in hence himself on the outside looking in hence the need to take to the pulpit on the the need to take to the pulpit on the the need to take to the pulpit on the synagogue question rather than just synagogue question rather than just synagogue question rather than just saying in a meeting no we won't be doing saying in a meeting no we won't be doing saying in a meeting no we won't be doing that sure he had Spies all over that sure he had Spies all over that sure he had Spies all over theodosia's court and was kept fully theodosia's court and was kept fully theodosia's court and was kept fully briefed on what was going on briefed on what was going on briefed on what was going on but he had lost the direct power he had but he had lost the direct power he had but he had lost the direct power he had enjoyed for the last enjoyed for the last enjoyed for the last decade the bishop didn't want to Simply decade the bishop didn't want to Simply decade the bishop didn't want to Simply Be an ally of the Imperial Court he Be an ally of the Imperial Court he Be an ally of the Imperial Court he wanted to be indistinguishable from it wanted to be indistinguishable from it wanted to be indistinguishable from it and so what he needed was a way to drive and so what he needed was a way to drive and so what he needed was a way to drive himself back into the center of the

himself back into the center of the himself back into the center of the action in 390 theodosia's temper got the action in 390 theodosia's temper got the action in 390 theodosia's temper got the better of him and Ambrose immediately better of him and Ambrose immediately better of him and Ambrose immediately recognized the resulting PR debacle as recognized the resulting PR debacle as recognized the resulting PR debacle as the opportunity he had been looking the opportunity he had been looking the opportunity he had been looking for for for the citizens of the Keyport city of the citizens of the Keyport city of the citizens of the Keyport city of thessalonica like most of the citizens thessalonica like most of the citizens thessalonica like most of the citizens of the Empire loved Chariot racing and I of the Empire loved Chariot racing and I of the Empire loved Chariot racing and I mean loved Chariot mean loved Chariot mean loved Chariot racing I'm not sure there is any modern racing I'm not sure there is any modern racing I'm not sure there is any modern sport football included that quite sport football included that quite sport football included that quite touches the salivating Obsession touches the salivating Obsession touches the salivating Obsession exhibited by Chariot racing fans in late exhibited by Chariot racing fans in late exhibited by Chariot racing fans in late Antiquity part of it was because racing Antiquity part of it was because racing Antiquity part of it was because racing was essentially the only sport going was essentially the only sport going was essentially the only sport going they didn't have dozens of options to they didn't have dozens of options to they didn't have dozens of options to choose from so if you were the type of choose from so if you were the type of choose from so if you were the type of person who was into the thrill of person who was into the thrill of person who was into the thrill of competition rooting for one team hating competition rooting for one team hating competition rooting for one team hating another team or had any interest at all another team or had any interest at all another team or had any interest at all in gambling well then Chariot racing was in gambling well then Chariot racing was in gambling well then Chariot racing was going to be your thing your only going to be your thing your only going to be your thing your only thing so one day the biggest Chariot thing so one day the biggest Chariot thing so one day the biggest Chariot racing star in thessalonica gets racing star in thessalonica gets racing star in thessalonica gets arrested on what amounts to charges of arrested on what amounts to charges of arrested on what amounts to charges of homosexual rape locked up in a Cell he homosexual rape locked up in a Cell he homosexual rape locked up in a Cell he is now going to miss the big race which is now going to miss the big race which is now going to miss the big race which causes the good citizens of thessalonica causes the good citizens of thessalonica causes the good citizens of thessalonica to go a little crazy now there was definitely more crazy now there was definitely more going on here than just the loss of a going on here than just the loss of a going on here than just the loss of a big star on race big star on race big star on race day since heading west theodus had left day since heading west theodus had left day since heading west theodus had left the city Garrison by a small contingent the city Garrison by a small contingent the city Garrison by a small contingent of Allied Gothic soldiers which did not

of Allied Gothic soldiers which did not of Allied Gothic soldiers which did not sit well with the public and it was the sit well with the public and it was the sit well with the public and it was the gothic captain of this Gothic Garrison gothic captain of this Gothic Garrison gothic captain of this Gothic Garrison who was behind the arrest which really who was behind the arrest which really who was behind the arrest which really did not sit well with the public did not sit well with the public did not sit well with the public in their book theodosius and the Empire in their book theodosius and the Empire in their book theodosius and the Empire at Bay Steven Williams and Gerald Freel at Bay Steven Williams and Gerald Freel at Bay Steven Williams and Gerald Freel point out that this meant there were point out that this meant there were point out that this meant there were really three factors behind the coming really three factors behind the coming really three factors behind the coming riots at riots at riots at thessalonica first was General thessalonica first was General thessalonica first was General resentment over the presence of Gothic resentment over the presence of Gothic resentment over the presence of Gothic soldiers in the soldiers in the soldiers in the city sure at the top levels alliances city sure at the top levels alliances city sure at the top levels alliances shifted with the winds these days but shifted with the winds these days but shifted with the winds these days but down on the mass level well hadn't the down on the mass level well hadn't the down on the mass level well hadn't the Goths just been rampaging through our Goths just been rampaging through our Goths just been rampaging through our lands like just the other day lands like just the other day lands like just the other day wounds did not heal as quickly down here wounds did not heal as quickly down here wounds did not heal as quickly down here as they did in the corridors of as they did in the corridors of as they did in the corridors of power second was the temperamental power second was the temperamental power second was the temperamental difference between the Greeks and the difference between the Greeks and the difference between the Greeks and the Goths when it came to the question of Goths when it came to the question of Goths when it came to the question of homosexuality the former had no real homosexuality the former had no real homosexuality the former had no real problem with it while the latter problem with it while the latter problem with it while the latter considered it a fairly heinous offense considered it a fairly heinous offense considered it a fairly heinous offense locking up a star charioteer for locking up a star charioteer for locking up a star charioteer for homosexual activity then was an homosexual activity then was an homosexual activity then was an obnoxious imposition of Barbarian obnoxious imposition of Barbarian obnoxious imposition of Barbarian sensibility on Greek manners and now sensibility on Greek manners and now sensibility on Greek manners and now doubly so so given the doubly so so given the doubly so so given the circumstances the third Factor was that circumstances the third Factor was that circumstances the third Factor was that well yeah they were all pissed that the well yeah they were all pissed that the well yeah they were all pissed that the charioteer was going to be sitting in a charioteer was going to be sitting in a charioteer was going to be sitting in a Cell on race Cell on race Cell on race day the people of thessalonica began to day the people of thessalonica began to day the people of thessalonica began to get hostile and pretty soon a riot broke get hostile and pretty soon a riot broke get hostile and pretty soon a riot broke out the gothic Garrison wasn't nearly out the gothic Garrison wasn't nearly out the gothic Garrison wasn't nearly strong enough to get a handle on the mob strong enough to get a handle on the mob strong enough to get a handle on the mob and they were quickly

and they were quickly and they were quickly overrun the gothic Captain behind the overrun the gothic Captain behind the overrun the gothic Captain behind the arrest and most of his fellow officers arrest and most of his fellow officers arrest and most of his fellow officers were Tracked Down killed and their were Tracked Down killed and their were Tracked Down killed and their bodies dragged through the streets news quickly reached theodocious streets news quickly reached theodocious and Milan about what had happened and he and Milan about what had happened and he and Milan about what had happened and he exploded with exploded with exploded with rage the gothic Captain had been a rage the gothic Captain had been a rage the gothic Captain had been a trusted and loyal officer as evidenced trusted and loyal officer as evidenced trusted and loyal officer as evidenced by the fact that he had been given by the fact that he had been given by the fact that he had been given command over the key city of command over the key city of command over the key city of thessalonica and is murdered by some thessalonica and is murdered by some thessalonica and is murdered by some race crazed mob made theodocious Furious race crazed mob made theodocious Furious race crazed mob made theodocious Furious murderously murderously murderously Furious before he could sleep on his Furious before he could sleep on his Furious before he could sleep on his anger he sent orders off to the anger he sent orders off to the anger he sent orders off to the commander of the new en larged Garrison commander of the new en larged Garrison commander of the new en larged Garrison being brought in in the wake of the riot being brought in in the wake of the riot being brought in in the wake of the riot the orders were as clear as they were the orders were as clear as they were the orders were as clear as they were evil when the citizens of Thessalon next evil when the citizens of Thessalon next evil when the citizens of Thessalon next filled up their Hippodrome for a big filled up their Hippodrome for a big filled up their Hippodrome for a big race the new Garrison came down locked race the new Garrison came down locked race the new Garrison came down locked all the doors and then marched out into all the doors and then marched out into all the doors and then marched out into the crowd swords the crowd swords the crowd swords drawn theodosia's orders had been plain drawn theodosia's orders had been plain drawn theodosia's orders had been plain indiscriminate indiscriminate indiscriminate Slaughter the troops did their bloody Slaughter the troops did their bloody Slaughter the troops did their bloody work efficiently and pretty soon over work efficiently and pretty soon over work efficiently and pretty soon over 7,000 men women and children were dead even in the callous days of late dead even in the callous days of late Antiquity a time when life was cheap the Antiquity a time when life was cheap the Antiquity a time when life was cheap the massacre of thessalonica appalled the massacre of thessalonica appalled the massacre of thessalonica appalled the citizens of the citizens of the citizens of the Empire even theodosius understood that Empire even theodosius understood that Empire even theodosius understood that he had gone too far which is why after he had gone too far which is why after he had gone too far which is why after sending out his initial order he sent

sending out his initial order he sent sending out his initial order he sent out another countermanding it which of out another countermanding it which of out another countermanding it which of course arrived too late which meant that course arrived too late which meant that course arrived too late which meant that the emperor author of The Massacre wound the emperor author of The Massacre wound the emperor author of The Massacre wound up as appalled as anyone that it had up as appalled as anyone that it had up as appalled as anyone that it had actually taken actually taken actually taken place when Ambrose learned of what had place when Ambrose learned of what had place when Ambrose learned of what had happened he immediately pulled up stakes happened he immediately pulled up stakes happened he immediately pulled up stakes and left Milan for the countryside to and left Milan for the countryside to and left Milan for the countryside to consider his next consider his next consider his next move the bishop knew that the emperor move the bishop knew that the emperor move the bishop knew that the emperor had just committed a grievous sin that had just committed a grievous sin that had just committed a grievous sin that the emperor furthermore was a religious the emperor furthermore was a religious the emperor furthermore was a religious man and that that meant that Ambrose had man and that that meant that Ambrose had man and that that meant that Ambrose had an opportunity to Leverage The Emperor's an opportunity to Leverage The Emperor's an opportunity to Leverage The Emperor's guilt into something guilt into something guilt into something profitable but rather than climb back up profitable but rather than climb back up profitable but rather than climb back up on into his bully pulpit Ambrose was on into his bully pulpit Ambrose was on into his bully pulpit Ambrose was Savvy enough to try a different tactic Savvy enough to try a different tactic Savvy enough to try a different tactic he wrote the emperor a personal letter he wrote the emperor a personal letter he wrote the emperor a personal letter saying that unfortunately he would be saying that unfortunately he would be saying that unfortunately he would be unable to celebrate Mass with Theodosia unable to celebrate Mass with Theodosia unable to celebrate Mass with Theodosia present until the emperor had publicly present until the emperor had publicly present until the emperor had publicly atoned for his atoned for his atoned for his sin Ambrose was careful to say that he sin Ambrose was careful to say that he sin Ambrose was careful to say that he was not angry at the emperor and that was not angry at the emperor and that was not angry at the emperor and that this was not a punishment instead saying this was not a punishment instead saying this was not a punishment instead saying that he was only doing what had to be that he was only doing what had to be that he was only doing what had to be done and that he was in anguish over the done and that he was in anguish over the done and that he was in anguish over the damage it might cause to theodosia's damage it might cause to theodosia's damage it might cause to theodosia's Soul when Ambrose returned to Milan theodus when Ambrose returned to Milan theodus tried to call The Bishop's Bluff but tried to call The Bishop's Bluff but tried to call The Bishop's Bluff but when he approached Ambrose's Church the when he approached Ambrose's Church the when he approached Ambrose's Church the bishop held fast refusing the emperor bishop held fast refusing the emperor bishop held fast refusing the emperor entry the honestly Christian theodus entry the honestly Christian theodus entry the honestly Christian theodus allowed himself to be turned away and allowed himself to be turned away and allowed himself to be turned away and then proceeded to go into seclusion then proceeded to go into seclusion then proceeded to go into seclusion remorseful over what he had done and now remorseful over what he had done and now remorseful over what he had done and now deeply concerned over the fate of his

deeply concerned over the fate of his deeply concerned over the fate of his Immortal Immortal Immortal Soul he kept up a personal Soul he kept up a personal Soul he kept up a personal correspondence with Ambrose where the correspondence with Ambrose where the correspondence with Ambrose where the bishop again impressed him to publicly bishop again impressed him to publicly bishop again impressed him to publicly atone for his atone for his atone for his sin how exactly the emperor might do sin how exactly the emperor might do sin how exactly the emperor might do this was unclear but eventually this was unclear but eventually this was unclear but eventually theodocious settled on a path that might theodocious settled on a path that might theodocious settled on a path that might lead him to lead him to lead him to forgiveness leaving his Imperial finery forgiveness leaving his Imperial finery forgiveness leaving his Imperial finery behind theodocious came down to behind theodocious came down to behind theodocious came down to Ambrose's church and proceeded to spend Ambrose's church and proceeded to spend Ambrose's church and proceeded to spend the next few months engaged in a mixture the next few months engaged in a mixture the next few months engaged in a mixture of prayer and of prayer and of prayer and graling as fall turned to Winter 390 the graling as fall turned to Winter 390 the graling as fall turned to Winter 390 the emperor's running display of falty to emperor's running display of falty to emperor's running display of falty to the church finally convinced Ambrose the church finally convinced Ambrose the church finally convinced Ambrose that theodus could now be forgiven in that theodus could now be forgiven in that theodus could now be forgiven in the eyes of the the eyes of the the eyes of the Lord I'm sure that the imperial promised Lord I'm sure that the imperial promised Lord I'm sure that the imperial promised to adopt stricter anti Pagan policies to adopt stricter anti Pagan policies to adopt stricter anti Pagan policies had nothing at all to do with Ambrose had nothing at all to do with Ambrose had nothing at all to do with Ambrose finally deciding to save theodosia's finally deciding to save theodosia's finally deciding to save theodosia's soul from its impending doom the showdown between theodosius and doom the showdown between theodosius and Ambrose was a watershed moment for Ambrose was a watershed moment for Ambrose was a watershed moment for church State church State church State relations there had been conflicts relations there had been conflicts relations there had been conflicts between the two before but up until this between the two before but up until this between the two before but up until this point the state had always had the upper point the state had always had the upper point the state had always had the upper hand Constantine had been deferential in hand Constantine had been deferential in hand Constantine had been deferential in his handling of the Christians but there his handling of the Christians but there his handling of the Christians but there was never any doubt that when push came was never any doubt that when push came was never any doubt that when push came to shove the emperor was in to shove the emperor was in to shove the emperor was in charge here now was an incident where an charge here now was an incident where an charge here now was an incident where an emperor said I want X the church said emperor said I want X the church said emperor said I want X the church said you cannot have X and the church you cannot have X and the church you cannot have X and the church amazingly went amazingly went amazingly went out as I said when I introduced Ambrose

out as I said when I introduced Ambrose out as I said when I introduced Ambrose had it not been for the Bishops kind of had it not been for the Bishops kind of had it not been for the Bishops kind of insane to degree of self-confidence it insane to degree of self-confidence it insane to degree of self-confidence it is possible that the Christian Church is possible that the Christian Church is possible that the Christian Church would have remained forever the junior would have remained forever the junior would have remained forever the junior partner in the church State partner in the church State partner in the church State Alliance but Ambrose's resolve laid an Alliance but Ambrose's resolve laid an Alliance but Ambrose's resolve laid an enormously important enormously important enormously important precedent Emperors and Kings had power precedent Emperors and Kings had power precedent Emperors and Kings had power on Earth but the church controlled the on Earth but the church controlled the on Earth but the church controlled the fate of the fate of the fate of the Soul now it should be noted that Soul now it should be noted that Soul now it should be noted that theodosia's religious temperament played theodosia's religious temperament played theodosia's religious temperament played its own critical part in the laying of its own critical part in the laying of its own critical part in the laying of this this this president had he been the kind of ruler president had he been the kind of ruler president had he been the kind of ruler who only paid lip service to who only paid lip service to who only paid lip service to Christianity it would not be hard to Christianity it would not be hard to Christianity it would not be hard to picture him simply tossing Ambrose out picture him simply tossing Ambrose out picture him simply tossing Ambrose out on his butt and installing a more on his butt and installing a more on his butt and installing a more agreeable Bishop in his agreeable Bishop in his agreeable Bishop in his place but theodocious appears to have place but theodocious appears to have place but theodocious appears to have believed in Ambrose's power as God's believed in Ambrose's power as God's believed in Ambrose's power as God's representative on Earth and it was this representative on Earth and it was this representative on Earth and it was this belief that proved decisive during The belief that proved decisive during The belief that proved decisive during The Showdown over the thessalonica Showdown over the thessalonica Showdown over the thessalonica massacre now did this mean that every massacre now did this mean that every massacre now did this mean that every subsequent temporal ruler would now feel subsequent temporal ruler would now feel subsequent temporal ruler would now feel obligated to bow to the church not by a obligated to bow to the church not by a obligated to bow to the church not by a long long shot but it did mean that some long long shot but it did mean that some long long shot but it did mean that some of them would that in the coming of them would that in the coming of them would that in the coming conflicts between church and state that conflicts between church and state that conflicts between church and state that the church would have some Firepower in the church would have some Firepower in the church would have some Firepower in their arsenal when they demanded falty their arsenal when they demanded falty their arsenal when they demanded falty from the Kings and an example that they from the Kings and an example that they from the Kings and an example that they could follow should they ever feel as could follow should they ever feel as could follow should they ever feel as bold as Ambrose and decide to follow bold as Ambrose and decide to follow bold as Ambrose and decide to follow it just ask Henry IV who was presently it just ask Henry IV who was presently it just ask Henry IV who was presently standing Barefoot in the snow outside standing Barefoot in the snow outside standing Barefoot in the snow outside the gates of

kosa following his return to the church kosa following his return to the church in early in early in early 391 theodosius full of Newfound 391 theodosius full of Newfound 391 theodosius full of Newfound Christian Vigor turned away from his Christian Vigor turned away from his Christian Vigor turned away from his previous policy of Toleration and previous policy of Toleration and previous policy of Toleration and published a famous edict effectively published a famous edict effectively published a famous edict effectively Banning paganism in the Empire this edict was not unlike Empire this edict was not unlike previous edicts Banning paganism in the previous edicts Banning paganism in the previous edicts Banning paganism in the Empire so it is not quite the Empire so it is not quite the Empire so it is not quite the Revolutionary piece of legislation it is Revolutionary piece of legislation it is Revolutionary piece of legislation it is often supposed to be but given the times often supposed to be but given the times often supposed to be but given the times the influence of Ambrose and and the the influence of Ambrose and and the the influence of Ambrose and and the personal Christian piety of personal Christian piety of personal Christian piety of theodosius the edict wound up having theodosius the edict wound up having theodosius the edict wound up having more teeth than any of its more teeth than any of its more teeth than any of its predecessors in Egypt for example a predecessors in Egypt for example a predecessors in Egypt for example a fanatical Bishop named Theophilus seized fanatical Bishop named Theophilus seized fanatical Bishop named Theophilus seized on the edict as an opportunity to on the edict as an opportunity to on the edict as an opportunity to destroy the 5 Century old serapium of destroy the 5 Century old serapium of destroy the 5 Century old serapium of Alexandria one of the largest and Alexandria one of the largest and Alexandria one of the largest and greatest temples of the Pagan greatest temples of the Pagan greatest temples of the Pagan world when the serapium fell the last world when the serapium fell the last world when the serapium fell the last remaining portion of the Library of remaining portion of the Library of remaining portion of the Library of Alexandria fell with it and the world's Alexandria fell with it and the world's Alexandria fell with it and the world's eyes turned to see how theodocious would eyes turned to see how theodocious would eyes turned to see how theodocious would react the emperor did nothing signaling react the emperor did nothing signaling react the emperor did nothing signaling to Christian extremists that in their to Christian extremists that in their to Christian extremists that in their war against paganism the gloves could war against paganism the gloves could war against paganism the gloves could now really come off in the summer of 391 theodocious off in the summer of 391 theodocious decided that perhaps it was time for him decided that perhaps it was time for him decided that perhaps it was time for him to be leaving to be leaving to be leaving Milan technically he and valentinian Milan technically he and valentinian Milan technically he and valentinian still adhered to the east west power still adhered to the east west power still adhered to the east west power sharing system and theodosia's stay in sharing system and theodosia's stay in sharing system and theodosia's stay in Italy was always meant to be temporary

