Emperor* |
Reigned |
Consuls |
Year |
Events |
Diocletian
Maximian |
284-305
286-305
307-8
310 |
Titiano et Nepotiano |
301 |
Diocletian issues his Price
Edict to curb inflation.
Armenia is the first nation to accept
Christianity as state religion. |
|
|
Constantio et Maximiano |
302 |
Death of Narseh, king of
Persia, he is succeeded by his son Hormizd II. |
Eugenius |
303 |
Diocletiano et Maximiano |
303 |
Eugenius, a tribune of 500
men stationed in Seleucia, is raised to the
purple and marches on Antioch. In the ensuing
battle, he dies. While Diocletian and Galerius
enforce the law rigidly, Maximian and Constantius
are much more tolerant. |
|
|
Diocletiano
et Maximiano |
304 |
Edicts
against the Christians, start of wide-ranging
persecutions. |
Constantius I
Galerius |
305-6
305-11 |
Constantio et Maximiano |
305 |
Diocletian abdicates and
forces Maximian to do the same (May 1). New
Augusti are Gaius Flavius Valerius
Constantius
('Chlorus') and Galerius Maximianus. Their Cesars are Severus
and Maximinus Daia. Galerius campaigns against
the Sarmatians. |
Constantine I
Severus II
Maxentius
|
306-37
306-7
306-12 |
Diocletiano et Constantino |
306 |
Constantius I dies at Eburacum
(York) while on campaign in Britain (July 23).
His troops proclaim his son Gaius Flavius Valerius
Aurelius Constantinus as his successor (July 25), and he
is accepted by Galerius as Caesar, who proclaims Flavius Valerius Severus Augustus. Marcus Aurelius Valerius
Maxentius
(son of Maximianus Herculius) is likewise
proclaimed emperor by the Praetorian guard (October
28). Galerius refuses to acknowledge him and
sends Severus to end the usurpation. Maximian
also returns from abdication in support of his
son, who then invests his father once more with
the purple to win over Severus' troops). |
|
|
Diocletiano et Maximo |
307 |
Severus reaches Rome in
February, and starts a siege of the city. But
after Maxentius bribes them, most of his troops
go over to Maxentius. Severus retreats to Ravenna.
Severus then abdicates and surrenders to Maximian
who puts him under house arrest, but later has
him killed (November 11). Galerius' campaign
against Maxentius also fails. |
Licinius
Maximinus II
Alexander |
308-24
308-13
308-9 |
Diocletiano et Maximo |
308 |
Constantine marries the
daughter of Maximian (March 31) but refuses to be
drawn into the war bewteen Galerius and Maxentius.
Maximian tries to take the purple from his son
but his troops defect, after which he opts for a
return of Diocletian. Diocletian, Maximian and
Galerius meet in Carnuntum. Diocletian
refuses to return from his abdication. Galerius
elevates Flavius Galerius Valerius
Licinianus Licinius to the rank of Augustus (November
11). Galerius' nephew Gaius Valerius Galerius
Maximinus
('Daia') is also elevated to Augustus.
Revolt in Africa of the vicarius Africae Lucius Domitius Alexander, when Maxentius demands
his son as hostage. |
|
|
Diocletiano et Maximo |
309 |
Constantine campaigns
against the Bructeri, builds a bridge at Colonia
(Cologne). The Spanish provinces also revolt
against Maxentius and proclaim Constantine as
emperor.
Death of Hormizd II, Shapur II becomes king of Persia in
utero.
In Africa, the praefectus praetorio Rufius
Volusianus and the paucissimis cohortibus
Zenas end the rebellion of Alexander and execute
him. |
|
|
Maximiano et Licinio |
310 |
Maximian then
unsuccessfully tries to depose Constantine. In Arelate
(Arles), Maximian once more proclaims himself
emperor when Constantine is away fighting the
Franks (July), but Constantine returns too fast
to mount a defence. Maximian is soon captured by
Constantine in Marseille, is forced to abdicate
once more but pardoned. After a plot to kill him
fails, Constantine forces Maximian to commit
suicide (July). |
|
|
Constantino et Licinio |
311 |
Galerius dies of illness (May
5). Licinius issues the Edict of Toleration,
ending persecution of the Christians.
