Arcadius was a Roman Emperor from 383 to 408 AD, ruling over the Eastern Roman Empire. He was born in 377 AD in Spain and was the eldest son of Emperor Theodosius I and his first wife, Aelia Flaccilla.
After the death of his father in 395 AD, the Roman Empire was divided between Arcadius and his younger brother Honorius, with Arcadius taking the eastern half. His reign began when he was just 18 years old, making him somewhat of a figurehead under the influence of powerful advisors and ministers.
Arcadius' reign was marked by significant political instability, with various factions vying for control behind the scenes. Key figures during his rule included:
Arcadius' reign saw the Visigoths under Alaric I causing significant disturbances in the eastern provinces, leading to treaties and concessions rather than military victories. His rule was also characterized by the strengthening of Christianity as the state religion, following the policies of his father.
Arcadius married Aelia Eudoxia in 395 AD, who would become a significant figure in court politics. Their children included:
Arcadius died on May 1, 408 AD. His reign was one of transition, where the Eastern Roman Empire began to take on its own distinct identity separate from the Western Empire. His son, Theodosius II, was only seven at the time of his death, leading to a regency government which continued the policies of religious consolidation and administrative centralization.