Italy was always meant to be temporary Italy was always meant to be temporary it was time for the Eastern Augustus to it was time for the Eastern Augustus to it was time for the Eastern Augustus to return to the Eastern provinces where he return to the Eastern provinces where he return to the Eastern provinces where he belonged but theodocious clearly the belonged but theodocious clearly the belonged but theodocious clearly the senior Augustus in all but name had no senior Augustus in all but name had no senior Augustus in all but name had no intention of just leaving valentinian to intention of just leaving valentinian to intention of just leaving valentinian to his own his own his own devices now 15 the boy still needed a devices now 15 the boy still needed a devices now 15 the boy still needed a guardian and the Western provinces still guardian and the Western provinces still guardian and the Western provinces still needed a strong hand to protect needed a strong hand to protect needed a strong hand to protect them so theodus installed his old loyal them so theodus installed his old loyal them so theodus installed his old loyal Frankish General AR Frankish General AR Frankish General AR to act as the master of valentinian's to act as the master of valentinian's to act as the master of valentinian's armed armed armed forces not only did theodosis had forces not only did theodosis had forces not only did theodosis had complete confidence in arbos ability as complete confidence in arbos ability as complete confidence in arbos ability as a soldier but he also had complete a soldier but he also had complete a soldier but he also had complete confidence in arboros Ultimate loyalty confidence in arboros Ultimate loyalty confidence in arboros Ultimate loyalty to him rather than young valentinian to him rather than young valentinian to him rather than young valentinian something which might prove useful something which might prove useful something which might prove useful someday down the someday down the someday down the road plus as a Frank arboros was not road plus as a Frank arboros was not road plus as a Frank arboros was not eligible to ever become emperor himself eligible to ever become emperor himself eligible to ever become emperor himself so theodosius would not have to worry so theodosius would not have to worry so theodosius would not have to worry about some Max Max imuses usurpation about some Max Max imuses usurpation about some Max Max imuses usurpation going on it all added up to the same going on it all added up to the same going on it all added up to the same thing leaving arbos in charge of the thing leaving arbos in charge of the thing leaving arbos in charge of the military meant theodosius would never military meant theodosius would never military meant theodosius would never again have to worry about marching West again have to worry about marching West again have to worry about marching West to fight a civil to fight a civil to fight a civil war next week you guessed it less than a war next week you guessed it less than a war next week you guessed it less than a year after heading back to year after heading back to year after heading back to Constantinople valentinian II will be Constantinople valentinian II will be Constantinople valentinian II will be dead aragos will be in Revolt and dead aragos will be in Revolt and dead aragos will be in Revolt and theodosius will once again find himself theodosius will once again find himself theodosius will once again find himself marching West to fight a civil war marching West to fight a civil war marching West to fight a civil war [Music]

hello and welcome to the history of hello and welcome to the history of Rome episode 158 an imperial Rome episode 158 an imperial Rome episode 158 an imperial [Music] [Music] [Music] suicide so yeah sorry about last week I suicide so yeah sorry about last week I suicide so yeah sorry about last week I forgot to leave time in my schedule for forgot to leave time in my schedule for forgot to leave time in my schedule for an emergency appendectomy so the show an emergency appendectomy so the show an emergency appendectomy so the show had to be tabled I'm sure this came as a had to be tabled I'm sure this came as a had to be tabled I'm sure this came as a disappointment but as many of you noted disappointment but as many of you noted disappointment but as many of you noted had this been Roman times I'd probably had this been Roman times I'd probably had this been Roman times I'd probably be dead right now so I suppose should be dead right now so I suppose should be dead right now so I suppose should all just count our blessings I'd all just count our blessings I'd all just count our blessings I'd personally like to thank the fine people personally like to thank the fine people personally like to thank the fine people at Satan Medical Center in Austin Texas at Satan Medical Center in Austin Texas at Satan Medical Center in Austin Texas for taking me apart and putting me back for taking me apart and putting me back for taking me apart and putting me back together so efficiently and without together so efficiently and without together so efficiently and without further Ado let's get back into this further Ado let's get back into this further Ado let's get back into this thing though I'd like to apologize in thing though I'd like to apologize in thing though I'd like to apologize in advance for this episode being a little advance for this episode being a little advance for this episode being a little shorter than usual I'm not really back shorter than usual I'm not really back shorter than usual I'm not really back to 100% strength just yet and decided to to 100% strength just yet and decided to to 100% strength just yet and decided to scale back my ambitions a bit rather scale back my ambitions a bit rather scale back my ambitions a bit rather than pushing forward too hard too fast okay so where the heck were we ah fast okay so where the heck were we ah yes theodus had just finished doing his yes theodus had just finished doing his yes theodus had just finished doing his Penance for ordering the massacre at Penance for ordering the massacre at Penance for ordering the massacre at thessalonica and in the early summer 391 thessalonica and in the early summer 391 thessalonica and in the early summer 391 had decided it was time to head back to had decided it was time to head back to had decided it was time to head back to Constantinople Left Behind to govern the Constantinople Left Behind to govern the Constantinople Left Behind to govern the Western provinces was the now Western provinces was the now Western provinces was the now 20-year-old valentinian II who had for a 20-year-old valentinian II who had for a 20-year-old valentinian II who had for a few years now technically been the few years now technically been the few years now technically been the senior Augustus of the Empire although senior Augustus of the Empire although senior Augustus of the Empire although he had never even once been treated as he had never even once been treated as he had never even once been treated as such such such even now totally old enough to be ruling even now totally old enough to be ruling even now totally old enough to be ruling in his own right valentinian was still

in his own right valentinian was still in his own right valentinian was still treated as the same powerless figurehead treated as the same powerless figurehead treated as the same powerless figurehead that he'd been treated as his whole that he'd been treated as his whole that he'd been treated as his whole life only now rather than being life only now rather than being life only now rather than being dominated by Justina and Ambrose a new dominated by Justina and Ambrose a new dominated by Justina and Ambrose a new puppet master stepped forward to take puppet master stepped forward to take puppet master stepped forward to take over the Imperial strings aragos a over the Imperial strings aragos a over the Imperial strings aragos a Frankish General appointed by theodosius Frankish General appointed by theodosius Frankish General appointed by theodosius to command the armies of the to command the armies of the to command the armies of the West the general took his role as West the general took his role as West the general took his role as protector of the western provin es protector of the western provin es protector of the western provin es seriously and took valentinian's role as seriously and took valentinian's role as seriously and took valentinian's role as emperor not very seriously at emperor not very seriously at emperor not very seriously at all it is possible that Justina may have all it is possible that Justina may have all it is possible that Justina may have been able to act as a check on arbag been able to act as a check on arbag been able to act as a check on arbag Go's Growing Power but at some point Go's Growing Power but at some point Go's Growing Power but at some point either just before or just after either just before or just after either just before or just after theodocious left Milan the empress died theodocious left Milan the empress died theodocious left Milan the empress died leaving her son to fend for himself and leaving her son to fend for himself and leaving her son to fend for himself and he would not fend very well at all the first thing aragos did was move all the first thing aragos did was move the Imperial Court up to Trier where he the Imperial Court up to Trier where he the Imperial Court up to Trier where he would have a better vantage point from would have a better vantage point from would have a better vantage point from which to survey the Rin which to survey the Rin which to survey the Rin Frontier various Germanic tribes Frontier various Germanic tribes Frontier various Germanic tribes including members of aragos own Frankish including members of aragos own Frankish including members of aragos own Frankish communities had taken the opportunity of communities had taken the opportunity of communities had taken the opportunity of maximus's revolt and the subsequent lack maximus's revolt and the subsequent lack maximus's revolt and the subsequent lack of an imperial presence in the region to of an imperial presence in the region to of an imperial presence in the region to raid into the Roman provinces and make raid into the Roman provinces and make raid into the Roman provinces and make off with as much as they off with as much as they off with as much as they could despite the General's connection could despite the General's connection could despite the General's connection to the tribes of the lower R they had to the tribes of the lower R they had to the tribes of the lower R they had overstepped the bounds of propriety and overstepped the bounds of propriety and overstepped the bounds of propriety and needed to be punished needed to be punished needed to be punished so for the rest of 391 aragos led a so for the rest of 391 aragos led a so for the rest of 391 aragos led a campaign against his Ur wild people and campaign against his Ur wild people and campaign against his Ur wild people and by all accounts whipped them back into

by all accounts whipped them back into by all accounts whipped them back into place pretty place pretty place pretty quick this battlefield success led to quick this battlefield success led to quick this battlefield success led to aragos Growing sense of entitlement and aragos Growing sense of entitlement and aragos Growing sense of entitlement and his ego began to run away with him his ego began to run away with him his ego began to run away with him although it's not like he didn't have although it's not like he didn't have although it's not like he didn't have good reason to be arrogant here he was a good reason to be arrogant here he was a good reason to be arrogant here he was a seasoned and decorated General seasoned and decorated General seasoned and decorated General personally appointed by theodus to run personally appointed by theodus to run personally appointed by theodus to run the military of the entire Western the military of the entire Western the military of the entire Western Empire he had proven his loyalty proven Empire he had proven his loyalty proven Empire he had proven his loyalty proven his worth and probably felt like he had his worth and probably felt like he had his worth and probably felt like he had earned the free hand he was now assuming earned the free hand he was now assuming earned the free hand he was now assuming he he he had and besides what was his alternative had and besides what was his alternative had and besides what was his alternative to pay attention to the opinions of some to pay attention to the opinions of some to pay attention to the opinions of some untested youth who had been dominated untested youth who had been dominated untested youth who had been dominated for the last decade by a woman and a for the last decade by a woman and a for the last decade by a woman and a priest Beyond doing whatever he felt priest Beyond doing whatever he felt priest Beyond doing whatever he felt like doing whenever he felt like doing like doing whenever he felt like doing like doing whenever he felt like doing it when it came to military matters it when it came to military matters it when it came to military matters arbag started appointing his own arbag started appointing his own arbag started appointing his own ministers to very various bureaucratic ministers to very various bureaucratic ministers to very various bureaucratic positions without consulting the emperor positions without consulting the emperor positions without consulting the emperor and then giving those ministers the and then giving those ministers the and then giving those ministers the authority to overrule decisions made by authority to overrule decisions made by authority to overrule decisions made by valentinians appointed valentinians appointed valentinians appointed ministers but despite his growing ministers but despite his growing ministers but despite his growing autonomy at no point does it appear that autonomy at no point does it appear that autonomy at no point does it appear that arbag intended to overthrow the young arbag intended to overthrow the young arbag intended to overthrow the young Emperor because what would have been the Emperor because what would have been the Emperor because what would have been the point of that the general had all the point of that the general had all the point of that the general had all the power and Prestige he could ever hope power and Prestige he could ever hope power and Prestige he could ever hope for without worrying that a strong for without worrying that a strong for without worrying that a strong Imperial hand would check that power and Imperial hand would check that power and Imperial hand would check that power and Prestige I would imagine that aragos was Prestige I would imagine that aragos was Prestige I would imagine that aragos was quite pleased with the arrangement as it quite pleased with the arrangement as it quite pleased with the arrangement as it now stood valentinian on the other hand

stood valentinian on the other hand could not have been more miserable as I could not have been more miserable as I could not have been more miserable as I mentioned he was now 20 years old and mentioned he was now 20 years old and mentioned he was now 20 years old and had every right to believe that with his had every right to believe that with his had every right to believe that with his mother dead Ambrose back in Milan and a mother dead Ambrose back in Milan and a mother dead Ambrose back in Milan and a new commander-in-chief in place that it new commander-in-chief in place that it new commander-in-chief in place that it was time for him to assume more was time for him to assume more was time for him to assume more responsibility but the way arbag was responsibility but the way arbag was responsibility but the way arbag was treating him made it painfully clear treating him made it painfully clear treating him made it painfully clear that that was never going to happen that that was never going to happen that that was never going to happen valentinian would issue orders and they valentinian would issue orders and they valentinian would issue orders and they would be ignored he would appoint would be ignored he would appoint would be ignored he would appoint ministers and they would be overruled he ministers and they would be overruled he ministers and they would be overruled he would announce a n policy and the people would announce a n policy and the people would announce a n policy and the people would look to aragos to see if they would look to aragos to see if they would look to aragos to see if they really needed to follow really needed to follow really needed to follow it throughout 391 and into 392 the it throughout 391 and into 392 the it throughout 391 and into 392 the increasingly despondent valentinian increasingly despondent valentinian increasingly despondent valentinian wrote letters to theodosius complaining wrote letters to theodosius complaining wrote letters to theodosius complaining about his treatment but theodocious was about his treatment but theodocious was about his treatment but theodocious was likely as happy with the political likely as happy with the political likely as happy with the political arrangement in the west as aragos arrangement in the west as aragos arrangement in the west as aragos was ruling Empire was serious business was ruling Empire was serious business was ruling Empire was serious business nobody wanted the inexperienced nobody wanted the inexperienced nobody wanted the inexperienced valentinian screwing things up and so valentinian screwing things up and so valentinian screwing things up and so the young Emperor was left to languish the young Emperor was left to languish the young Emperor was left to languish in his impotent isolation had he played his hand a isolation had he played his hand a little smarter aragos might have been little smarter aragos might have been little smarter aragos might have been able to maintain this Dynamic more or able to maintain this Dynamic more or able to maintain this Dynamic more or less less less indefinitely he had theodocious as full indefinitely he had theodocious as full indefinitely he had theodocious as full support and valentinian had well no support and valentinian had well no support and valentinian had well no one's full one's full one's full support but unfortunately aragos lacked support but unfortunately aragos lacked support but unfortunately aragos lacked the silver tongue necessary to the silver tongue necessary to the silver tongue necessary to successfully pull the strings of a successfully pull the strings of a successfully pull the strings of a puppet puppet puppet Emperor see you have to stroke the ego