Maxentius recovers Africa.
Maximinus gains control of Asia. |
|
|
Constantino et Licinio |
312 |
Constantine invades Italy,
defeats Maxentius at Turin and Brescia. Final
battle and death of Maxentius at the battle of
the Milvian Bridge (October 28). Constantine is
sole Augustus in the West. |
|
|
Volusiano et Aniano |
313 |
Maximinus is defeated by
Licinius at the battle of Campus Ergenus (Tzirallum)
and flees to Tarsus (April 30). Licinius is now
sole Augustus in the East. Constantine campaigns
against the Franks on the Lower Rhine (early
summer). Diocletian dies in Salonae (Summer), the
only emperor ever to have voluntary retired.
Maximinus Daia dies in Tarsus (early Fall). |
|
|
Constantino et Licinio |
314 |
year |
|
|
Sabino et Rufo |
315 |
year |
Valens |
316-7 |
Gallicano et Basso |
316 |
War with Licinius.
Constantine defeats Licinius on October 8 near Cibalae
in Pannonia, but a second battle Camous
Ardiensis in Thrace is undecided. Licinius
appoints Aurelius Valerius Valens as his co-emperor (early
December). |
|
|
Licinio et Crispo |
317 |
Licinius is defeated at Campus
Ardiensis (between December 1, 316 and
February 28, 317). Licinius agrees to cease
hostilities with Constantine and is forced to
execute his collegue Valens, and cede Illyria to
Constantine. On March 1, Constantine elevates his
sons Flavius Julius Crispus (age 12) and Constantine,
Licinius his son Licinius to the rank of Caesar,
the latter being but babies. |
|
|
Constantino et Licinio caes. |
318 |
year |
|
|
Constantino et Constantio caes. |
319 |
Colchis (Georgia)
accepts Christianity as main religion. |
|
|
Crispo et Constantio caes. |
320 |
Crispus defeats the Franks. |
|
|
Probiano et Iuliano |
321 |
On March 7, Constantine
declares his dies Solis Invicti as the
day of rest. |
|
|
Severo et Rufino |
322 |
Constantine defeats the
Sarmatians under Rausimod near Campona (early
Summer). |
|
|
Crispo et Constantino |
323 |
Constantine defeats the
Goths in Thrace (Spring). Crispus defeats the
Alamanni (October). |
Martinianus |
324 |
Paulino et Iuliano |
324 |
Renewed war with Licinius.
Constantine defeats Licinius (July 3) at
Adrianople. Licinius retreats to Byzantium.
There, he makes his magister officiorum Sextus Marcius Martinianus an Augustus. Constantine
totally defeats Licinius at Chrysopolis
(September 18). Crispus defeats Licinius' naval
forces between Byzantium and Chrysopolis,
allowing Constantine to gain the Asiatic
provinces. Licinius surrenders in Nicomedia,
and he and Martinianus are exiled. Constantine is
now sole Augustus of the Roman Empire.
