Arcadius, Byzantine emperor (d. 408)

Flavius Arcadius (Greek: Ἀρκάδιος, romanized: *Arkadios*; c. 377 – 1 May 408 AD) served as Roman Emperor from 383 to 408 AD. As the elder son of the esteemed Augustus Theodosius I (who reigned from 379 to 395 AD) and his first wife, Aelia Flaccilla, Arcadius was born into the very heart of the Roman imperial dynasty. He was also the brother of Honorius, who would later reign over the western half of the empire from 393 to 423 AD. Arcadius's early life saw him elevated to the rank of Augustus in January 383 AD, making him a co-emperor alongside his father at a remarkably young age. This early accession was a deliberate move by Theodosius I, aimed at securing the succession and maintaining stability within the sprawling Roman Empire.

A pivotal moment in Roman history occurred upon the death of Theodosius I in 395 AD. Following his father's demise, the Roman Empire was permanently divided into two distinct administrative entities. Arcadius assumed sole rule over the eastern half of the empire, with its vibrant capital at Constantinople, a city founded by Constantine the Great. His younger brother, Honorius, inherited the western half of the empire, governing from cities like Milan and later Ravenna. While this division had been foreshadowed and even practiced in previous imperial administrations, 395 AD marked its definitive and lasting implementation, laying the groundwork for the distinct trajectories of the Eastern Roman (later Byzantine) and Western Roman Empires.

Arcadius's reign, which spanned over two decades, is largely characterized by a perceived lack of personal initiative and a strong reliance on influential figures within his court. Often described by historians as a weak ruler, Arcadius's imperial authority was frequently overshadowed and dictated by a succession of powerful ministers and, notably, by his formidable wife, Aelia Eudoxia. These individuals effectively steered imperial policy and managed the day-to-day affairs of the Eastern Roman state.

Key Figures Who Dominated Arcadius's Reign

• Rufinus (Praetorian Prefect of the East): Initially, Arcadius's reign was largely controlled by Rufinus, a highly ambitious and manipulative Praetorian Prefect. His excessive power and alleged corruption made him deeply unpopular, leading to his assassination in 395 AD, orchestrated by Gainas and Stilicho.
• Eutropius (Eunuch Chamberlain): Following Rufinus, the eunuch Eutropius rose to immense power, effectively becoming the chief minister. His influence peaked in 399 AD when he was even appointed consul, a rare honor for a eunuch. However, his arrogance and accumulated wealth led to his downfall and execution in 399 AD, spurred by Aelia Eudoxia and the general Gainas.
• Gainas (Gothic General): A powerful Gothic general, Gainas attempted to assert control over the Eastern court after Eutropius's fall. His demand for Arian churches within Constantinople and his reliance on Gothic troops led to widespread anti-Gothic sentiment and a popular uprising in the city in 400 AD, which ultimately led to his defeat and death.
• Aelia Eudoxia (Empress): Arcadius's wife, Aelia Eudoxia, was a woman of significant ambition and political acumen. She wielded considerable influence over her husband and the imperial court. Her assertiveness led to conflicts with powerful figures like Eutropius, whose downfall she orchestrated, and notably, with the influential Patriarch of Constantinople, John Chrysostom. Their bitter dispute over Eudoxia's lavish lifestyle and alleged abuses of power led to Chrysostom's repeated exiles, causing significant religious and political turmoil.
• Anthemius (Praetorian Prefect): After the turbulent years dominated by Eutropius and Gainas, the Praetorian Prefect Anthemius emerged as the most capable and stable regent during the later part of Arcadius's reign and continued to serve after his death. He skillfully managed the empire's affairs, dealing with external threats and internal stability, effectively laying the groundwork for the long and prosperous reign of Arcadius's son, Theodosius II.

Despite the perception of Arcadius as a weak or largely passive emperor, his reign was crucial in solidifying the administrative and institutional distinctiveness of the Eastern Roman Empire. Under his nominal rule, Constantinople grew in prominence as the unwavering capital, and the structures that would define the Byzantine Empire for over a millennium began to take firm root. Arcadius's legacy is thus intertwined with the permanent division of the Roman world and the subsequent flourishing of the Eastern Roman Empire, which managed to withstand many of the pressures that led to the collapse of its Western counterpart.

Frequently Asked Questions About Flavius Arcadius

When did Flavius Arcadius rule as Roman Emperor?

Flavius Arcadius was Roman Emperor from 383 AD, when he was elevated to Augustus alongside his father, until his death on May 1, 408 AD. He became the sole ruler of the Eastern Roman Empire following his father's death in 395 AD.

How was the Roman Empire divided during Arcadius's reign?

Upon the death of Emperor Theodosius I in 395 AD, the Roman Empire was formally and permanently divided. Arcadius inherited the eastern half, with its capital at Constantinople, while his younger brother, Honorius, ruled the western half.

Was Arcadius considered a strong ruler?

No, historians generally characterize Arcadius as a weak or indecisive ruler. His reign was largely dominated by influential court officials, such as the Praetorian Prefects Rufinus and Anthemius, the eunuch Eutropius, and powerful Gothic generals like Gainas. His wife, Empress Aelia Eudoxia, also exerted significant political influence.

Who was Aelia Eudoxia and what was her role?

Aelia Eudoxia was Arcadius's wife and Empress of the East. She was a highly influential and politically active figure who wielded considerable power within the imperial court. She was instrumental in the downfall of some of Arcadius's powerful ministers and famously had a contentious relationship with John Chrysostom, the Patriarch of Constantinople.

What is the lasting significance of Arcadius's reign?

The most significant aspect of Arcadius's reign is the definitive and permanent administrative division of the Roman Empire into East and West in 395 AD. This event laid the foundations for the distinct development of the Eastern Roman Empire, which would endure for another thousand years as the Byzantine Empire, while the Western Roman Empire faced increasing instability and eventually collapsed in 476 AD.