Emperor see you have to stroke the ego Emperor see you have to stroke the ego of the puppet you have to pretend like of the puppet you have to pretend like of the puppet you have to pretend like the puppet is really in charge you have the puppet is really in charge you have the puppet is really in charge you have to convince the puppet that those to convince the puppet that those to convince the puppet that those strings attached to its hands are just a strings attached to its hands are just a strings attached to its hands are just a trick of the light your words have to be trick of the light your words have to be trick of the light your words have to be manipulative and your actions have to manipulative and your actions have to manipulative and your actions have to come with a veneer of come with a veneer of come with a veneer of servitude but arbag was no sneaky CER he servitude but arbag was no sneaky CER he servitude but arbag was no sneaky CER he was a blunt Soldier and he had no time was a blunt Soldier and he had no time was a blunt Soldier and he had no time for such for such for such Shenanigans he was the real power in the Shenanigans he was the real power in the Shenanigans he was the real power in the west not valentinian and he was damn west not valentinian and he was damn west not valentinian and he was damn well going to act like it so the emperor well going to act like it so the emperor well going to act like it so the emperor was dismissed ignored and mocked rather was dismissed ignored and mocked rather was dismissed ignored and mocked rather than endured plated and than endured plated and than endured plated and soothed which would prove to be aragos undoing after a year spent in lavish undoing after a year spent in lavish Purgatory valentinian II had finally had Purgatory valentinian II had finally had Purgatory valentinian II had finally had an enough he was the emperor not aragos an enough he was the emperor not aragos an enough he was the emperor not aragos and it was time to make that point clear and it was time to make that point clear and it was time to make that point clear to to to everyone in May of 392 valentinian sent everyone in May of 392 valentinian sent everyone in May of 392 valentinian sent a letter to the Frankish General a letter to the Frankish General a letter to the Frankish General dismissing him from his dismissing him from his dismissing him from his post but when arbos received the note he post but when arbos received the note he post but when arbos received the note he laughed his head off and then sent his laughed his head off and then sent his laughed his head off and then sent his own note back dear valentinian own note back dear valentinian own note back dear valentinian theodosius appointed me to my position theodosius appointed me to my position theodosius appointed me to my position not you you have no authority to fire me not you you have no authority to fire me not you you have no authority to fire me sit on it sincerely on sit on it sincerely on sit on it sincerely on aragos valentinian was incensed but when aragos valentinian was incensed but when aragos valentinian was incensed but when he looked around he realized that there he looked around he realized that there he looked around he realized that there was nothing he could do about it no one was nothing he could do about it no one was nothing he could do about it no one was going to go to the mat for him no

was going to go to the mat for him no was going to go to the mat for him no one was going to take his side against one was going to take his side against one was going to take his side against the general he really was just a the general he really was just a the general he really was just a powerless powerless powerless figurehead a few days later figurehead a few days later figurehead a few days later valentinian's body was discovered in his valentinian's body was discovered in his valentinian's body was discovered in his private bed chamber the emperor had private bed chamber the emperor had private bed chamber the emperor had hanged hanged hanged himself he was 21 years old and had been himself he was 21 years old and had been himself he was 21 years old and had been nothing more than a figurehead Emperor nothing more than a figurehead Emperor nothing more than a figurehead Emperor for s 17 years the suicide put arbag in a tight years the suicide put arbag in a tight spot since it would naturally raise spot since it would naturally raise spot since it would naturally raise eyebrows all over the Empire suicide eyebrows all over the Empire suicide eyebrows all over the Empire suicide right suicide whatever you say aragos right suicide whatever you say aragos right suicide whatever you say aragos sure must be nice to have that sure must be nice to have that sure must be nice to have that Troublesome youth out of your way though Troublesome youth out of your way though Troublesome youth out of your way though right nudge nudge wink right nudge nudge wink right nudge nudge wink wink however though assassination is of wink however though assassination is of wink however though assassination is of course a possibility the historical course a possibility the historical course a possibility the historical consensus seems to be that valentinian consensus seems to be that valentinian consensus seems to be that valentinian did hang did hang did hang himself the emperor's death benefited himself the emperor's death benefited himself the emperor's death benefited arbag in no clear way and the General's arbag in no clear way and the General's arbag in no clear way and the General's actions in the months that followed show actions in the months that followed show actions in the months that followed show no indication that he had committed no indication that he had committed no indication that he had committed murder most murder most murder most foul if aragos killed the Emperor as foul if aragos killed the Emperor as foul if aragos killed the Emperor as part of a coup it was the worst run coup part of a coup it was the worst run coup part of a coup it was the worst run coup in history since he did not seize power in history since he did not seize power in history since he did not seize power for himself the way that say maximus had for himself the way that say maximus had for himself the way that say maximus had after killing gracian nor did he after killing gracian nor did he after killing gracian nor did he immediately put some handpick successor immediately put some handpick successor immediately put some handpick successor on the throne the way that say perx had on the throne the way that say perx had on the throne the way that say perx had been elevated after the murder of comus been elevated after the murder of comus been elevated after the murder of comus if he was playing a really long con and if he was playing a really long con and if he was playing a really long con and waiting for theodocious to announce a waiting for theodocious to announce a waiting for theodocious to announce a successor then what he was hoping for successor then what he was hoping for successor then what he was hoping for someone even weaker than

someone even weaker than someone even weaker than valentinian I'm not sure how much weaker valentinian I'm not sure how much weaker valentinian I'm not sure how much weaker than valentinian you can really than valentinian you can really than valentinian you can really get so the consensus is that maybe get so the consensus is that maybe get so the consensus is that maybe aragos killed the emperor but if he did aragos killed the emperor but if he did aragos killed the emperor but if he did it was a really really dumb idea though it was a really really dumb idea though it was a really really dumb idea though I suppose that's not necessarily an I suppose that's not necessarily an I suppose that's not necessarily an airtight Alibi given the infinite airtight Alibi given the infinite airtight Alibi given the infinite stupidity of man a word of valentinian's death and man a word of valentinian's death and aragos protestations of Innocence aragos protestations of Innocence aragos protestations of Innocence arrived in Constantinople at almost the arrived in Constantinople at almost the arrived in Constantinople at almost the same time theodosius was likely inclined same time theodosius was likely inclined same time theodosius was likely inclined to believe his General but the people to believe his General but the people to believe his General but the people surrounding theodocious had other surrounding theodocious had other surrounding theodocious had other ideas valentinian sister and theodosia's ideas valentinian sister and theodosia's ideas valentinian sister and theodosia's wife Gala refused to believe the suicide wife Gala refused to believe the suicide wife Gala refused to believe the suicide story and raised whole holy hell about story and raised whole holy hell about story and raised whole holy hell about the need to Revenge the murder of her the need to Revenge the murder of her the need to Revenge the murder of her brother then there was the petorian brother then there was the petorian brother then there was the petorian prefect rufinus who no friend of aragos prefect rufinus who no friend of aragos prefect rufinus who no friend of aragos did his best to control the flow of did his best to control the flow of did his best to control the flow of information so that the Frankish General information so that the Frankish General information so that the Frankish General would be painted in as bad a light as would be painted in as bad a light as would be painted in as bad a light as possible for months then the Eastern possible for months then the Eastern possible for months then the Eastern Court hemmed and haw about what to do do Court hemmed and haw about what to do do Court hemmed and haw about what to do do we accuse aragos of murder and risk we accuse aragos of murder and risk we accuse aragos of murder and risk Civil War let him off the hook and risk Civil War let him off the hook and risk Civil War let him off the hook and risk letting a man guilty of reeside walk letting a man guilty of reeside walk letting a man guilty of reeside walk free free free finally in late August aragos got sick finally in late August aragos got sick finally in late August aragos got sick of waiting for a decision and decided of waiting for a decision and decided of waiting for a decision and decided that the government of the West needed that the government of the West needed that the government of the West needed an an an Emperor as a Frank he knew that he Emperor as a Frank he knew that he Emperor as a Frank he knew that he personally couldn't fill the role so

personally couldn't fill the role so personally couldn't fill the role so aragos plucked up flavius eugenus a aragos plucked up flavius eugenus a aragos plucked up flavius eugenus a former teacher of rhetoric and now former teacher of rhetoric and now former teacher of rhetoric and now second tier Imperial secretary and second tier Imperial secretary and second tier Imperial secretary and hailed him Augustus of the West the choice of eugenus was a West the choice of eugenus was a surprise but it does hint that that surprise but it does hint that that surprise but it does hint that that aragos understood that he had probably aragos understood that he had probably aragos understood that he had probably fallen out of favor in the East and that fallen out of favor in the East and that fallen out of favor in the East and that he needed to find some new allies if he he needed to find some new allies if he he needed to find some new allies if he was going to was going to was going to survive eugenus may have been a lower survive eugenus may have been a lower survive eugenus may have been a lower ranking Minister but he had very close ranking Minister but he had very close ranking Minister but he had very close ties to the old Roman ties to the old Roman ties to the old Roman aristocracy and it was likely those ties aristocracy and it was likely those ties aristocracy and it was likely those ties that aragos had his eyes on should the that aragos had his eyes on should the that aragos had his eyes on should the need arise the general would now be able need arise the general would now be able need arise the general would now be able to raise funds from the senatorial Elite to raise funds from the senatorial Elite to raise funds from the senatorial Elite who conveniently enough now hated who conveniently enough now hated who conveniently enough now hated theodocious to aend theodocious to aend theodocious to aend because the emperor had turned into an because the emperor had turned into an because the emperor had turned into an anti-pagan extremist following his anti-pagan extremist following his anti-pagan extremist following his reconciliation with reconciliation with reconciliation with Ambrose aragos was not ready to break Ambrose aragos was not ready to break Ambrose aragos was not ready to break with theodus just yet but clearly he was with theodus just yet but clearly he was with theodus just yet but clearly he was hedging his bets upon his Ascension eugenus sent bets upon his Ascension eugenus sent ambassadors to the Eastern Court to ask ambassadors to the Eastern Court to ask ambassadors to the Eastern Court to ask for formal for formal for formal recognition the West needed an emperor recognition the West needed an emperor recognition the West needed an emperor theodus had not immediately provided one theodus had not immediately provided one theodus had not immediately provided one so the West had been forced to take so the West had been forced to take so the West had been forced to take matters into its own hands this was not matters into its own hands this was not matters into its own hands this was not about usurpation it was about political about usurpation it was about political about usurpation it was about political necessity so please ratify my necessity so please ratify my necessity so please ratify my elevation theodus and his ministers were

elevation theodus and his ministers were elevation theodus and his ministers were as non-committal with eugenus as as non-committal with eugenus as as non-committal with eugenus as ambassadors as they had been with ambassadors as they had been with ambassadors as they had been with aragos it is clear that for years aragos it is clear that for years aragos it is clear that for years theodocious had been arranging things so theodocious had been arranging things so theodocious had been arranging things so that his two sons would inherit the that his two sons would inherit the that his two sons would inherit the Empire and that the elevation of eugenus Empire and that the elevation of eugenus Empire and that the elevation of eugenus was now messing those plans up was now messing those plans up was now messing those plans up but it is also clear that theodosius was but it is also clear that theodosius was but it is also clear that theodosius was in no position to launch yet another in no position to launch yet another in no position to launch yet another invasion of the West so the emperor invasion of the West so the emperor invasion of the West so the emperor stalled for time in January of 393 though eugenus time in January of 393 though eugenus and aragos were finely given an answer and aragos were finely given an answer and aragos were finely given an answer though the presentation of that answer though the presentation of that answer though the presentation of that answer was a bit was a bit was a bit oblique in the late 4th Century the oblique in the late 4th Century the oblique in the late 4th Century the ceremonial formality of naming consoles ceremonial formality of naming consoles ceremonial formality of naming consoles for each year was still hanging around for each year was still hanging around for each year was still hanging around with both the eastern and western courts with both the eastern and western courts with both the eastern and western courts naming separate pairs of naming separate pairs of naming separate pairs of honores in the west eugenus named honores in the west eugenus named honores in the west eugenus named himself to one of the consul ships and himself to one of the consul ships and himself to one of the consul ships and theodus to the other a clear indication theodus to the other a clear indication theodus to the other a clear indication that he was still seeking an that he was still seeking an that he was still seeking an alliance theodus meanwhile named himself alliance theodus meanwhile named himself alliance theodus meanwhile named himself to a Consul ship in the East but gave to a Consul ship in the East but gave to a Consul ship in the East but gave the other one to some random General a the other one to some random General a the other one to some random General a clear indication that he did not share clear indication that he did not share clear indication that he did not share eugenus hopes for an eugenus hopes for an eugenus hopes for an alliance to set things even deeper in alliance to set things even deeper in alliance to set things even deeper in stone in mid January theodosius elevated stone in mid January theodosius elevated stone in mid January theodosius elevated his 9-year-old son honorius to the rank his 9-year-old son honorius to the rank his 9-year-old son honorius to the rank of full Augustus and announced that he of full Augustus and announced that he of full Augustus and announced that he intended for the boy to eventually rule intended for the boy to eventually rule intended for the boy to eventually rule the Western the Western the Western Empire the emperor's other son arcadius

Empire the emperor's other son arcadius Empire the emperor's other son arcadius now 15 or 16 had himself been elevated now 15 or 16 had himself been elevated now 15 or 16 had himself been elevated to the rank of Augustus back in 383 and to the rank of Augustus back in 383 and to the rank of Augustus back in 383 and was already acknowledged as his father's was already acknowledged as his father's was already acknowledged as his father's successor in the successor in the successor in the East the elevation of hanus though made East the elevation of hanus though made East the elevation of hanus though made it clear that theodosius had no it clear that theodosius had no it clear that theodosius had no intention of of letting anyone from intention of of letting anyone from intention of of letting anyone from outside the family into the Imperial outside the family into the Imperial outside the family into the Imperial club which meant eugenus could never be club which meant eugenus could never be club which meant eugenus could never be recognized officially which meant that recognized officially which meant that recognized officially which meant that aragos was now backing An Enemy of the aragos was now backing An Enemy of the aragos was now backing An Enemy of the State which made him an Enemy of the State which made him an Enemy of the State which made him an Enemy of the State as State as State as well so unless he wanted to just hand well so unless he wanted to just hand well so unless he wanted to just hand himself over for execution that meant himself over for execution that meant himself over for execution that meant that aragos was going to have to fight that aragos was going to have to fight that aragos was going to have to fight for his life once again the empire was for his life once again the empire was for his life once again the empire was on the path to Civil on the path to Civil on the path to Civil War War War but it was not a war that either side but it was not a war that either side but it was not a war that either side was prepared to fight just was prepared to fight just was prepared to fight just yet though the break between East and yet though the break between East and yet though the break between East and West became permanent in January 393 it West became permanent in January 393 it West became permanent in January 393 it would not be until the summer of 394 would not be until the summer of 394 would not be until the summer of 394 that battle would finally be joined in that battle would finally be joined in that battle would finally be joined in the meantime both sides the meantime both sides the meantime both sides prepared eugenus and arbag moved their prepared eugenus and arbag moved their prepared eugenus and arbag moved their Court down to Milan to secure the Court down to Milan to secure the Court down to Milan to secure the passage into Italy and make it easier to passage into Italy and make it easier to passage into Italy and make it easier to drum up support from the Roman drum up support from the Roman drum up support from the Roman aristocracy Bishop Ambrose far less sure aristocracy Bishop Ambrose far less sure aristocracy Bishop Ambrose far less sure of how he would be treated by eugenus of how he would be treated by eugenus of how he would be treated by eugenus and aragos than he had been about how he and aragos than he had been about how he and aragos than he had been about how he was going to be treated by the last was going to be treated by the last was going to be treated by the last usurper to March into Milan prudently usurper to March into Milan prudently usurper to March into Milan prudently took the opportunity to withdraw to took the opportunity to withdraw to took the opportunity to withdraw to bolognia over the course of the next bolognia over the course of the next bolognia over the course of the next year he would have further reason to

year he would have further reason to year he would have further reason to fear the new regime as eugenus made a fear the new regime as eugenus made a fear the new regime as eugenus made a concerted effort to align himself with concerted effort to align himself with concerted effort to align himself with the Pagan aristocracy of the Pagan aristocracy of the Pagan aristocracy of Italy after cancelling most of the Italy after cancelling most of the Italy after cancelling most of the anti-pagan laws passed by gracian anti-pagan laws passed by gracian anti-pagan laws passed by gracian Maximus and theodosius eugenus then Maximus and theodosius eugenus then Maximus and theodosius eugenus then granted the long-standing request that granted the long-standing request that granted the long-standing request that the altar of Victory be put back in the the altar of Victory be put back in the the altar of Victory be put back in the Senate house and then provided the funds Senate house and then provided the funds Senate house and then provided the funds necessary to reopen the Great temple of necessary to reopen the Great temple of necessary to reopen the Great temple of Venus and Venus and Venus and Rome Pagan senators were then appointed Rome Pagan senators were then appointed Rome Pagan senators were then appointed to key positions in the government from to key positions in the government from to key positions in the government from which they continued to roll back the which they continued to roll back the which they continued to roll back the ban on paganism reopening temples all ban on paganism reopening temples all ban on paganism reopening temples all over Italy and celebrating every holiday over Italy and celebrating every holiday over Italy and celebrating every holiday set of games and Festival that the old set of games and Festival that the old set of games and Festival that the old religious calendar religious calendar religious calendar demanded demanded demanded Ambrose chided the emperor for giving in Ambrose chided the emperor for giving in Ambrose chided the emperor for giving in to the devil worshippers but for the to the devil worshippers but for the to the devil worshippers but for the moment he had lost all his influence for moment he had lost all his influence for moment he had lost all his influence for the last time in history the pagans were ascendant back in Constantinople a ascendant back in Constantinople a theodocious would be able to make much theodocious would be able to make much theodocious would be able to make much of this Pagan Takeover in his pre-war of this Pagan Takeover in his pre-war of this Pagan Takeover in his pre-war propaganda so much so that the coming propaganda so much so that the coming propaganda so much so that the coming civil war will wind up being painted as civil war will wind up being painted as civil war will wind up being painted as a great battle between paganism and a great battle between paganism and a great battle between paganism and Christianity indeed right up until the Christianity indeed right up until the Christianity indeed right up until the modern era the battle of the fratus was modern era the battle of the fratus was modern era the battle of the fratus was presented as the bookend to the battle presented as the bookend to the battle presented as the bookend to the battle of the Milian Bridge with theodosius of the Milian Bridge with theodosius of the Milian Bridge with theodosius triumphantly ending the war Constantine triumphantly ending the war Constantine triumphantly ending the war Constantine had begun 80 years had begun 80 years had begun 80 years earlier but focusing on the religious

earlier but focusing on the religious earlier but focusing on the religious angle of the coming civil war means angle of the coming civil war means angle of the coming civil war means ignoring the fact that arbag and eugenus ignoring the fact that arbag and eugenus ignoring the fact that arbag and eugenus his alliance with the Pagan Senate in his alliance with the Pagan Senate in his alliance with the Pagan Senate in Rome was an example of politics making Rome was an example of politics making Rome was an example of politics making strange bedfellows rather than the strange bedfellows rather than the strange bedfellows rather than the logical consummation of some ideological logical consummation of some ideological logical consummation of some ideological agenda agenda both aragos and eugenus agenda agenda both aragos and eugenus agenda agenda both aragos and eugenus were Christian and they were looking for were Christian and they were looking for were Christian and they were looking for political recognition and personal political recognition and personal political recognition and personal survival not to start a religious survival not to start a religious survival not to start a religious Revolution even the key details of the Revolution even the key details of the Revolution even the key details of the battle which we'll get into next week battle which we'll get into next week battle which we'll get into next week come to us mostly by way of Christian come to us mostly by way of Christian come to us mostly by way of Christian sources who were understandably happy to sources who were understandably happy to sources who were understandably happy to play up the paganism of theodosia's play up the paganism of theodosia's play up the paganism of theodosia's enemies in order to bathe the emperor in enemies in order to bathe the emperor in enemies in order to bathe the emperor in the righteous light of the righteous light of the righteous light of God but we'll get more into that next week on a more practical level a week on a more practical level a Theodosia spent the rest of 393 Theodosia spent the rest of 393 Theodosia spent the rest of 393 preparing an army for war an army that preparing an army for war an army that preparing an army for war an army that would wind up looking a lot like the would wind up looking a lot like the would wind up looking a lot like the Army he had taken to face Army he had taken to face Army he had taken to face Maximus the core of the invasion force Maximus the core of the invasion force Maximus the core of the invasion force would be Roman legionaries but they would be Roman legionaries but they would be Roman legionaries but they would once again be matched by an equal would once again be matched by an equal would once again be matched by an equal number of Barbarian number of Barbarian number of Barbarian auxiliaries the Goths in particular auxiliaries the Goths in particular auxiliaries the Goths in particular would play a huge role in the coming would play a huge role in the coming would play a huge role in the coming fighting and there forces would be led fighting and there forces would be led fighting and there forces would be led by a powerful new Chief named Aller so by a powerful new Chief named Aller so by a powerful new Chief named Aller so yes the sack of Rome is just around the yes the sack of Rome is just around the yes the sack of Rome is just around the corner theodosia's two leading field corner theodosia's two leading field corner theodosia's two leading field generals this time around would be a generals this time around would be a generals this time around would be a career officer named tasus and a rising