Constantine elevates another son, Constantius, to
the rank of Caesar (November 8). On the same day
he lays out the boundaries for a new capital at
Byzantium. |
|
|
Constantino et Constantio |
325 |
Plot and execution of
Licinius in Thessalonica. Constantine
also ordered the execution of Licinius (son of
Licinius and Constantia, Constantine's half-sister)
and Martinianus. |
|
|
Constantio et Maximo |
326 |
Execution of Crispus in
Pola (March). Execution of Fausta (second wife of
Constantine) in November. |
|
|
Ianuario et Iusto |
327 |
year |
|
|
Constantino et Constantio |
328 |
Constantine II defeats the
Alamanni. The new walls of Byzantium are
completed. |
|
|
Constantio et Symmacho |
329 |
year |
|
|
Basso et Ablabio |
330 |
Constantine refounds
Byzantium as new capital of the Roman Empire
under the new name Constantinople (May 11). |
|
|
Pacatiano et Hilariano |
331 |
year |
|
|
Dalmatio et Zenophilo |
332 |
Constantine II defeats the
Goths (February 18). The Goths remain quiet until
365. |
Calocaerus |
333-4 |
Optato et Paulino |
333 |
On Cyprus, the magister
pecoris camelorum Calocaerus revolts and takes up the
purple. Constantine elevates his fourth son
Constans to the rank of Caesar (December 25). |
|
|
Constantio et Albino |
334 |
Flavius Dalmatius 'the Censor' (half-brother
of Constantine I) puts down the revolt in Cyprus
by Calocaerus. Constantius II defeats the
Sarmatians (early Summer) and settles 30.000 of
them in Italy and Gaul. |
|
|
Nepotiano et Facundo |
335 |
Constantine elevates his
cousins Dalmatius Minor and Hannibalianus Minor
to Caesar and King of Pontus. |
|
|
Feliciano et Titiano |
336 |
Constantine regains most of
Dacia. |
Constantine II
Constantius II
Constans |
337-40
337-61
337-50 |
Urso et Polemio |
337 |
After Easter (April 3),
Constantine falls ill. Nevertheless, he prepares
for war with the Sassanid king Shapur II. Constantine travels to Nicomedia
and is baptised a Christian. On May 22, whilst in
Ancyro near Nicomedia,
Constantine dies. It takes three months of
interregnum (during which the army rebels) before
the sons of Constantine succeed their father on
September 9: Flavius Claudius
Constantinus, Flavius Julius Constantius and Flavius Julius Constans. |
|
|
Constantio et Constante |
338 |
In the purges that follow,
the army executes most male family members of
Constantine between January and March, amongst
them Dalmatius Minor, Hannibalianus Minor, their
father Flavius Dalmatius, Julius Constantius (younger halfbrother to
Constantine) and one of his sons. Two other sons
were spared (Gallus and Julian), apart from the
sons of Constantine, now the new emperors. During
high summer in Viminacium, they divide
the Empire. Constantius II holds the East,
Constans the middle, but under guardianship of
Constantine II, who holds the West.
Shapur besieges Nisibis (Nusaybin). |
|
|
Acyndio et Proculo |
339 |
Constans defeats the
Sarmatians (Spring) and defies his older brother
Constantine. He cedes Thrace to Constantius.
War with Persia (until 361). Constantius achieves
no results of significance in nine major battles
in the areas of Singara, Sisaurana,
Bezabde, Amida (Diyarbekir) and
three sieges of Nisibis (Nusaybin). |
|
|
Marcellino et Probino |
340 |
Still in winter,
Constantine refuses to relinquish the
guardianship of Constans. He invades Italy, but
is defeated in early April at Aquileia
and killed in battle. Contans is now sole ruler
of the West. |
|
|
Constantio et Constante |
341 |
year |
|
|
Placido et Romulo |
342 |
Constans settles the
Salians Franks in the area south of the Lower
Rhine, from Batavia to Toxandria. |
|
|
Leontio et Salustio |
343 |
Constans visits Britain in
winter, probably because of a military emergency.
Constantius invades Adiabene in Mesopotamia. |
|
|
Constantio et Constante |
344 |
In the battle of Singara
(Balad-Sinjar), Shapur destroys most of
Constantius' army. |
|
|
Amantio et Albino |
345 |
year |
|
|
Amantio et Albino |
346 |
Shapur besieges Nisibis
(Nusaybin). |
|
|
Rufino et Eusebio |
347 |
year |
|
|
Philippo et Sallia |
348 |
year |
|
|
Limenio et Catulino |
349 |
year |
Magnentius
Vetranio
Nepotianus |
350-3
350
350 |
Sergio et Nigriniano |
350 |
On January 18, Flavius Magnus Magnentius (commander of the Ioviani
and Herculiani) is proclaimed emperor by
the troops at Augustodunum Haeduorum (Autun).
