Theodosius II

  • Theodosius II (402-450 CE was a Roman Emperor in the East. He published a collection of Roman Laws called the Codex Theodosianus in 439 CE.
  • He was proclaimed Emperor at nine months old making him the youngest Emperor in Roman History. He became sole Emperor in the East at seven years old upon the death of his father Arcadius.

1. BIOGRAPHICAL DETAILS

  • NAME:
    • Flavius Theodosius Junior
    • Or Theodosius the Younger
    • He was part of the Theodosian Dynasty
  • THEODOSIUS II’ DATES OF REIGN AS EMPEROR:
    • 402 CE to 450 CE. Aged 49.
    • 402-423 CE co-Emperor with Honorius in the West.
    • 423-425 CE co-Emperor with Joannes in the West.
    • 425-450 CE co-Emperor with Valentinian III in the West.
  • THEODOSIUS II’ DATE OF BIRTH AND DEATH:
    • Born 10 April 401 CE. Died 28 July 450 CE.
  • PLACE OF BIRTH AND DEATH:
  • THEODOSIUS II’ PREDECESSOR:
  • THEODOSIUS’ SUCCESSOR:
  • HEIR TO THE THRONE BECAUSE:
    • Proclaimed Emperor whilst he was only an infant by his father, Arcadius.
  • WIVES AND CHILDREN:
    • Aelia Eudocia (m. 421-450 CE)
      • Licinia Eudocia
      • Flacilla and Arcadius.
  • DIED PEACEFULLY OR ASSASSINATED:
    • Died in a riding accident.
  • WHERE BURIED:
  • THEODOSIUS II WAS FAMOUS BECAUSE:
    • He was the youngest Emperor in Roman History when he was proclaimed Emperor at nine months old.
    • He issued the Codex Theodosianus (1 Jan 439 CE), a compilation of Roman Laws issued by the Christian Emperors since 312 CE. It consisted of 16 Books containing c.2,500 Constitutions (Principles).
    • He rebuilt and reinforced the Walls of Constantinople, protecting the city from many future sieges.
  • EVENTS:
  • MONUMENTS:

2. BRIEF SYNOPSIS

Early Life

  • The Praetorian Prefect, Anthemius, was acting Regent between 408-414 CE.
  • His sister Aelia Pulcheria became Regent after 414 CE, and her influence continued after her Regency ended.
  • In 425 CE Theodosius II was persuaded to install Valentinian III as Emperor of the West, instead of Joannes.
  • The Eunuch Chrysaphius, became the senior Adviser to Theodosius II until he died, and controlled the Foreign Policy of Payment to the Huns instead of conducting Wars. He also controlled the Theological Disputes within the Church.

War against Persia (421-422 CE)

  • Theodosius II conducted a Campaign against the Sassanid Empire between 421-422 CE, but was obliged to sign a Peace Treaty and withdraw, due to Invasions by the Huns.

The Huns

  • As a result of multiple Hunnic Raids, the Romans paid Tribute to the Huns to prevent them invading, with the Tribute constantly being increased.

The Vandals

  • By 434 CE the Vandals had occupied North Africa and Sicily, Malta, Sardinia and Corsica. Joint attempts with the western Emperor against the Vandals failed and Vandal Seapower dominated the western Mediterranean.

University of Constantinople (425 CE)

  • He founded the University of Constantinople in 425 CE.

Nestorianism

  • Theodosius II appointed Nestorius as Archbishop of Constantinople. He convened the Council of Ephesus (431 CE) but was condemned as a Heretic and the Church was permanently split between East and West.

Codex Theodosianus (439 CE)

  • On the 1 January 439 CE he enforced the Codex Theodosianus in the East, whilst in the West they were enforced by Valentinian III.
  • This was a collection of 2,500 Constitutions (Principles) of Roman Laws passed by the Christian Emperors since 312 CE.

3. BIBLIOGRAPHY

  • CLASSICAL SOURCES:
    • Chronicon Paschale (7th century CE)

 

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