career officer named tasus and a rising career officer named tasus and a rising favorite in the Eastern Court Stilo the favorite in the Eastern Court Stilo the favorite in the Eastern Court Stilo the Vandal General who had open negotiations Vandal General who had open negotiations Vandal General who had open negotiations with the cids prior to the war with with the cids prior to the war with with the cids prior to the war with maximus in the intervening year Stilo maximus in the intervening year Stilo maximus in the intervening year Stilo had risen even further in prominent had risen even further in prominent had risen even further in prominent culminating with his marriage to the culminating with his marriage to the culminating with his marriage to the emperor's niece adopted daughter emperor's niece adopted daughter emperor's niece adopted daughter Serena now one of the two or three most Serena now one of the two or three most Serena now one of the two or three most powerful men in the Empire Stilo was put powerful men in the Empire Stilo was put powerful men in the Empire Stilo was put in charge of the preparations for war in charge of the preparations for war in charge of the preparations for war and when the time came he would be one and when the time came he would be one and when the time came he would be one of the ones leading them in battle the time for that battle finally battle the time for that battle finally came in the summer of 394 as theodosius came in the summer of 394 as theodosius came in the summer of 394 as theodosius and his generals began marching West at and his generals began marching West at and his generals began marching West at the head of an army that at least one the head of an army that at least one the head of an army that at least one source claims was 60,000 men strong source claims was 60,000 men strong source claims was 60,000 men strong although I should know that for the time although I should know that for the time although I should know that for the time that would have been an enormous that would have been an enormous that would have been an enormous Army as they entered Alyria the first Army as they entered Alyria the first Army as they entered Alyria the first thing theodocious Army noticed was that thing theodocious Army noticed was that thing theodocious Army noticed was that the passes into Italy were completely the passes into Italy were completely the passes into Italy were completely unguarded having studied maximus's unguarded having studied maximus's unguarded having studied maximus's failed defense of Italy arbag had failed defense of Italy arbag had failed defense of Italy arbag had concluded that Maximus had aired by concluded that Maximus had aired by concluded that Maximus had aired by dividing up his dividing up his dividing up his forces by stationing troops on both forces by stationing troops on both forces by stationing troops on both sides of the Alpine passes Maximus had sides of the Alpine passes Maximus had sides of the Alpine passes Maximus had just made theodosia's job easier so just made theodosia's job easier so just made theodosia's job easier so aragos decided to abandon the Eastern aragos decided to abandon the Eastern aragos decided to abandon the Eastern entrances into the Alps and concentrate entrances into the Alps and concentrate entrances into the Alps and concentrate all his forces at the Western all his forces at the Western all his forces at the Western exits theodosius could have the exits theodosius could have the exits theodosius could have the mountains but when he came down into mountains but when he came down into mountains but when he came down into Italy he was going to be met by a solid

Italy he was going to be met by a solid Italy he was going to be met by a solid wall this strategy would prove to be a wall this strategy would prove to be a wall this strategy would prove to be a sound one and had it not been for a sound one and had it not been for a sound one and had it not been for a little bad luck we could very well be little bad luck we could very well be little bad luck we could very well be talking about the great Victory aragos talking about the great Victory aragos talking about the great Victory aragos won against the overmatched won against the overmatched won against the overmatched theodocious next week we'll get into that last great next week we'll get into that last great battle between the pagans and the battle between the pagans and the battle between the pagans and the Christians after the first day of heavy Christians after the first day of heavy Christians after the first day of heavy fighting it will look like theodocious fighting it will look like theodocious fighting it will look like theodocious is done for but as we'll see a key is done for but as we'll see a key is done for but as we'll see a key defection and a little divine defection and a little divine defection and a little divine intervention will help turn the tide in intervention will help turn the tide in intervention will help turn the tide in the Eastern augustus's the Eastern augustus's the Eastern augustus's favor but though he would eventually win favor but though he would eventually win favor but though he would eventually win the day theodocious tactics would wind the day theodocious tactics would wind the day theodocious tactics would wind up having one major unintended up having one major unintended up having one major unintended consequence as Aller and his Goths would consequence as Aller and his Goths would consequence as Aller and his Goths would leave the field Mighty leave the field Mighty leave the field Mighty [Music] disgruntled disgruntled [Music] hello and welcome to the history of hello and welcome to the history of Rome episode Rome episode Rome episode 159 the Divine winds last time we left off on the eve

winds last time we left off on the eve of a great battle in the late summer 394 of a great battle in the late summer 394 of a great battle in the late summer 394 the army of theodosius entered the the army of theodosius entered the the army of theodosius entered the Alpine passes and the army of aragos in Alpine passes and the army of aragos in Alpine passes and the army of aragos in eugenus sat a few miles east of aqu will eugenus sat a few miles east of aqu will eugenus sat a few miles east of aqu will Leia waiting for them to emerge from the Leia waiting for them to emerge from the Leia waiting for them to emerge from the mountains today we'll get into the guts mountains today we'll get into the guts mountains today we'll get into the guts of the battle that is about to ensue and of the battle that is about to ensue and of the battle that is about to ensue and then get into the guts of what happened then get into the guts of what happened then get into the guts of what happened next since he was just 47 years old you next since he was just 47 years old you next since he was just 47 years old you would think that what happened next was would think that what happened next was would think that what happened next was another 15 odd years of solid rule from another 15 odd years of solid rule from another 15 odd years of solid rule from theodosius before he handed the Reigns theodosius before he handed the Reigns theodosius before he handed the Reigns of power off to his two now grown and of power off to his two now grown and of power off to his two now grown and groomed Sons but instead less than six groomed Sons but instead less than six groomed Sons but instead less than six months after his great victory at the months after his great victory at the months after his great victory at the frigus river theodocious was dead and frigus river theodocious was dead and frigus river theodocious was dead and the empire was forced to hand the Reigns the empire was forced to hand the Reigns the empire was forced to hand the Reigns of power to the dead Emperor still of power to the dead Emperor still of power to the dead Emperor still underage and not at all properly groomed underage and not at all properly groomed underage and not at all properly groomed Sons with no shortage of powerful and Sons with no shortage of powerful and Sons with no shortage of powerful and ambitious men more than willing to ambitious men more than willing to ambitious men more than willing to exploit the deficiencies of the exploit the deficiencies of the exploit the deficiencies of the inadequate brother Emperors theodosia's inadequate brother Emperors theodosia's inadequate brother Emperors theodosia's early demise turned out to be one of the early demise turned out to be one of the early demise turned out to be one of the more destabilizing events in an era more destabilizing events in an era more destabilizing events in an era absolutely Rife with destabilizing absolutely Rife with destabilizing absolutely Rife with destabilizing events but before we get into that we events but before we get into that we events but before we get into that we must turn our attention to theodosia's must turn our attention to theodosia's must turn our attention to theodosia's last great Triumph a Triumph that will last great Triumph a Triumph that will last great Triumph a Triumph that will eventually be painted as nothing less eventually be painted as nothing less eventually be painted as nothing less than proof that the Christian God was than proof that the Christian God was than proof that the Christian God was more powerful than all the pagan gods more powerful than all the pagan gods more powerful than all the pagan gods put together adding to the notion that the together adding to the notion that the coming battle was some kind of religious coming battle was some kind of religious coming battle was some kind of religious Showdown when aragos and eugenus arrived Showdown when aragos and eugenus arrived Showdown when aragos and eugenus arrived at the spot they had chosen to meet

at the spot they had chosen to meet at the spot they had chosen to meet theodosius they planted a statue of theodosius they planted a statue of theodosius they planted a statue of Jupiter on the field and then AFF fixed Jupiter on the field and then AFF fixed Jupiter on the field and then AFF fixed images of Hercules to the banners of images of Hercules to the banners of images of Hercules to the banners of their troops with the old gods of Rome their troops with the old gods of Rome their troops with the old gods of Rome watching over them the army of the West watching over them the army of the West watching over them the army of the West awaited the army of the East now whether awaited the army of the East now whether awaited the army of the East now whether these details are a later embellishment these details are a later embellishment these details are a later embellishment or not is unknown but it certainly seems or not is unknown but it certainly seems or not is unknown but it certainly seems plausible given the vaguely Pro Pagan plausible given the vaguely Pro Pagan plausible given the vaguely Pro Pagan stance eugenus had adopted for his stance eugenus had adopted for his stance eugenus had adopted for his regime but as I said last week the war regime but as I said last week the war regime but as I said last week the war between East and West was not about between East and West was not about between East and West was not about paganism and Christianity it was about paganism and Christianity it was about paganism and Christianity it was about power pure and power pure and power pure and simple I don't think any neutral simple I don't think any neutral simple I don't think any neutral Observer could be blamed for believing Observer could be blamed for believing Observer could be blamed for believing that theodocian was doomed the minute he that theodocian was doomed the minute he that theodocian was doomed the minute he emerged on the west side of the Alps in emerged on the west side of the Alps in emerged on the west side of the Alps in early September early September early September 394 he popped out into the frigus river 394 he popped out into the frigus river 394 he popped out into the frigus river valley in modern Slovenia and was valley in modern Slovenia and was valley in modern Slovenia and was immediately greeted by the troubling immediately greeted by the troubling immediately greeted by the troubling Spectre of aragos Spectre of aragos Spectre of aragos army Not only was it troubling that they army Not only was it troubling that they army Not only was it troubling that they were there at all but the highly capable were there at all but the highly capable were there at all but the highly capable Frankish General had seized every piece Frankish General had seized every piece Frankish General had seized every piece of high ground in the valley wherever of high ground in the valley wherever of high ground in the valley wherever theodocious looked he was looking up at theodocious looked he was looking up at theodocious looked he was looking up at aragos aragos aragos soldiers that alone would have been soldiers that alone would have been soldiers that alone would have been enough to give any commander a moment's enough to give any commander a moment's enough to give any commander a moment's pause I mean do I really want to attack pause I mean do I really want to attack pause I mean do I really want to attack an enemy who so completely controls the an enemy who so completely controls the an enemy who so completely controls the terrain we don't know if theodosius terrain we don't know if theodosius terrain we don't know if theodosius paused but if he did it wasn't for very paused but if he did it wasn't for very paused but if he did it wasn't for very long the emperor decided that crappy long the emperor decided that crappy long the emperor decided that crappy position or no crappy position he was position or no crappy position he was position or no crappy position he was going to attack as soon as his men were

going to attack as soon as his men were going to attack as soon as his men were lined up for battle the Eastern Legions lined up for battle the Eastern Legions lined up for battle the Eastern Legions launched themselves forward in a full launched themselves forward in a full launched themselves forward in a full frontal frontal frontal assault well I suppose saying the assault well I suppose saying the assault well I suppose saying the Eastern Legion is a bit misleading out Eastern Legion is a bit misleading out Eastern Legion is a bit misleading out in front of this initial charge was aler in front of this initial charge was aler in front of this initial charge was aler and his Goths through an ultra intense and his Goths through an ultra intense and his Goths through an ultra intense day of fighting the gothic auxiliaries day of fighting the gothic auxiliaries day of fighting the gothic auxiliaries wound up bearing the brunt of aragos wound up bearing the brunt of aragos wound up bearing the brunt of aragos counterattacks while theodus kept the counterattacks while theodus kept the counterattacks while theodus kept the legion's proper pulled back in legion's proper pulled back in legion's proper pulled back in reserve the casualty rate of the Goths reserve the casualty rate of the Goths reserve the casualty rate of the Goths was so high that when the battle was all was so high that when the battle was all was so high that when the battle was all over it was said that theodosius had over it was said that theodosius had over it was said that theodosius had actually beaten two enemies that day actually beaten two enemies that day actually beaten two enemies that day with allic joining aragos in with allic joining aragos in with allic joining aragos in defeat when the dust settled the gothic defeat when the dust settled the gothic defeat when the dust settled the gothic Chief and what remained of his men Chief and what remained of his men Chief and what remained of his men certainly came away thinking that certainly came away thinking that certainly came away thinking that theodosius was up to slightly more than theodosius was up to slightly more than theodosius was up to slightly more than just trying to defeat aragos and that he just trying to defeat aragos and that he just trying to defeat aragos and that he had purposefully spilled the blood of had purposefully spilled the blood of had purposefully spilled the blood of the Goss to weaken them politically and the Goss to weaken them politically and the Goss to weaken them politically and militarily the hard feelings generated militarily the hard feelings generated militarily the hard feelings generated by the way they had been used in the by the way they had been used in the by the way they had been used in the battle would last for a generation battle would last for a generation battle would last for a generation winding their way through a brief Revolt winding their way through a brief Revolt winding their way through a brief Revolt that will get to in a second and that will get to in a second and that will get to in a second and ultimately leading to the stunning if ultimately leading to the stunning if ultimately leading to the stunning if not exactly strategically important sack not exactly strategically important sack not exactly strategically important sack of Rome 15 years later the first day of the battle ended the first day of the battle ended without a decisive victory for either without a decisive victory for either without a decisive victory for either side but it was obvious to everyone on side but it was obvious to everyone on side but it was obvious to everyone on both sides that aragos was getting the both sides that aragos was getting the both sides that aragos was getting the better of better of better of theodocious in the camp of the western theodocious in the camp of the western theodocious in the camp of the western Army Spirits were high and everyone was Army Spirits were high and everyone was Army Spirits were high and everyone was under the impression that victory was under the impression that victory was under the impression that victory was just a good night sleep just a good night sleep just a good night sleep away on the other side in the camp of

away on the other side in the camp of away on the other side in the camp of the Eastern Army morale was the Eastern Army morale was the Eastern Army morale was non-existent they were just a bunch of non-existent they were just a bunch of non-existent they were just a bunch of men sitting around waiting to die men sitting around waiting to die men sitting around waiting to die even theodosius despaired at his chances even theodosius despaired at his chances even theodosius despaired at his chances and he spent the evening in prayer and he spent the evening in prayer and he spent the evening in prayer attempting to Gin up some sort of attempting to Gin up some sort of attempting to Gin up some sort of miracle that would Salvage his chances miracle that would Salvage his chances miracle that would Salvage his chances and given everything that's about to and given everything that's about to and given everything that's about to happen it's fairly easy to see why later happen it's fairly easy to see why later happen it's fairly easy to see why later Chronicles might play this up and report Chronicles might play this up and report Chronicles might play this up and report that God decided to answer theodosia's that God decided to answer theodosia's that God decided to answer theodosia's prayers the first little turn of Fortune prayers the first little turn of Fortune prayers the first little turn of Fortune came during the night aragos still came during the night aragos still came during the night aragos still commanded The High Ground of the commanded The High Ground of the commanded The High Ground of the battlefield but the passes that the battlefield but the passes that the battlefield but the passes that the Eastern Legions Hader urged from were Eastern Legions Hader urged from were Eastern Legions Hader urged from were still wide open and the Frankish General still wide open and the Frankish General still wide open and the Frankish General was concerned that theodocious would get was concerned that theodocious would get was concerned that theodocious would get it into his head to retreat rather than it into his head to retreat rather than it into his head to retreat rather than stay in fight so he ordered a strong stay in fight so he ordered a strong stay in fight so he ordered a strong Detachment of soldiers to March around Detachment of soldiers to March around Detachment of soldiers to March around theodosia's camp and occupy the theodosia's camp and occupy the theodosia's camp and occupy the entrances bottled up and broken entrances bottled up and broken entrances bottled up and broken theodocious would most likely offer his theodocious would most likely offer his theodocious would most likely offer his Surrender by lunchtime the following Surrender by lunchtime the following Surrender by lunchtime the following day but the commander of this Detachment day but the commander of this Detachment day but the commander of this Detachment knew an opportunity when he saw it and knew an opportunity when he saw it and knew an opportunity when he saw it and when he got into position he sent word when he got into position he sent word when he got into position he sent word down to theodus saying that he'd be down to theodus saying that he'd be down to theodus saying that he'd be happy to defect if the price was right happy to defect if the price was right happy to defect if the price was right since the Eastern Augustus was basically since the Eastern Augustus was basically since the Eastern Augustus was basically facing his own imminent death the facing his own imminent death the facing his own imminent death the commander could pretty much name what commander could pretty much name what commander could pretty much name what that right price was which he did which that right price was which he did which that right price was which he did which theodocious immediately agreed to pay theodocious immediately agreed to pay theodocious immediately agreed to pay the Detachment defected the passes the Detachment defected the passes the Detachment defected the passes remained open and theodosia's army remained open and theodosia's army remained open and theodosia's army gained some much needed