Constans is abandoned by all and flees south, but
is overtaken in a fortress near Helena,
close to the Pyrennees. A troop of light cavalry
drags him from a temple and kills him (end of
February). On March 1, the magister peditum
Vetranio was asked to claim the
purple by Constantia, sister of Constans and
Constantine II. On June 3, Flavius Julius Popilius
Nepotianus Constantinus (son of Eutropia, daughter of Constantius I)
does the same in Italy. He attacks Rome with a
band of gladiators, but is defeated by Magnentius'
magister officiorum Marcellinus on June
30. He and his mother are killed, his head put on
a spear and carried around Rome.
Meanwhile Constantius II breaks off his Persian
campaign and marches west. Vetriano submits to
Constantius on December 25 and is stripped of the
purple, but spared.
Shapur besieges Nisbis. |
|
|
Sergio et Nigriniano |
351 |
Magnentius elevates (his
brother?) Magnus Decentius to the rank of Caesar
(January), Constantius does the same with his
first cousin Constantius Gallus, who is the son of Julius
Constantius and half-brother to Julian, and who
become Caesar of the East (March 15). Magnentius
defeats Constantius at Atrans (Trojane),
but is beaten in the battle of Mursa (Ossijek)
on September 28, one of the bloodiest battles in
Roman history. Magnentius retreats back to Gaul.
Italy breaks away and joins Constantius.
The Palestinian Jews revolt against Gallus. Their
'king' Patricius occupies Tiberias and Diospolis
(Lod). The rebellion has to be suppressed by the magister
equitum Ursicinus. |
|
|
Constantio et Constante |
352 |
Constantius enters Italy (early
Fall). Decentius is defeated by invading Alamanni
under Chnodomar. |
|
|
Constantio et Constantio |
353 |
Magnentius is finally
beaten at Mons Seleuci (Saleon) in the
Cottian Alps and commits suicide in Lugdunum (Lyon)
on August 10, followed by Decentius (August 18).
Constantius is now sole ruler of the Roman Empire.
He sends agents such as Paulus 'Catena' (the Chain) to the
reconquered provinces to sniff out supporters of
Magnentius by all means possible.
In the East, the Sassanid Persians are engaged in
several wars with nomads peoples, such as the
Chionites (353-8). |
|
|
Constantio et Constante |
354 |
Constantius campaigns from Augusta
Raurica (Augst) against the Alamanni (Spring
to Summer). The inhabitants of Antioch complain
to Constantius about Gallus' violent and cruel
actions. Gallus is deposed, arrested and killed
while on his way to Rome in Pola (November). |
Silvanus |
355 |
Arbitione et Luliano |
355 |
Constantius campaigns
against the Alamanni, defeating them at the
battle of Campi Canini near Lacus
Brigantinus (Lake Constance/Bodensee) in
early Summer. Court intrigues force the magister
peditum Claudius Silvanus to usurp the throne (August
11). Son of the Frank general who aided
Constantine I, he becomes a victim of court
intirigues. As a last resort he rebels, but he is
killed at the instigation of the magister
equitum Ursicinus after just 28 days (September
7). The Franks invade across the Lower Rhine,
fall of Colonia (Cologne) after a 10-month
siege in the late Fall. Constantius elevates his
last remaining cousin Julianus (Julian) to the
rank of Caesar (November 6), he is sent to Gaul (December). |
|
|
Constantio et Iuliano caes. |
356 |
Constantius campaigns
against the Alamanni on the Upper Rhine (Summer
to Fall). Julian is defeated in the battle of Durocortorum
(Reims) and besieged in Agedincum (Sens)
by the Alamanni (December 1). |
|
|
Constantio et Iuliano caes. |
357 |
Constantius enters Rome (April
28). Julian campaigns in Gaul against hostile
forces. Campaign of Julian and the magister
peditum Barbatio fails at Augusta
Raurica (Augst). Julian defeats the Alamanni
at Argentorate (Strasbourg), captures
Chnodomar (August).
Gallic Laeti plunder the countryside
around Lugdunum (Lyon) and almost take
the city. |
|
|
Titiano et Cereale |
358 |
Constantius defeats the
Sarmatians, Quadi and then again the Sarmatian
Limigantes in the area of Valeria-Pannonia II.
