Rome Under Theodosius Rule

Ruled r. A.D. 379-395 (Theodocius ruled alongside

others.)

1) stopping the Visigoth invasions of the Empire

by offering them land, in return they fought in his army

2) eliminating the rights of pagan worshippers

3) LASTLY, and most IMPORTANTLY:making Christianity the only legal

religion

Famous for…

In 391 AD, under the influence of Bishop

Ambrose of Milan, Theodosius made it illegal to practice pagan religious rituals even in your own house.

Only Christianity (and to some extent Judaism) was legal in the Roman Empire.

A non-Roman general named Arbogast rebelled at this news, killed Valentinian II (who ruled alongside Theo) and put a Roman friend of his, Eugenius, on the throne, but Theodosius defeated and killed them.

Even after he died, he left a firmly Christian empire.

Major Change

Raised taxes to pay for expanding army

Made long-lasting peace with Persia

Attila the Huns attacked his territory—he was forced to pay sizeable tribute to Huns

Put one homosexual in prison, people got mad, they rebelled, he set up fake race, soldiers locked doors, killed 7,000, Theo felt guilty, took 8 month penance

Army

When Arcadius died May 1st, 408 in his palace

at Constantinople, he was succeeded by his 7 year old son Theodosius II

Known as “Master of the Horse” Died from his body swelling after a horse fall

Fun Facts