reinforcements the second and more reinforcements the second and more famous turn of Fortune came the next day famous turn of Fortune came the next day famous turn of Fortune came the next day after the two sides had resumed their after the two sides had resumed their after the two sides had resumed their fighting the only problem is that there fighting the only problem is that there fighting the only problem is that there are no guarantees that it actually are no guarantees that it actually are no guarantees that it actually happened the way that later historians happened the way that later historians happened the way that later historians claim that it happened it's eminently claim that it happened it's eminently claim that it happened it's eminently plausible but since the specific details plausible but since the specific details plausible but since the specific details that have been passed down to us didn't that have been passed down to us didn't that have been passed down to us didn't start cropping up until years later it start cropping up until years later it start cropping up until years later it is entirely possible that the whole is entirely possible that the whole is entirely possible that the whole incident is just a figment of some incident is just a figment of some incident is just a figment of some overzealous Church historian's overzealous Church historian's overzealous Church historian's imagination as a way to graphically imagination as a way to graphically imagination as a way to graphically depict how God had stepped into the depict how God had stepped into the depict how God had stepped into the fighting on theodosia's fighting on theodosia's fighting on theodosia's side see there is this weather side see there is this weather side see there is this weather phenomenon that lurks around the Eastern phenomenon that lurks around the Eastern phenomenon that lurks around the Eastern Alps called the Bora hugely intense Alps called the Bora hugely intense Alps called the Bora hugely intense windstorms that have been known to gust windstorms that have been known to gust windstorms that have been known to gust with the strength of a low-grade with the strength of a low-grade with the strength of a low-grade hurricane on the second day of battle hurricane on the second day of battle hurricane on the second day of battle one of these wind storms kicked up and one of these wind storms kicked up and one of these wind storms kicked up and wouldn't you know it it blew directly wouldn't you know it it blew directly wouldn't you know it it blew directly into the face of aragos into the face of aragos into the face of aragos army as the two sides approached each army as the two sides approached each army as the two sides approached each other the Western Army was rendered other the Western Army was rendered other the Western Army was rendered practically Blind by the dusty winds practically Blind by the dusty winds practically Blind by the dusty winds blowing directly in their face the blowing directly in their face the blowing directly in their face the Eastern Army on the other hand had the Eastern Army on the other hand had the Eastern Army on the other hand had the wind at their back and so Advanced wind at their back and so Advanced wind at their back and so Advanced completely completely completely unaffected it is written that the winds unaffected it is written that the winds unaffected it is written that the winds eventually became so strong that the eventually became so strong that the eventually became so strong that the spears lobbed at theodosia's army were spears lobbed at theodosia's army were spears lobbed at theodosia's army were blown back at the very men who had blown back at the very men who had blown back at the very men who had thrown them and that the arrows fired thrown them and that the arrows fired thrown them and that the arrows fired were shot back at the very men who had were shot back at the very men who had were shot back at the very men who had fired them arbag Go's Army so close to fired them arbag Go's Army so close to fired them arbag Go's Army so close to Victory the night before quickly fell Victory the night before quickly fell Victory the night before quickly fell apart in the face of the torrential Wind apart in the face of the torrential Wind apart in the face of the torrential Wind by the end of the second day the army of by the end of the second day the army of by the end of the second day the army of the West was broken and those who could

the West was broken and those who could the West was broken and those who could not flee were captured not flee were captured not flee were captured theodus had snatched Victory from the theodus had snatched Victory from the theodus had snatched Victory from the jaws of defeat could it be anything less jaws of defeat could it be anything less jaws of defeat could it be anything less than divine intervention among those captured was intervention among those captured was eugenus the wouldbe emperor was brought eugenus the wouldbe emperor was brought eugenus the wouldbe emperor was brought before theodocious whereupon he nobly before theodocious whereupon he nobly before theodocious whereupon he nobly dropped to his knees and began begging dropped to his knees and began begging dropped to his knees and began begging for his for his for his life though theodocious was typically life though theodocious was typically life though theodocious was typically magnanimous in Victory this magnanimity magnanimous in Victory this magnanimity magnanimous in Victory this magnanimity had its limits and self-proclaimed had its limits and self-proclaimed had its limits and self-proclaimed Emperors received No Quarter eugenus was Emperors received No Quarter eugenus was Emperors received No Quarter eugenus was executed and his head was put on display executed and his head was put on display executed and his head was put on display for all to for all to for all to see aragos meanwhile managed to escape see aragos meanwhile managed to escape see aragos meanwhile managed to escape from the battle unharmed but after from the battle unharmed but after from the battle unharmed but after spending a few days in the Hills dodging spending a few days in the Hills dodging spending a few days in the Hills dodging patrols like some common criminal he patrols like some common criminal he patrols like some common criminal he concluded that it was high time that he concluded that it was high time that he concluded that it was high time that he took the honorable path out of his took the honorable path out of his took the honorable path out of his predicament and he committed suicide predicament and he committed suicide predicament and he committed suicide before he could be before he could be before he could be captured the deaths of eugenus and arbag captured the deaths of eugenus and arbag captured the deaths of eugenus and arbag meant that for the moment at least meant that for the moment at least meant that for the moment at least across the whole expans of the Roman across the whole expans of the Roman across the whole expans of the Roman Empire from Spain to Syria and from Empire from Spain to Syria and from Empire from Spain to Syria and from Africa to Britain no one opposed Africa to Britain no one opposed Africa to Britain no one opposed theodosia's sole theodosia's sole theodosia's sole rule for a few months in late 394 ad rule for a few months in late 394 ad rule for a few months in late 394 ad theodocious stood as the only emperor in theodocious stood as the only emperor in theodocious stood as the only emperor in the Roman Empire he would be the last the Roman Empire he would be the last the Roman Empire he would be the last man to hold that distinction just as he had done distinction just as he had done following the victory over Maximus following the victory over Maximus following the victory over Maximus theodosius completed his march by theodosius completed his march by theodosius completed his march by entering Milan and setting up court in

entering Milan and setting up court in entering Milan and setting up court in the Italian C the Italian C the Italian C Capital there was much to be done and Capital there was much to be done and Capital there was much to be done and much to Grapple with and theodus knew he much to Grapple with and theodus knew he much to Grapple with and theodus knew he was going to have his work cut out for was going to have his work cut out for was going to have his work cut out for him the war with eugenus and aragos had him the war with eugenus and aragos had him the war with eugenus and aragos had been even blooder than the war with been even blooder than the war with been even blooder than the war with Maximus which hurt doubly since the Maximus which hurt doubly since the Maximus which hurt doubly since the legions had not really gotten back to legions had not really gotten back to legions had not really gotten back to full strength since that last Civil full strength since that last Civil full strength since that last Civil War both the Ry and danu Frontiers were War both the Ry and danu Frontiers were War both the Ry and danu Frontiers were now dangerously under now dangerously under now dangerously under garrisoned on top of his military woes garrisoned on top of his military woes garrisoned on top of his military woes Theodosia also knew he was going to have Theodosia also knew he was going to have Theodosia also knew he was going to have to deal with the headache of rolling to deal with the headache of rolling to deal with the headache of rolling back the Pagan tithe that had risen in back the Pagan tithe that had risen in back the Pagan tithe that had risen in his his his absence committed more than ever to his absence committed more than ever to his absence committed more than ever to his Nan Catholicism following the miracle Nan Catholicism following the miracle Nan Catholicism following the miracle victory at the fratus the theodus began victory at the fratus the theodus began victory at the fratus the theodus began to undo the religious Damage Done by the to undo the religious Damage Done by the to undo the religious Damage Done by the Pagan aristocracy of Rome it was at this Pagan aristocracy of Rome it was at this Pagan aristocracy of Rome it was at this point that the altar of Victory point that the altar of Victory point that the altar of Victory disappears from the historical record disappears from the historical record disappears from the historical record never to be heard from again so quit never to be heard from again so quit never to be heard from again so quit asking me to put it back in the Senate asking me to put it back in the Senate asking me to put it back in the Senate house it's gone so get over house it's gone so get over house it's gone so get over it it it since theodosia's historic place as the since theodosia's historic place as the since theodosia's historic place as the last sole ruler of the Roman Empire is last sole ruler of the Roman Empire is last sole ruler of the Roman Empire is often listed near the very top of his often listed near the very top of his often listed near the very top of his Imperial resumee you might be inclined Imperial resumee you might be inclined Imperial resumee you might be inclined to think that he held this distinction to think that he held this distinction to think that he held this distinction for a few years I mean at least a year for a few years I mean at least a year for a few years I mean at least a year but not so the correct answer is 4 but not so the correct answer is 4 but not so the correct answer is 4 months all that stuff that theodosius months all that stuff that theodosius months all that stuff that theodosius knew he was going to have to deal with knew he was going to have to deal with knew he was going to have to deal with wound up getting dealt with by someone wound up getting dealt with by someone wound up getting dealt with by someone else because in mid January the emperor else because in mid January the emperor else because in mid January the emperor came down with what historians label as

came down with what historians label as came down with what historians label as a nasty bout of a nasty bout of a nasty bout of Edema doctors were called and everyone Edema doctors were called and everyone Edema doctors were called and everyone prayed but it all did no good on the prayed but it all did no good on the prayed but it all did no good on the 17th of January 395 ad theodosius died 17th of January 395 ad theodosius died 17th of January 395 ad theodosius died he was 48 years old and had been an he was 48 years old and had been an he was 48 years old and had been an Augustus for 16 years did I mention that Augustus for 16 years did I mention that Augustus for 16 years did I mention that he was the last sole ruler of the Roman Empire theodus was an enormously Empire theodus was an enormously influential ruler and though I don't influential ruler and though I don't influential ruler and though I don't think he cracks into that upper tier of think he cracks into that upper tier of think he cracks into that upper tier of truly great Emperors there is no getting truly great Emperors there is no getting truly great Emperors there is no getting around the fact that the history of the around the fact that the history of the around the fact that the history of the world runs right through his world runs right through his world runs right through his Reign obviously his staunch Catholicism Reign obviously his staunch Catholicism Reign obviously his staunch Catholicism and eventual staunch anti- paganism and eventual staunch anti- paganism and eventual staunch anti- paganism spelled the end of the old religions of spelled the end of the old religions of spelled the end of the old religions of antiquity monotheism was here to stay antiquity monotheism was here to stay antiquity monotheism was here to stay Christianity was now the religion of the Christianity was now the religion of the Christianity was now the religion of the Empire but beyond the official public Empire but beyond the official public Empire but beyond the official public policies theodosia's own personal piety policies theodosia's own personal piety policies theodosia's own personal piety allowed the western church in the form allowed the western church in the form allowed the western church in the form of Bishop Ambrose to establish once and of Bishop Ambrose to establish once and of Bishop Ambrose to establish once and for all a degree of autonomy from the for all a degree of autonomy from the for all a degree of autonomy from the secular ruling class and even a degree secular ruling class and even a degree secular ruling class and even a degree of power over it as I've mentioned of power over it as I've mentioned of power over it as I've mentioned previously the next thousand years of previously the next thousand years of previously the next thousand years of political philosophy will revolve around political philosophy will revolve around political philosophy will revolve around the relationship between church and the relationship between church and the relationship between church and state and I'm not sure that debate even state and I'm not sure that debate even state and I'm not sure that debate even gets started if theodosius refuses to gets started if theodosius refuses to gets started if theodosius refuses to yield to Ambrose in the months after the yield to Ambrose in the months after the yield to Ambrose in the months after the massacre at massacre at massacre at thessalonica but the emperor's religion thessalonica but the emperor's religion thessalonica but the emperor's religion was not a PR stuned his Christian was not a PR stuned his Christian was not a PR stuned his Christian beliefs were heartfelt and he took

beliefs were heartfelt and he took beliefs were heartfelt and he took Ambrose's threats to his soul Ambrose's threats to his soul Ambrose's threats to his soul seriously so theodosius did what the seriously so theodosius did what the seriously so theodosius did what the bishop demanded he' do and in the bishop demanded he' do and in the bishop demanded he' do and in the process set a precedent that later Kings process set a precedent that later Kings process set a precedent that later Kings and popes would follow finally given that he did play follow finally given that he did play such a major role in the final such a major role in the final such a major role in the final entrenchment of Christianity which I entrenchment of Christianity which I entrenchment of Christianity which I think we can all agree is a pretty big think we can all agree is a pretty big think we can all agree is a pretty big deal the major role theodosius played in deal the major role theodosius played in deal the major role theodosius played in ensuring the empire did not collapse ensuring the empire did not collapse ensuring the empire did not collapse following Adrien opal is sometimes lost following Adrien opal is sometimes lost following Adrien opal is sometimes lost in the shuffle but that too was a pretty in the shuffle but that too was a pretty in the shuffle but that too was a pretty big deal his ability to recognize the big deal his ability to recognize the big deal his ability to recognize the Stark reality of the Empire situation Stark reality of the Empire situation Stark reality of the Empire situation that they could not risk another battle that they could not risk another battle that they could not risk another battle that they must deal with the Goths that they must deal with the Goths that they must deal with the Goths diplomatically is perhaps even more diplomatically is perhaps even more diplomatically is perhaps even more important to the history of the world important to the history of the world important to the history of the world than his religious policies because had than his religious policies because had than his religious policies because had he blown it in the dark days after he blown it in the dark days after he blown it in the dark days after adrianople there might not have been an adrianople there might not have been an adrianople there might not have been an Empire left to Empire left to Empire left to christianize that said allowing The christianize that said allowing The christianize that said allowing The Undefeated Goths to settle in Roman Undefeated Goths to settle in Roman Undefeated Goths to settle in Roman territory and essentially live under territory and essentially live under territory and essentially live under their own laws would have profound their own laws would have profound their own laws would have profound negative consequences down the road it negative consequences down the road it negative consequences down the road it is after all another one of the 257 is after all another one of the 257 is after all another one of the 257 different reasons why the Western Empire different reasons why the Western Empire different reasons why the Western Empire fell apart but we'll get into all that a fell apart but we'll get into all that a fell apart but we'll get into all that a bit down the bit down the bit down the road for now though we must turn to road for now though we must turn to road for now though we must turn to theodosia's more immediate Legacy namely theodosia's more immediate Legacy namely theodosia's more immediate Legacy namely that his untimely death meant that that his untimely death meant that that his untimely death meant that control of the empire fell into the control of the empire fell into the control of the empire fell into the hands of a 16-year-old and an hands of a 16-year-old and an hands of a 16-year-old and an 11-year-old neither of whom were well 11-year-old neither of whom were well 11-year-old neither of whom were well trained in the military Arts had any

trained in the military Arts had any trained in the military Arts had any real experience with statecraft or if real experience with statecraft or if real experience with statecraft or if you believe the pronouncements of most you believe the pronouncements of most you believe the pronouncements of most modern Scholars were particularly bright modern Scholars were particularly bright modern Scholars were particularly bright individuals sadly for the good people of individuals sadly for the good people of individuals sadly for the good people of the Roman Empire their Emperors arcadius the Roman Empire their Emperors arcadius the Roman Empire their Emperors arcadius and hanus turned out to be a couple of and hanus turned out to be a couple of and hanus turned out to be a couple of underage dim bulbs who were so easily underage dim bulbs who were so easily underage dim bulbs who were so easily manipulated and pushed around that their manipulated and pushed around that their manipulated and pushed around that their Reigns were defined most especially by Reigns were defined most especially by Reigns were defined most especially by the revolving door of ambitious advisers the revolving door of ambitious advisers the revolving door of ambitious advisers who were constantly cutting each other's who were constantly cutting each other's who were constantly cutting each other's throats in order to take their turn throats in order to take their turn throats in order to take their turn being the real power behind the being the real power behind the being the real power behind the throne without anything resembling a throne without anything resembling a throne without anything resembling a firm hand on the tiller power hungry firm hand on the tiller power hungry firm hand on the tiller power hungry ministers and Generals began to run a ministers and Generals began to run a ministers and Generals began to run a muck fatally undermining the political muck fatally undermining the political muck fatally undermining the political solidarity that the Empire so solidarity that the Empire so solidarity that the Empire so desperately needed at the dawn of the desperately needed at the dawn of the desperately needed at the dawn of the fifth century the first two of those power century the first two of those power hungry ministers stepped to the plate hungry ministers stepped to the plate hungry ministers stepped to the plate upon the death of theodus in January 395 upon the death of theodus in January 395 upon the death of theodus in January 395 and of course since political solidarity and of course since political solidarity and of course since political solidarity was so vitally important at the dawn of was so vitally important at the dawn of was so vitally important at the dawn of the fifth century it was perfect that the fifth century it was perfect that the fifth century it was perfect that they were personal enemies who were more they were personal enemies who were more they were personal enemies who were more than willing to extend their rivalries than willing to extend their rivalries than willing to extend their rivalries into official state policy into official state policy into official state policy awesome the first of these ministers was awesome the first of these ministers was awesome the first of these ministers was Stilo the Vandal General who had risen Stilo the Vandal General who had risen Stilo the Vandal General who had risen to become theodosia's son-in-law and the to become theodosia's son-in-law and the to become theodosia's son-in-law and the leader of the Eastern Army the other was leader of the Eastern Army the other was leader of the Eastern Army the other was the petorian prefect rufinus who had the petorian prefect rufinus who had the petorian prefect rufinus who had been left in charge of Constantinople been left in charge of Constantinople been left in charge of Constantinople when that Eastern Army had marched West arcadius and hus had both been left

West arcadius and hus had both been left in rus' care when their father had in rus' care when their father had in rus' care when their father had marched off to face down eugenus and marched off to face down eugenus and marched off to face down eugenus and aragos but when theodus became deathly aragos but when theodus became deathly aragos but when theodus became deathly ill honorius was called to Malon in case ill honorius was called to Malon in case ill honorius was called to Malon in case he needed to assume the mantle of he needed to assume the mantle of he needed to assume the mantle of Western Western Western Augustus aware that his time was drawing Augustus aware that his time was drawing Augustus aware that his time was drawing near theodosius began scrambling to get near theodosius began scrambling to get near theodosius began scrambling to get some sort of succession plan in place some sort of succession plan in place some sort of succession plan in place and he naturally turned to Stilo to and he naturally turned to Stilo to and he naturally turned to Stilo to ensure sure that things wouldn't go to ensure sure that things wouldn't go to ensure sure that things wouldn't go to hell the minute he hell the minute he hell the minute he died pretty soon everyone got word that died pretty soon everyone got word that died pretty soon everyone got word that when the emperor did die that Stilo when the emperor did die that Stilo when the emperor did die that Stilo would act as a deao regent for the would act as a deao regent for the would act as a deao regent for the underage underage underage honorius given the General's familial honorius given the General's familial honorius given the General's familial connection to theodus this came as a connection to theodus this came as a connection to theodus this came as a surprise to No One But Then Came the surprise to No One But Then Came the surprise to No One But Then Came the curveball just before he died theodus curveball just before he died theodus curveball just before he died theodus dismissed all his other ministers so he dismissed all his other ministers so he dismissed all his other ministers so he could have a private chat with Stilo could have a private chat with Stilo could have a private chat with Stilo during this chat theodosius told his during this chat theodosius told his during this chat theodosius told his son-in-law that he wanted Stilo to act son-in-law that he wanted Stilo to act son-in-law that he wanted Stilo to act as a guardian not just of honorius but as a guardian not just of honorius but as a guardian not just of honorius but of arcadius as of arcadius as of arcadius as well this deathbed request effectively well this deathbed request effectively well this deathbed request effectively became the emperor's Last Words as he became the emperor's Last Words as he became the emperor's Last Words as he died almost immediately after this died almost immediately after this died almost immediately after this secret secret secret conversation but you can probably see conversation but you can probably see conversation but you can probably see the problem here Stilo was the only one the problem here Stilo was the only one the problem here Stilo was the only one present for this momentous present for this momentous present for this momentous pronouncement everyone assumed the pronouncement everyone assumed the pronouncement everyone assumed the Vandal General was going to rule the Vandal General was going to rule the Vandal General was going to rule the West and everyone was fine with that but West and everyone was fine with that but West and everyone was fine with that but now suddenly he was wandering around now suddenly he was wandering around now suddenly he was wandering around telling people that Theodosia secretly telling people that Theodosia secretly telling people that Theodosia secretly told him at the last minute that he was told him at the last minute that he was

told him at the last minute that he was supposed to rule the East too to which I supposed to rule the East too to which I supposed to rule the East too to which I would have reacted you don't actually would have reacted you don't actually would have reacted you don't actually expect me to believe that obvious load expect me to believe that obvious load expect me to believe that obvious load of complete BS do you but Stilo of complete BS do you but Stilo of complete BS do you but Stilo apparently did expect everyone to apparently did expect everyone to apparently did expect everyone to believe it and for almost the entire believe it and for almost the entire believe it and for almost the entire time he was in power he maintained his time he was in power he maintained his time he was in power he maintained his rather bizarre claim to Regency over the rather bizarre claim to Regency over the rather bizarre claim to Regency over the whole whole whole empire to top it all off modern empire to top it all off modern empire to top it all off modern historians are not even convinced that historians are not even convinced that historians are not even convinced that there ever was a secret conversation there ever was a secret conversation there ever was a secret conversation that the whole thing had been made up that the whole thing had been made up that the whole thing had been made up out of whole cloth after the fact to out of whole cloth after the fact to out of whole cloth after the fact to explain sto's attempt to seize control explain sto's attempt to seize control explain sto's attempt to seize control of the Eastern Empire probably the person laughing Empire probably the person laughing hardest at sto's obvious load of hardest at sto's obvious load of hardest at sto's obvious load of complete BS was back in Constantinople complete BS was back in Constantinople complete BS was back in Constantinople the petorian prefect the petorian prefect the petorian prefect ruus as I mentioned he and Stilo were ruus as I mentioned he and Stilo were ruus as I mentioned he and Stilo were bitter enemies so you can probably bitter enemies so you can probably bitter enemies so you can probably imagine his reaction when a messenger imagine his reaction when a messenger imagine his reaction when a messenger arrived one day bearing the news that arrived one day bearing the news that arrived one day bearing the news that Stilo was claiming theodocious secretly Stilo was claiming theodocious secretly Stilo was claiming theodocious secretly wanted him to control the Eastern wanted him to control the Eastern wanted him to control the Eastern Empire I picture rufinus falling out of Empire I picture rufinus falling out of Empire I picture rufinus falling out of his chair laughing picking himself up his chair laughing picking himself up his chair laughing picking himself up off the floor and then immediately off the floor and then immediately off the floor and then immediately making plans to kill Stilo at the making plans to kill Stilo at the making plans to kill Stilo at the earliest earliest earliest opportunity but Stilo would prove opportunity but Stilo would prove opportunity but Stilo would prove himself to be an extremely Savvy himself to be an extremely Savvy himself to be an extremely Savvy operator far savier than rafus anyway operator far savier than rafus anyway operator far savier than rafus anyway who will incidentally wind up dead in a who will incidentally wind up dead in a who will incidentally wind up dead in a ditch in less than a ditch in less than a ditch in less than a year eager to solidify his position as year eager to solidify his position as year eager to solidify his position as the new deao Regent and I say defao

the new deao Regent and I say defao the new deao Regent and I say defao because there was no official Regent because there was no official Regent because there was no official Regent position in Roman law he turned to the position in Roman law he turned to the position in Roman law he turned to the most powerful man in the Western Empire most powerful man in the Western Empire most powerful man in the Western Empire Ambrose of Milan for Ambrose of Milan for Ambrose of Milan for support the Vandal General and the Roman support the Vandal General and the Roman support the Vandal General and the Roman Bishop forged an alliance that was Bishop forged an alliance that was Bishop forged an alliance that was sealed when Ambrose publicly endorsed sealed when Ambrose publicly endorsed sealed when Ambrose publicly endorsed the claim that Stilo had been ordered to the claim that Stilo had been ordered to the claim that Stilo had been ordered to preside over both Imperial Brothers preside over both Imperial Brothers preside over both Imperial Brothers rather rather than just rather rather than just rather rather than just hus but rafus was undeterred Stilo could hus but rafus was undeterred Stilo could hus but rafus was undeterred Stilo could make all the laughable claims he wanted make all the laughable claims he wanted make all the laughable claims he wanted there was no way the petorian prefect there was no way the petorian prefect there was no way the petorian prefect was giving an inch of political was giving an inch of political was giving an inch of political space this test of Wills came to a head space this test of Wills came to a head space this test of Wills came to a head in 395 in an incident that put on full in 395 in an incident that put on full in 395 in an incident that put on full display the consequences of personal display the consequences of personal display the consequences of personal rivalry spilling over into official rivalry spilling over into official rivalry spilling over into official policy as I've mentioned the Goths were policy as I've mentioned the Goths were policy as I've mentioned the Goths were not at all happy about the way they had not at all happy about the way they had not at all happy about the way they had been used at the Battle of the Rus and been used at the Battle of the Rus and been used at the Battle of the Rus and it was an article of faith among them it was an article of faith among them it was an article of faith among them that they had been intentionally led to that they had been intentionally led to that they had been intentionally led to the slaughter to weaken their power the slaughter to weaken their power the slaughter to weaken their power initially Aller the leading chief of the initially Aller the leading chief of the initially Aller the leading chief of the gothic Army neither stoked these fires gothic Army neither stoked these fires gothic Army neither stoked these fires nor did anything really to dampen them nor did anything really to dampen them nor did anything really to dampen them out he was more reserved than his out he was more reserved than his out he was more reserved than his countrymen because with all the countrymen because with all the countrymen because with all the reshuffling that was underway following reshuffling that was underway following reshuffling that was underway following the death of theodosius he thought he the death of theodosius he thought he the death of theodosius he thought he saw an opportunity to follow in the saw an opportunity to follow in the saw an opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Rick Amir and aragos and footsteps of Rick Amir and aragos and footsteps of Rick Amir and aragos and Stilo and become a barbarian General in Stilo and become a barbarian General in Stilo and become a barbarian General in the Roman the Roman the Roman army but Stilo in particular was hugely army but Stilo in particular was hugely army but Stilo in particular was hugely opposed to the idea of all aleric opposed to the idea of all aleric opposed to the idea of all aleric serving Rome in an official capacity

serving Rome in an official capacity serving Rome in an official capacity mostly because combining the role of mostly because combining the role of mostly because combining the role of Gothic King with Roman general was a Gothic King with Roman general was a Gothic King with Roman general was a frightening frightening frightening Prospect Aller LED his troops back to Prospect Aller LED his troops back to Prospect Aller LED his troops back to thce in the spring of 395 but when he thce in the spring of 395 but when he thce in the spring of 395 but when he got there he received word that he was got there he received word that he was got there he received word that he was not in fact going to be offered a not in fact going to be offered a not in fact going to be offered a command and so feeling betrayed he command and so feeling betrayed he command and so feeling betrayed he started actively encouraging the Goths started actively encouraging the Goths started actively encouraging the Goths hostility in just a few weeks their rage hostility in just a few weeks their rage hostility in just a few weeks their rage boiled over and the central Empire was boiled over and the central Empire was boiled over and the central Empire was once again dealing with a marauding once again dealing with a marauding once again dealing with a marauding Gothic Gothic Gothic Army since the Romans had just fought a Army since the Romans had just fought a Army since the Romans had just fought a big old Civil War in Northern Italy big old Civil War in Northern Italy big old Civil War in Northern Italy that's where most of the troops of the that's where most of the troops of the that's where most of the troops of the empire were at the moment and so it fell empire were at the moment and so it fell empire were at the moment and so it fell to Stilo to deal with all's rampaging to Stilo to deal with all's rampaging to Stilo to deal with all's rampaging Goths but the Army stillo LED through Goths but the Army stillo LED through Goths but the Army stillo LED through the Alps was not really in tiptop shape the Alps was not really in tiptop shape the Alps was not really in tiptop shape nor a particularly cohesive unit the nor a particularly cohesive unit the nor a particularly cohesive unit the damage done at the frigus was still damage done at the frigus was still damage done at the frigus was still being felt not just in terms of physical being felt not just in terms of physical being felt not just in terms of physical fighting ability but also in terms of fighting ability but also in terms of fighting ability but also in terms of the troops actually trusting each other the troops actually trusting each other the troops actually trusting each other after all the men who made up sto's Army after all the men who made up sto's Army after all the men who made up sto's Army had just been hacking each other to had just been hacking each other to had just been hacking each other to Pieces the previous Autumn it was a Pieces the previous Autumn it was a Pieces the previous Autumn it was a little difficult for them to grasp that little difficult for them to grasp that little difficult for them to grasp that they were all now on the same side but there was no getting around the side but there was no getting around the fact that the Goths needed to be settled fact that the Goths needed to be settled fact that the Goths needed to be settled so off Stilo went to try to settle them so off Stilo went to try to settle them so off Stilo went to try to settle them the Vandal was a de General and knowing the Vandal was a de General and knowing the Vandal was a de General and knowing the weakness of his own Army decided to the weakness of his own Army decided to the weakness of his own Army decided to engage in a positional campaign designed

engage in a positional campaign designed engage in a positional campaign designed to hem Aller in rather than trying to to hem Aller in rather than trying to to hem Aller in rather than trying to break him in a setpiece break him in a setpiece break him in a setpiece battle eventually a Stilo strategy battle eventually a Stilo strategy battle eventually a Stilo strategy proved so successful that the Goths proved so successful that the Goths proved so successful that the Goths became trapped in a terrible position if became trapped in a terrible position if became trapped in a terrible position if Stilo was ever going to take a shot at Stilo was ever going to take a shot at Stilo was ever going to take a shot at Battle now would be the time to do Battle now would be the time to do Battle now would be the time to do it but then a surprise order came in it but then a surprise order came in it but then a surprise order came in from arcadius originating of course with from arcadius originating of course with from arcadius originating of course with rafus demanding that Stilo return the rafus demanding that Stilo return the rafus demanding that Stilo return the Eastern troops to Constantinople and Eastern troops to Constantinople and Eastern troops to Constantinople and withdraw from Greece at withdraw from Greece at withdraw from Greece at once that Stilo decided to comply with once that Stilo decided to comply with once that Stilo decided to comply with this order hint that he maybe had no this order hint that he maybe had no this order hint that he maybe had no intention of actually attacking the intention of actually attacking the intention of actually attacking the Goths but he sure told everyone who Goths but he sure told everyone who Goths but he sure told everyone who would listen that he had been fatally would listen that he had been fatally would listen that he had been fatally undercut by that sneaky snake rufinus undercut by that sneaky snake rufinus undercut by that sneaky snake rufinus who had robbed the Romans of a certain who had robbed the Romans of a certain who had robbed the Romans of a certain Victory simply to deny me Noble still Victory simply to deny me Noble still Victory simply to deny me Noble still a personal a personal a personal Victory whoever's idea was to let Aller Victory whoever's idea was to let Aller Victory whoever's idea was to let Aller go and there is good evidence that it go and there is good evidence that it go and there is good evidence that it was indeed still ao's idea the fact that was indeed still ao's idea the fact that was indeed still ao's idea the fact that the gothic Chief lived to fight another the gothic Chief lived to fight another the gothic Chief lived to fight another day wound up having some pretty serious day wound up having some pretty serious day wound up having some pretty serious consequences down the road next week we will begin to feel road next week we will begin to feel some of those consequences as the Empire some of those consequences as the Empire some of those consequences as the Empire will break down into three political will break down into three political will break down into three political centers of gravity Stilo in the West centers of gravity Stilo in the West centers of gravity Stilo in the West Aller in the center and whoever happened Aller in the center and whoever happened Aller in the center and whoever happened to be controlling arcadius at the moment to be controlling arcadius at the moment to be controlling arcadius at the moment in the in the in the East over the next few years they will East over the next few years they will East over the next few years they will all play everyone off everyone else in a

all play everyone off everyone else in a all play everyone off everyone else in a tricky and often bloody game of tricky and often bloody game of tricky and often bloody game of political chess that will wind up political chess that will wind up political chess that will wind up leaving the Empire with very few pieces leaving the Empire with very few pieces leaving the Empire with very few pieces left on the left on the left on the [Music] hello and welcome to the history of hello and welcome to the history of Rome episode 160 East versus Rome episode 160 East versus Rome episode 160 East versus West West West in the summer of 395 aico LED in the summer of 395 aico LED in the summer of 395 aico LED practically the only Roman army of practically the only Roman army of practically the only Roman army of consequence left in the empire into thce consequence left in the empire into thce consequence left in the empire into thce to face down Aller and his Rampage in to face down Aller and his Rampage in to face down Aller and his Rampage in Goths but right at the moment when it Goths but right at the moment when it Goths but right at the moment when it appeared that victory was within his appeared that victory was within his appeared that victory was within his grasp atilo suddenly decided to detach grasp atilo suddenly decided to detach grasp atilo suddenly decided to detach the Eastern contingent of his army and the Eastern contingent of his army and the Eastern contingent of his army and return it to Constantinople before return it to Constantinople before return it to Constantinople before leading the rest of his army back leading the rest of his army back leading the rest of his army back towards the towards the towards the West preparing to make his last stand West preparing to make his last stand West preparing to make his last stand Aller wound up simply watching the Roman Aller wound up simply watching the Roman Aller wound up simply watching the Roman army dissipate without so much as a army dissipate without so much as a army dissipate without so much as a sword being sword being sword being drawn Scholars long blame the drawn Scholars long blame the drawn Scholars long blame the machinations of the Eastern petorian machinations of the Eastern petorian machinations of the Eastern petorian prefect rufinus for the order to break

prefect rufinus for the order to break prefect rufinus for the order to break up sto's Army but it is just as likely up sto's Army but it is just as likely up sto's Army but it is just as likely that Stilo himself never had any that Stilo himself never had any that Stilo himself never had any intention of bringing Aller to battle intention of bringing Aller to battle intention of bringing Aller to battle and was just happy for any excuse to and was just happy for any excuse to and was just happy for any excuse to withdraw as later events would show as withdraw as later events would show as withdraw as later events would show as much as Imperial propaganda like to much as Imperial propaganda like to much as Imperial propaganda like to paint the Goths as outof control paint the Goths as outof control paint the Goths as outof control Monsters the courts of both east and Monsters the courts of both east and Monsters the courts of both east and west knew that they were actually an west knew that they were actually an west knew that they were actually an incredibly valuable military resource to incredibly valuable military resource to incredibly valuable military resource to be utilized not some terrible foreign be utilized not some terrible foreign be utilized not some terrible foreign enemy to be defeated at all enemy to be defeated at all enemy to be defeated at all costs put simply crushing the Goths costs put simply crushing the Goths costs put simply crushing the Goths would have meant crippling the long-term would have meant crippling the long-term would have meant crippling the long-term War making power of the Empire and War making power of the Empire and War making power of the Empire and beyond that the courts of east and west beyond that the courts of east and west beyond that the courts of east and west also understood that crushing the Goths also understood that crushing the Goths also understood that crushing the Goths would have meant losing a potential Ace would have meant losing a potential Ace would have meant losing a potential Ace in the Hole to be laid down in the high in the Hole to be laid down in the high in the Hole to be laid down in the high stakes game of political poker they were stakes game of political poker they were stakes game of political poker they were playing with each playing with each playing with each other other other aside from long-term geopolitical aside from long-term geopolitical aside from long-term geopolitical strategy atilo had another incentive for strategy atilo had another incentive for strategy atilo had another incentive for breaking up his breaking up his breaking up his army whether he was the instigator of army whether he was the instigator of army whether he was the instigator of the coming assassination of renis or the coming assassination of renis or the coming assassination of renis or just an interested third party is just an interested third party is just an interested third party is unknown but it is hard to believe Stilo unknown but it is hard to believe Stilo unknown but it is hard to believe Stilo didn't know what was going to happen didn't know what was going to happen didn't know what was going to happen when the Eastern troops returned to when the Eastern troops returned to when the Eastern troops returned to Constantinople heading back East under Constantinople heading back East under Constantinople heading back East under the command of an ethnically goth the command of an ethnically goth the command of an ethnically goth General named gyus the troops arrived at General named gyus the troops arrived at General named gyus the troops arrived at the great capital City in the late the great capital City in the late the great capital City in the late summer of summer of summer of 395 the emperor arcadius came out to the 395 the emperor arcadius came out to the 395 the emperor arcadius came out to the Army's Camp to greet them and the Army's Camp to greet them and the Army's Camp to greet them and the prefect rufinus was by his prefect rufinus was by his prefect rufinus was by his side but when they arrived a handpicked

side but when they arrived a handpicked side but when they arrived a handpicked company of soldiers surrounded the company of soldiers surrounded the company of soldiers surrounded the shocked prefect and unceremoniously shocked prefect and unceremoniously shocked prefect and unceremoniously hacked him to death rafus had apparently hacked him to death rafus had apparently hacked him to death rafus had apparently been so focused on his enemy Stilo that been so focused on his enemy Stilo that been so focused on his enemy Stilo that he failed to see just how many enemies he failed to see just how many enemies he failed to see just how many enemies he was generating right there at home he was generating right there at home he was generating right there at home not the least of whom was the new not the least of whom was the new not the least of whom was the new empress okia it's not that rufinus didn't know idoia it's not that rufinus didn't know idoia was a deadly rival for power after all was a deadly rival for power after all was a deadly rival for power after all her marriage to arcadius earlier that her marriage to arcadius earlier that her marriage to arcadius earlier that April had been publicly opposed by the April had been publicly opposed by the April had been publicly opposed by the prefect as he had been pushing his own prefect as he had been pushing his own prefect as he had been pushing his own daughter on the emperor and you can't daughter on the emperor and you can't daughter on the emperor and you can't really stand in the way of a woman's really stand in the way of a woman's really stand in the way of a woman's path to power and then expect roses and path to power and then expect roses and path to power and then expect roses and thank you cards when she slips past you thank you cards when she slips past you thank you cards when she slips past you into the emperor's into the emperor's into the emperor's bedroom udia quickly got together with bedroom udia quickly got together with bedroom udia quickly got together with one of raf's Court enemies a unic named one of raf's Court enemies a unic named one of raf's Court enemies a unic named utopus and together they conspired to utopus and together they conspired to utopus and together they conspired to topple the prefect all likely with sto's topple the prefect all likely with sto's topple the prefect all likely with sto's nod and wink if not outright nod and wink if not outright nod and wink if not outright support but if Stilo was thinking that support but if Stilo was thinking that support but if Stilo was thinking that the fall of rufinus would lead the the fall of rufinus would lead the the fall of rufinus would lead the Eastern Court to recognize his claim to Eastern Court to recognize his claim to Eastern Court to recognize his claim to Regency over Regency over Regency over Constantinople well then he was let down Constantinople well then he was let down Constantinople well then he was let down utopus and udia simply stepped into the utopus and udia simply stepped into the utopus and udia simply stepped into the power vacuum left by the prefect and power vacuum left by the prefect and power vacuum left by the prefect and controlled arcadius for their own controlled arcadius for their own controlled arcadius for their own purposes rebuffing all of sto's purposes rebuffing all of sto's purposes rebuffing all of sto's political political political advances advances advances shut out once again from the east in 396 shut out once again from the east in 396 shut out once again from the east in 396 Stilo turned his attention to his own Stilo turned his attention to his own Stilo turned his attention to his own backyard to ensure its stability when he backyard to ensure its stability when he backyard to ensure its stability when he inevitably went back across the Alps to inevitably went back across the Alps to inevitably went back across the Alps to confront

confront confront Aller the rise of utopus and udia as Aller the rise of utopus and udia as Aller the rise of utopus and udia as enemies of the Vandal General meant that enemies of the Vandal General meant that enemies of the Vandal General meant that the Goths needed to be brought into the Goths needed to be brought into the Goths needed to be brought into Stilo sphere and fast Aller must not be Stilo sphere and fast Aller must not be Stilo sphere and fast Aller must not be allowed to sign a peace deal with allowed to sign a peace deal with allowed to sign a peace deal with Constantinople he must be brought to Constantinople he must be brought to Constantinople he must be brought to heal by the west and if not converted heal by the west and if not converted heal by the west and if not converted into into an active Ally then at least into into an active Ally then at least into into an active Ally then at least sidelined for any intra Imperial sidelined for any intra Imperial sidelined for any intra Imperial struggle sto's biggest fear of course struggle sto's biggest fear of course struggle sto's biggest fear of course was a vaguely Noble one he feared that was a vaguely Noble one he feared that was a vaguely Noble one he feared that Constantinople would give the gothic Constantinople would give the gothic Constantinople would give the gothic King the Roman generalship that he had King the Roman generalship that he had King the Roman generalship that he had been craving as the price for an been craving as the price for an been craving as the price for an alliance a price that Stilo thought way alliance a price that Stilo thought way alliance a price that Stilo thought way too high and way too dangerous to the too high and way too dangerous to the too high and way too dangerous to the long-term health of the long-term health of the long-term health of the Empire having ethnically Barbarian Empire having ethnically Barbarian Empire having ethnically Barbarian generals was fine after all he was one generals was fine after all he was one generals was fine after all he was one but having one who doubled as the king but having one who doubled as the king but having one who doubled as the king of a barbarian Nation well the of a barbarian Nation well the of a barbarian Nation well the implications of that conflict of implications of that conflict of implications of that conflict of interest were just too terrifying to interest were just too terrifying to interest were just too terrifying to contemplate so Stilo spent 396 marching contemplate so Stilo spent 396 marching contemplate so Stilo spent 396 marching up and down the rine making deals with up and down the rine making deals with up and down the rine making deals with the Germans to get them to sit tight the Germans to get them to sit tight the Germans to get them to sit tight raising new recruits and extra cash raising new recruits and extra cash raising new recruits and extra cash along the along the along the way while Stilo was thus occupied Aller way while Stilo was thus occupied Aller way while Stilo was thus occupied Aller continued to plunder the central Empire continued to plunder the central Empire continued to plunder the central Empire more or less at more or less at more or less at will not that he was on some hellbent will not that he was on some hellbent will not that he was on some hellbent for a leather trip he too was looking for a leather trip he too was looking for a leather trip he too was looking for a political Arrangement rather than for a political Arrangement rather than for a political Arrangement rather than a military Victory so as plundering a military Victory so as plundering a military Victory so as plundering campaigns went it was actually pretty campaigns went it was actually pretty campaigns went it was actually pretty mild and cities were of course more than mild and cities were of course more than mild and cities were of course more than welcome to pay their way out of any

welcome to pay their way out of any welcome to pay their way out of any potential potential potential sacking utopus for his part just sort of sacking utopus for his part just sort of sacking utopus for his part just sort of let Aller run because he too was looking let Aller run because he too was looking let Aller run because he too was looking to strike a deal and didn't want to make to strike a deal and didn't want to make to strike a deal and didn't want to make enemies with the man he was trying to enemies with the man he was trying to enemies with the man he was trying to make his make his make his ally it's also written a few places that ally it's also written a few places that ally it's also written a few places that the Huns were starting to make trouble the Huns were starting to make trouble the Huns were starting to make trouble near Syria so it's entirely possible near Syria so it's entirely possible near Syria so it's entirely possible that even had he wanted to utopus would that even had he wanted to utopus would that even had he wanted to utopus would have been unable to muster the resources have been unable to muster the resources have been unable to muster the resources to do anything about to do anything about to do anything about all in 397 though Stilo felt like he was all in 397 though Stilo felt like he was all in 397 though Stilo felt like he was ready to do something about Aller so he ready to do something about Aller so he ready to do something about Aller so he gathered up an army partially composed gathered up an army partially composed gathered up an army partially composed of veterans and partially composed of of veterans and partially composed of of veterans and partially composed of new recruits and sailed them over to new recruits and sailed them over to new recruits and sailed them over to Corinth this was a gutsy move for the Corinth this was a gutsy move for the Corinth this was a gutsy move for the Vandal General as Greece clearly Vandal General as Greece clearly Vandal General as Greece clearly belonged to Constantinople belonged to Constantinople belonged to Constantinople to up and land an army there without to up and land an army there without to up and land an army there without permission could easily be seen as an permission could easily be seen as an permission could easily be seen as an act of war and in case you're wondering act of war and in case you're wondering act of war and in case you're wondering no Stilo did not have permission to up no Stilo did not have permission to up no Stilo did not have permission to up and land an army and land an army and land an army there but he did have a moral argument there but he did have a moral argument there but he did have a moral argument that someone had to do something about that someone had to do something about that someone had to do something about the Goths and are we not one United the Goths and are we not one United the Goths and are we not one United Empire so he landed his army and began Empire so he landed his army and began Empire so he landed his army and began to wage war on Aller but as with his to wage war on Aller but as with his to wage war on Aller but as with his campaign in 395 it was a war of campaign in 395 it was a war of campaign in 395 it was a war of positional maneuvering rather than open positional maneuvering rather than open positional maneuvering rather than open field battling Aller marched here stillo field battling Aller marched here stillo field battling Aller marched here stillo marched there Aller marched there stillo marched there Aller marched there stillo marched there Aller marched there stillo marched here the Vandal General's marched here the Vandal General's marched here the Vandal General's objective was to Checkmate Al not

objective was to Checkmate Al not objective was to Checkmate Al not destroy him but again as with the destroy him but again as with the destroy him but again as with the campaign of 395 Stilo would be forced to campaign of 395 Stilo would be forced to campaign of 395 Stilo would be forced to break off his offensive before even break off his offensive before even break off his offensive before even Checkmate could be achieved there is no explicit reason achieved there is no explicit reason given for Stilo decision ision to given for Stilo decision ision to given for Stilo decision ision to withdraw from Greece and speculation withdraw from Greece and speculation withdraw from Greece and speculation ranges from the general believing that ranges from the general believing that ranges from the general believing that his new troops might not be a match for his new troops might not be a match for his new troops might not be a match for the Goths should it come down to a the Goths should it come down to a the Goths should it come down to a battle to the fact that utopus had Stilo battle to the fact that utopus had Stilo battle to the fact that utopus had Stilo declared a Public Enemy for waging this declared a Public Enemy for waging this declared a Public Enemy for waging this unsanctioned war which undercut the unsanctioned war which undercut the unsanctioned war which undercut the political rational for the political rational for the political rational for the campaign but I have always suspected campaign but I have always suspected campaign but I have always suspected that the situation in North Africa might that the situation in North Africa might that the situation in North Africa might have been a major have been a major have been a major Catalyst ah what situation in North Catalyst ah what situation in North Catalyst ah what situation in North Africa you ask I'll get to that in a Africa you ask I'll get to that in a Africa you ask I'll get to that in a second second second but before we move on I should note that but before we move on I should note that but before we move on I should note that this was the second time that Stilo will this was the second time that Stilo will this was the second time that Stilo will have Aller on the run and fail to finish have Aller on the run and fail to finish have Aller on the run and fail to finish the job it will also not be the last the job it will also not be the last the job it will also not be the last time and eventually the gossipy time and eventually the gossipy time and eventually the gossipy backstabbers in Milan will start to backstabbers in Milan will start to backstabbers in Milan will start to wonder if the Barbarian General running wonder if the Barbarian General running wonder if the Barbarian General running their army maybe doesn't have Rome's their army maybe doesn't have Rome's their army maybe doesn't have Rome's best interests at heart and was instead best interests at heart and was instead best interests at heart and was instead looking to form some pan Barbarian looking to form some pan Barbarian looking to form some pan Barbarian Alliance that would someday conquer Rome Alliance that would someday conquer Rome Alliance that would someday conquer Rome either from within or from either from within or from either from within or from without far-fetched and paranoid perhaps without far-fetched and paranoid perhaps without far-fetched and paranoid perhaps but why else would Stilo keep letting but why else would Stilo keep letting but why else would Stilo keep letting all aleric get away the situation in North Africa was away the situation in North Africa was that in mid 397 a revolt against malan

that in mid 397 a revolt against malan that in mid 397 a revolt against malan had broken out led by the local governor had broken out led by the local governor had broken out led by the local governor and likely instigated by and likely instigated by and likely instigated by utopus the governor a man named gildo is utopus the governor a man named gildo is utopus the governor a man named gildo is an interesting character and it's kind an interesting character and it's kind an interesting character and it's kind of a shame I haven't gotten to him until of a shame I haven't gotten to him until of a shame I haven't gotten to him until just now because I'm about to kill him just now because I'm about to kill him just now because I'm about to kill him off gildo was of Berber descent and had off gildo was of Berber descent and had off gildo was of Berber descent and had been a close associate of the theodocian been a close associate of the theodocian been a close associate of the theodocian family serving the Elder theodocious family serving the Elder theodocious family serving the Elder theodocious loyally during the campaign against loyally during the campaign against loyally during the campaign against feris as a reward for this loyalty the feris as a reward for this loyalty the feris as a reward for this loyalty the younger theodocious promoted gildo up younger theodocious promoted gildo up younger theodocious promoted gildo up the ranks until by 386 the Berber the ranks until by 386 the Berber the ranks until by 386 the Berber General was more or less in charge of General was more or less in charge of General was more or less in charge of the entire North African Coast not the entire North African Coast not the entire North African Coast not counting Egypt of counting Egypt of counting Egypt of course with the consent of theodosius course with the consent of theodosius course with the consent of theodosius for the next decade gildo served as a for the next decade gildo served as a for the next decade gildo served as a nearly autonomous dictator of Africa nearly autonomous dictator of Africa nearly autonomous dictator of Africa whose principal assignment was whose principal assignment was whose principal assignment was maintaining the all important grain maintaining the all important grain maintaining the all important grain shipments Bound for Italy he ruthlessly shipments Bound for Italy he ruthlessly shipments Bound for Italy he ruthlessly and effectively carried out his and effectively carried out his and effectively carried out his assignment and so he was left alone but assignment and so he was left alone but assignment and so he was left alone but when his Patron theodocious died gildo's when his Patron theodocious died gildo's when his Patron theodocious died gildo's loyalties and motives became far less loyalties and motives became far less loyalties and motives became far less clear technically he was a part of the clear technically he was a part of the clear technically he was a part of the Western Empire and subject to the court Western Empire and subject to the court Western Empire and subject to the court of Milan but he had been on his own for of Milan but he had been on his own for of Milan but he had been on his own for so long that Stilo viewed him with so long that Stilo viewed him with so long that Stilo viewed him with suspicion and utopus viewed him with hope in mid 397 agildo allowed himself hope in mid 397 agildo allowed himself to be swayed by utopus and he pledged to be swayed by utopus and he pledged to be swayed by utopus and he pledged his loyalty to arcadius and the court of

his loyalty to arcadius and the court of his loyalty to arcadius and the court of Constantinople the shift in the Constantinople the shift in the Constantinople the shift in the political gravity of the Empire came so political gravity of the Empire came so political gravity of the Empire came so hot on the heels of stilicho's hot on the heels of stilicho's hot on the heels of stilicho's withdrawal from Greece that I wonder but withdrawal from Greece that I wonder but withdrawal from Greece that I wonder but I have no evidence to support this bit I have no evidence to support this bit I have no evidence to support this bit of speculation whether gildo's imminent of speculation whether gildo's imminent of speculation whether gildo's imminent Sid switching wasn't known privately Sid switching wasn't known privately Sid switching wasn't known privately before it was announced before it was announced before it was announced publicly in any case it sure was lucky publicly in any case it sure was lucky publicly in any case it sure was lucky that Stilo and his army were back in that Stilo and his army were back in that Stilo and his army were back in Italy right at the moment when they Italy right at the moment when they Italy right at the moment when they needed to head south to defend Milan's needed to head south to defend Milan's needed to head south to defend Milan's claim to the grain shipments which gildo claim to the grain shipments which gildo claim to the grain shipments which gildo had begun to had begun to had begun to withhold Stilo sprang into action when withhold Stilo sprang into action when withhold Stilo sprang into action when the grain stopped coming because he knew the grain stopped coming because he knew the grain stopped coming because he knew that any disruption to the Food Supplies that any disruption to the Food Supplies that any disruption to the Food Supplies would have been devastating to his would have been devastating to his would have been devastating to his political legitimacy especially since political legitimacy especially since political legitimacy especially since early that year he had lost his most early that year he had lost his most early that year he had lost his most important political important political important political Ally in April of 397 at the age of 58 Ally in April of 397 at the age of 58 Ally in April of 397 at the age of 58 Ambrose of Milan had Ambrose of Milan had Ambrose of Milan had died Ambrose had been the bishop of the died Ambrose had been the bishop of the died Ambrose had been the bishop of the Italian capital for 23 years and is Italian capital for 23 years and is Italian capital for 23 years and is justly recognized not just as one of the justly recognized not just as one of the justly recognized not just as one of the most influential men in the history of most influential men in the history of most influential men in the history of the Catholic Church which he obviously the Catholic Church which he obviously the Catholic Church which he obviously was but also as one of the most was but also as one of the most was but also as one of the most influential men in the history of the influential men in the history of the influential men in the history of the world period he provided a a continuity world period he provided a a continuity world period he provided a a continuity of leadership through an age during of leadership through an age during of leadership through an age during which no fewer than six different men which no fewer than six different men which no fewer than six different men laid claim to the Imperial Throne of laid claim to the Imperial Throne of laid claim to the Imperial Throne of Milan and so it was he way more than Milan and so it was he way more than Milan and so it was he way more than they who really came to Define that age they who really came to Define that age they who really came to Define that age and the future trajectory of both the and the future trajectory of both the and the future trajectory of both the church and the church and the church and the state to say nothing of the fact that

state to say nothing of the fact that state to say nothing of the fact that back in 386 he had personally converted back in 386 he had personally converted back in 386 he had personally converted a 30-some yearold religious Seeker named a 30-some yearold religious Seeker named a 30-some yearold religious Seeker named Augustine to Christianity which is why I Augustine to Christianity which is why I Augustine to Christianity which is why I hold Ambrose personally responsible for hold Ambrose personally responsible for hold Ambrose personally responsible for all those S I had to read select all those S I had to read select all those S I had to read select portions of the city of God for the test portions of the city of God for the test portions of the city of God for the test on Friday stillo spent the rest of 397 and Friday stillo spent the rest of 397 and the early part of 398 scrambling to deal the early part of 398 scrambling to deal the early part of 398 scrambling to deal with the loss of the African grain and with the loss of the African grain and with the loss of the African grain and showing off his administrative Acumen He showing off his administrative Acumen He showing off his administrative Acumen He was largely successful in the effort was largely successful in the effort was largely successful in the effort bringing down supplies from Gaul to make bringing down supplies from Gaul to make bringing down supplies from Gaul to make up for the up for the up for the shortfall this was only a temporary shortfall this was only a temporary shortfall this was only a temporary solution but it was enough of a solution solution but it was enough of a solution solution but it was enough of a solution that far from toppling the Vandal that far from toppling the Vandal that far from toppling the Vandal General his Prestige was actually General his Prestige was actually General his Prestige was actually elevated and he became stronger than elevated and he became stronger than elevated and he became stronger than ever so strong in fact that he was able ever so strong in fact that he was able ever so strong in fact that he was able to push through the marriage of his to push through the marriage of his to push through the marriage of his daughter to the now 14-year-old huius daughter to the now 14-year-old huius daughter to the now 14-year-old huius meaning that Stilo was now not just the meaning that Stilo was now not just the meaning that Stilo was now not just the guardian of the emperor but also his guardian of the emperor but also his guardian of the emperor but also his father-in-law which also meant that down father-in-law which also meant that down father-in-law which also meant that down the road he was going to be the the road he was going to be the the road he was going to be the grandfather of any and all Imperial grandfather of any and all Imperial grandfather of any and all Imperial heirs but as strong as his standing was heirs but as strong as his standing was heirs but as strong as his standing was right at that moment Stilo knew it would right at that moment Stilo knew it would right at that moment Stilo knew it would all be pulled right out from under him all be pulled right out from under him all be pulled right out from under him if he failed to turn back on the North if he failed to turn back on the North if he failed to turn back on the North African grain shipments in the spring of 398 then aico shipments in the spring of 398 then aico ordered an invasion Force to head south ordered an invasion Force to head south ordered an invasion Force to head south topple gildo and retake the farms and topple gildo and retake the farms and topple gildo and retake the farms and ports of the ports of the ports of the region the Vandal General did not lead region the Vandal General did not lead region the Vandal General did not lead this Force personally but instead left

this Force personally but instead left this Force personally but instead left it in the hands of a commander stillo it in the hands of a commander stillo it in the hands of a commander stillo knew would pursue the destruction of knew would pursue the destruction of knew would pursue the destruction of gildo with a Relentless Zeal gildo's gildo with a Relentless Zeal gildo's gildo with a Relentless Zeal gildo's brother and now mortal enemy enemy MZ brother and now mortal enemy enemy MZ brother and now mortal enemy enemy MZ cazelle the two brothers had once been cazelle the two brothers had once been cazelle the two brothers had once been as close as you'd expect Brothers to be as close as you'd expect Brothers to be as close as you'd expect Brothers to be but they had had a falling out and mes but they had had a falling out and mes but they had had a falling out and mes cazelle fearing for his life had fled cazelle fearing for his life had fled cazelle fearing for his life had fled North Africa for the safety of North Africa for the safety of North Africa for the safety of Italy as punishment for the flight gildo Italy as punishment for the flight gildo Italy as punishment for the flight gildo took the rather extreme step of took the rather extreme step of took the rather extreme step of executing MZ cazelle two executing MZ cazelle two executing MZ cazelle two sons so Stilo recognized that if there sons so Stilo recognized that if there sons so Stilo recognized that if there was one man in the Empire who was not was one man in the Empire who was not was one man in the Empire who was not going to rest until gildo's head was on going to rest until gildo's head was on going to rest until gildo's head was on a stick it was mes cazelle a stick it was mes cazelle a stick it was mes cazelle so he gave the Berber General command of so he gave the Berber General command of so he gave the Berber General command of the invasion force and left it to him to the invasion force and left it to him to the invasion force and left it to him to interpret the vague orders to retake interpret the vague orders to retake interpret the vague orders to retake North Africa however he saw North Africa however he saw North Africa however he saw fit mes gazelle's forces landed in fit mes gazelle's forces landed in fit mes gazelle's forces landed in Africa and though they were outnumbered Africa and though they were outnumbered Africa and though they were outnumbered by the army that greeted them gildo's by the army that greeted them gildo's by the army that greeted them gildo's forces crumpled almost forces crumpled almost forces crumpled almost immediately the ease of mes gazelle's immediately the ease of mes gazelle's immediately the ease of mes gazelle's victory has been explained variously as victory has been explained variously as victory has been explained variously as the result of his own troops being far the result of his own troops being far the result of his own troops being far superior in discipline and skill after superior in discipline and skill after superior in discipline and skill after all the North African brigades never all the North African brigades never all the North African brigades never face the kind of threats faced daily by face the kind of threats faced daily by face the kind of threats faced daily by their Northern comrades or possibly as their Northern comrades or possibly as their Northern comrades or possibly as the result of bribes from mes cazelle the result of bribes from mes cazelle the result of bribes from mes cazelle who knew that his brother's ruthless who knew that his brother's ruthless who knew that his brother's ruthless Tendencies had not endeared him to many Tendencies had not endeared him to many Tendencies had not endeared him to many over the over the over the years probably it was a little from years probably it was a little from years probably it was a little from column A and A little from column column A and A little from column column A and A little from column B gildo immediately recognized that The

B gildo immediately recognized that The B gildo immediately recognized that The Jig was up and that making a run for Jig was up and that making a run for Jig was up and that making a run for Constantinople was his only chance at Constantinople was his only chance at Constantinople was his only chance at survival MZ cazelle was obviously not survival MZ cazelle was obviously not survival MZ cazelle was obviously not going to be lenient in his going to be lenient in his going to be lenient in his victory but as gildo's ship set sail for victory but as gildo's ship set sail for victory but as gildo's ship set sail for the East a storm kicked up and blew the the East a storm kicked up and blew the the East a storm kicked up and blew the boat back boat back boat back ashore washed up and recognized gildo ashore washed up and recognized gildo ashore washed up and recognized gildo was thrown into chains by some local was thrown into chains by some local was thrown into chains by some local magistrates looking to make a good magistrates looking to make a good magistrates looking to make a good impression on MZ cazelle but before his impression on MZ cazelle but before his impression on MZ cazelle but before his brother could get to him gildo was able brother could get to him gildo was able brother could get to him gildo was able to commit to commit to commit suicide though he had succeeded in his suicide though he had succeeded in his suicide though he had succeeded in his mission Far faster than anyone could mission Far faster than anyone could mission Far faster than anyone could have predicted I'd be willing to bet have predicted I'd be willing to bet have predicted I'd be willing to bet that mes cazelle himself was mostly just that mes cazelle himself was mostly just that mes cazelle himself was mostly just bitter about the outcome of the invasion bitter about the outcome of the invasion bitter about the outcome of the invasion since he had not been able to kill gildo since he had not been able to kill gildo since he had not been able to kill gildo with his own bare hands but he did not have long to Stew hands but he did not have long to Stew in his bitterness recalled to Milan mes in his bitterness recalled to Milan mes in his bitterness recalled to Milan mes gazelle was greeted by the population as gazelle was greeted by the population as gazelle was greeted by the population as a hero but a few weeks later he and a hero but a few weeks later he and a hero but a few weeks later he and Stilo went out for a stroll and while Stilo went out for a stroll and while Stilo went out for a stroll and while crossing a bridge poor mes cazelle lost crossing a bridge poor mes cazelle lost crossing a bridge poor mes cazelle lost his footing and plunged off the bridge his footing and plunged off the bridge his footing and plunged off the bridge to his death to his death to his death Stilo score up and down that it was an Stilo score up and down that it was an Stilo score up and down that it was an accident but it's really really hard not accident but it's really really hard not accident but it's really really hard not to conclude that having successfully to conclude that having successfully to conclude that having successfully used the Berber to retake Africa that used the Berber to retake Africa that used the Berber to retake Africa that Stilo did away with MZ cazelle before Stilo did away with MZ cazelle before Stilo did away with MZ cazelle before his power and popularity grew to rival his power and popularity grew to rival his power and popularity grew to rival stilos these were dangerous times and stilos these were dangerous times and stilos these were dangerous times and the stakes were high but stillo swore it the stakes were high but stillo swore it the stakes were high but stillo swore it was an accident and what are you going

was an accident and what are you going was an accident and what are you going to do argue with the father-in-law of to do argue with the father-in-law of to do argue with the father-in-law of the emperor with his North African Gambit emperor with his North African Gambit having come to nothing back in having come to nothing back in having come to nothing back in Constantinople utopus returned to the Constantinople utopus returned to the Constantinople utopus returned to the other major political and military power other major political and military power other major political and military power that could be possibly used as leverage that could be possibly used as leverage that could be possibly used as leverage against Stilo Aller and his against Stilo Aller and his against Stilo Aller and his Goths utopus decided that the time had Goths utopus decided that the time had Goths utopus decided that the time had finally come to give the gothic King finally come to give the gothic King finally come to give the gothic King what he wanted an official command in what he wanted an official command in what he wanted an official command in the Eastern Roman army which had the the Eastern Roman army which had the the Eastern Roman army which had the further effect of essentially deputizing further effect of essentially deputizing further effect of essentially deputizing the gothic Warriors into said Eastern the gothic Warriors into said Eastern the gothic Warriors into said Eastern Roman army which was partly the point of Roman army which was partly the point of Roman army which was partly the point of Aller wanting the command in the first Aller wanting the command in the first Aller wanting the command in the first place he had been angling for the place he had been angling for the place he had been angling for the command for two main reasons first it command for two main reasons first it command for two main reasons first it meant that his people were now hooked meant that his people were now hooked meant that his people were now hooked into the official Imperial supply lines into the official Imperial supply lines into the official Imperial supply lines so rather than having to go through the so rather than having to go through the so rather than having to go through the rigor morale of plundering the Goths rigor morale of plundering the Goths rigor morale of plundering the Goths could now kick back and wait for regular could now kick back and wait for regular could now kick back and wait for regular shipments of food and shipments of food and shipments of food and supplies second it meant that all aler supplies second it meant that all aler supplies second it meant that all aler would now have access to the Inner would now have access to the Inner would now have access to the Inner Circle of Roman military planning and Circle of Roman military planning and Circle of Roman military planning and execution execution execution and as long as he was in the room and as long as he was in the room and as long as he was in the room nothing like the exploitation of the nothing like the exploitation of the nothing like the exploitation of the Goths that had happened at the frus Goths that had happened at the frus Goths that had happened at the frus river would ever happen river would ever happen river would ever happen again all aleri standing with his own again all aleri standing with his own again all aleri standing with his own people was at an all-time high and people was at an all-time high and people was at an all-time high and though he was now technically subject to though he was now technically subject to though he was now technically subject to arcadius and by extension arcadius and by extension arcadius and by extension utopus in practice he was subject to no utopus in practice he was subject to no utopus in practice he was subject to no one at one at one at all as great as this all was for all

all as great as this all was for all all as great as this all was for all aleric however the deal wound up sewing aleric however the deal wound up sewing aleric however the deal wound up sewing the seeds of utopia the seeds of utopia the seeds of utopia demise there were more than a few people demise there were more than a few people demise there were more than a few people in the Empire who were not at all happy in the Empire who were not at all happy in the Empire who were not at all happy about the deal especially the people who about the deal especially the people who about the deal especially the people who had just been terrorized by the Goths had just been terrorized by the Goths had just been terrorized by the Goths and who were now obligated to supply and who were now obligated to supply and who were now obligated to supply them in them in them in perpetuity maybe utopus could have perpetuity maybe utopus could have perpetuity maybe utopus could have weathered that political storm but later weathered that political storm but later weathered that political storm but later in 398 he proceeded to make another key in 398 he proceeded to make another key in 398 he proceeded to make another key mistake that wound up pushing his career mistake that wound up pushing his career mistake that wound up pushing his career completely off the completely off the completely off the rails a branch of the Huns had rails a branch of the Huns had rails a branch of the Huns had apparently gotten a little too friendly apparently gotten a little too friendly apparently gotten a little too friendly with the Roman front lines and it became with the Roman front lines and it became with the Roman front lines and it became clear that they would have to be pushed clear that they would have to be pushed clear that they would have to be pushed back but rather than assign one of his back but rather than assign one of his back but rather than assign one of his generals to see to that pushing back generals to see to that pushing back generals to see to that pushing back utopus decided to take command for utopus decided to take command for utopus decided to take command for himself which remember please that himself which remember please that himself which remember please that utopus is a unic with all the utopus is a unic with all the utopus is a unic with all the prejudicial baggage that status prejudicial baggage that status prejudicial baggage that status entails secretly running the Empire as a entails secretly running the Empire as a entails secretly running the Empire as a high-ranking court official was one high-ranking court official was one high-ranking court official was one thing that's the sort of thing you'd thing that's the sort of thing you'd thing that's the sort of thing you'd expect a unic to be up to but leading expect a unic to be up to but leading expect a unic to be up to but leading troops in battle well that was hugely troops in battle well that was hugely troops in battle well that was hugely offensive to conservative Roman sensibilities the worst part of it sensibilities the worst part of it though came later when utopus his though came later when utopus his though came later when utopus his command proved to be entirely command proved to be entirely command proved to be entirely successful rather than take to the successful rather than take to the successful rather than take to the Shadows like a unic should utopus boldly Shadows like a unic should utopus boldly Shadows like a unic should utopus boldly stepped forward took credit for the stepped forward took credit for the stepped forward took credit for the Victory and paraded himself around Victory and paraded himself around Victory and paraded himself around Constantinople in Triumph and then came Constantinople in Triumph and then came Constantinople in Triumph and then came the final affront in January 399 utopus

the final affront in January 399 utopus the final affront in January 399 utopus had himself named one of the consoles had himself named one of the consoles had himself named one of the consoles for the year for the year for the year this was simply too much for most people this was simply too much for most people this was simply too much for most people to handle Unix were not consoles period to handle Unix were not consoles period to handle Unix were not consoles period end of end of end of story but utopus as hubris had gotten story but utopus as hubris had gotten story but utopus as hubris had gotten the better of him and he simply assumed the better of him and he simply assumed the better of him and he simply assumed that he was that he was that he was Untouchable he was not the exact sequence of events that not the exact sequence of events that wound up toppling utopus began in the wound up toppling utopus began in the wound up toppling utopus began in the spring of spring of spring of 399 some Gothic auxiliaries who had been 399 some Gothic auxiliaries who had been 399 some Gothic auxiliaries who had been settled in Asia Minor began to complain settled in Asia Minor began to complain settled in Asia Minor began to complain that utopus had not delivered on that utopus had not delivered on that utopus had not delivered on promises made during the previous year's promises made during the previous year's promises made during the previous year's campaign against the Huns and when they campaign against the Huns and when they campaign against the Huns and when they decided their complaints were falling on decided their complaints were falling on decided their complaints were falling on deaf ears they picked up their swords to deaf ears they picked up their swords to deaf ears they picked up their swords to see if maybe Constantinople would listen see if maybe Constantinople would listen see if maybe Constantinople would listen to to to that utopus did indeed listen but that utopus did indeed listen but that utopus did indeed listen but instead of delivering on his promises he instead of delivering on his promises he instead of delivering on his promises he sent some troops under the command of sent some troops under the command of sent some troops under the command of the gothic General gyus who we met the gothic General gyus who we met the gothic General gyus who we met earlier at the assassination of rafus to earlier at the assassination of rafus to earlier at the assassination of rafus to put down the burgeoning put down the burgeoning put down the burgeoning revolt but gyus being ethnically goth revolt but gyus being ethnically goth revolt but gyus being ethnically goth sympathized with the leaders of the sympathized with the leaders of the sympathized with the leaders of the revolt and did not try very hard to put revolt and did not try very hard to put revolt and did not try very hard to put them down instead he opened up talks them down instead he opened up talks them down instead he opened up talks with them not revolving on how to with them not revolving on how to with them not revolving on how to resettle them but revolving around what resettle them but revolving around what resettle them but revolving around what was to be done with the unic meanwhile in Constantinople a back unic meanwhile in Constantinople a back room campaign to ous the Arrogant utopus room campaign to ous the Arrogant utopus room campaign to ous the Arrogant utopus began to unfold matching the talks that began to unfold matching the talks that began to unfold matching the talks that were going on out in the

were going on out in the were going on out in the field the Spearhead by a minister named field the Spearhead by a minister named field the Spearhead by a minister named aelian The Campaign eventually received aelian The Campaign eventually received aelian The Campaign eventually received the blessing and then the backing of the the blessing and then the backing of the the blessing and then the backing of the empress udia who had begun to Feud with empress udia who had begun to Feud with empress udia who had begun to Feud with utopus now that he was getting too big utopus now that he was getting too big utopus now that he was getting too big for his for his for his britches in mid 399 utopus opened up a britches in mid 399 utopus opened up a britches in mid 399 utopus opened up a dispatch from gyus and instead of dispatch from gyus and instead of dispatch from gyus and instead of reading about how the Rabel had been reading about how the Rabel had been reading about how the Rabel had been defeated he instead read about how the defeated he instead read about how the defeated he instead read about how the two sides had United in demanding Utopia two sides had United in demanding Utopia two sides had United in demanding Utopia step down from step down from step down from office this ultimatum was the cue for AI office this ultimatum was the cue for AI office this ultimatum was the cue for AI conspiracy to spring into action and conspiracy to spring into action and conspiracy to spring into action and Destroy utopia's political credibility Destroy utopia's political credibility Destroy utopia's political credibility with the emperor and with udia on board with the emperor and with udia on board with the emperor and with udia on board they were able to quickly isolate the they were able to quickly isolate the they were able to quickly isolate the unic utopia's four years in power were unic utopia's four years in power were unic utopia's four years in power were over and he was either exiled or over and he was either exiled or over and he was either exiled or executed depending on which source you believe but the coalition to eliminate believe but the coalition to eliminate utopus turned on itself the minute it utopus turned on itself the minute it utopus turned on itself the minute it succeeded aelion had been a convenient succeeded aelion had been a convenient succeeded aelion had been a convenient Ally for gyus as long as as they shared Ally for gyus as long as as they shared Ally for gyus as long as as they shared the same enemy but the minister was long the same enemy but the minister was long the same enemy but the minister was long suspected of having anti-army biases and suspected of having anti-army biases and suspected of having anti-army biases and as soon as utopus was out of the picture as soon as utopus was out of the picture as soon as utopus was out of the picture the gothic General turned the leverage the gothic General turned the leverage the gothic General turned the leverage he held as the most powerful General in he held as the most powerful General in he held as the most powerful General in the East against his one-time the East against his one-time the East against his one-time Ally which is to say that aurelian Ally which is to say that aurelian Ally which is to say that aurelian disappears from the historical record disappears from the historical record disappears from the historical record almost as suddenly as he had appeared in almost as suddenly as he had appeared in almost as suddenly as he had appeared in the first the first the first place as the fifth century dawned then place as the fifth century dawned then place as the fifth century dawned then the Eastern Empire was essentially run the Eastern Empire was essentially run the Eastern Empire was essentially run by udia in the palace and gyus out in

by udia in the palace and gyus out in by udia in the palace and gyus out in the field arcadius Now 23 years old was the field arcadius Now 23 years old was the field arcadius Now 23 years old was nowhere to be seen as Indi as he likely nowhere to be seen as Indi as he likely nowhere to be seen as Indi as he likely was was was incompetent in the west Stilo continued incompetent in the west Stilo continued incompetent in the west Stilo continued to run the show for honorius who was no to run the show for honorius who was no to run the show for honorius who was no better than his older brother and in the better than his older brother and in the better than his older brother and in the middle was Aller and his Goths now an middle was Aller and his Goths now an middle was Aller and his Goths now an officially sanctioned arm of the Eastern officially sanctioned arm of the Eastern officially sanctioned arm of the Eastern Roman army next week Stilo will continue to army next week Stilo will continue to outlast his enemies in the East as gyus outlast his enemies in the East as gyus outlast his enemies in the East as gyus will fall almost as fast as he had will fall almost as fast as he had will fall almost as fast as he had risen Stilo will also continue his on risen Stilo will also continue his on risen Stilo will also continue his on again aagan Wars with the Goths who will again aagan Wars with the Goths who will again aagan Wars with the Goths who will pretty soon get it into their heads to pretty soon get it into their heads to pretty soon get it into their heads to invade Italy but as had happened twice invade Italy but as had happened twice invade Italy but as had happened twice before Aller will once again Escape before Aller will once again Escape before Aller will once again Escape Stilo Stilo Stilo clutches and it was the rumors of clutches and it was the rumors of clutches and it was the rumors of Barbarian collusion as much as anything Barbarian collusion as much as anything Barbarian collusion as much as anything else that will eventually see the Vandal else that will eventually see the Vandal else that will eventually see the Vandal General finally toppled from General finally toppled from General finally toppled from Power Power Power [Music]