Barbatio defats the Juthungi in Raetia. Julian
fights several groups of Franks and Alamanni,
defeats the Chamavi and re-settles the displaced
Salian Franks as federates in Toxandria. |
|
|
Eusebio et Epatio |
359 |
Constantius defeats the
Limigantes again at Acumincum (Slankamen)
in the Spring, while Julian frees many towns and
cities along the Rhine, forcing the Alamanni to
sue for peace. The magister peditum Barbatio
is executed as a result of court intigues.
Shapur II starts a campaign against the Romans.
He besieges Amida (Diyarbekir) and
conquers the city after a siege of 73 days, after
which the defenders and inhabitants are massacred
(Summer-Fall). The magister militum
Ursicinus is blamed for the failed defence of the
city and dismissed. |
Julian II |
360-3 |
Constantio et Iuliano caes. |
360 |
Shapur conquers Singara
and Bezabde. (January-March).
The magister per Gallias Lucipinus
campaigns in Britain against the Picts and Scotti
(January-February).
Constantius wants more units from the Gallic army
for his campaign. As a result, Flavius Claudius Julianus (Julian II) is elevated to
emperor by his troops in Paris (February). |
|
|
Tauro et Florentio |
361 |
The comes Libino
fails in battle near S�ckingen (late Winter).
Capture of the Alaman king Wadomar (Spring).
Julian departs from Augusta Raurica (Augst)
against Constantine (July) and conquers Illyria (October).
Constantine confronts Julian but dies of illness
in Mopsucrenae in Cilicia (November 3)
at 44, leaving Julian sole emperor. |
|
|
Mamertino et Nevitta |
362 |
year |
Jovian |
363-4 |
Iuliano et Salustio |
363 |
Julian starts his Persian
campaign (March 5), captures and destroys Perisapora
(Firoz Shapur, now Anbar) until he
defeats the Persians before Ctesiphon (May 29).
Unable to besiege the city the Romans turn back (June
16). Within 10 days the rearguard is attacked
near Samarra and Julian falls in battle (June 26).
Flavius Iovianus (Jovian) is chosen as
successor (June 27). Jovian makes peace with
Shapur (July) and moves the army back to Asia
Minor. As a price for the peace with Persia, Rome
loses the satrapies East of the Tigris once
conquered by Diocletian, as well as the frontier
cities Nisibis (Nusaybin) and Singara.
|
Valentinian
Valens II |
364-75
364-78 |
Ioviano et Varoniano |
364 |
Jovian dies in Dadastana
(February 17) aged 32. Flavius Valentinianus (a tribune of the scholae)
is elected as emperor in Nicaea (February
26). He elevates his brother Flavius Julius Valens as co-emperor in
Constantinople (March 28). Partition of the
Empire and the army in Naissus (Niš)
and Sirmium (Sremska Mitrovica) during
June-August.
Valentinian issues a law forbidding private
ownership of weapons. |
Procopius |
365-6 |
Valentiniano et Valente |
365 |
The Alamanni invade Gaul,
they defeat the comes Charietto near Cabillonum
(Ch�lons-sur-Sa�ne) in January.
Procopius, a cousin of the late
Julian, usurps the throne in Constantinople with
the help of troops marching home (September 28).
Several of Valens� units defect to Procopius at Mygdus
on the river Sangarius (Sakyrna). Valens
is nearly captured near Chalcedon. |
Marcellus |
366 |
Gratiano et Dagalaifo |
366 |
Alamanni cross the frozen
Rhine (January 2). The magister equitum Iovinus
(Jovinus) defeats the Alamanni at Scarponna
(Charpeigne) and Durocatalaunum (Ch�lons-en-Champagne)
between January-March.
Valens is joined by his magister equitum Flavius
Lupicinus and begins a spring offensive.
Procopius' general Gomoarius is defeated at Thyatira
(Akhisar) and at Nacolia (Seyyid el-Ghazi).
Valens meets with Procopius and manages to
convince his troops to desert him . Procopius and
his last supporters are executed (May 27). Revolt
of Marcellus, general of Procopius. He is
captured within a short time and executed. |
Gratian |
367-83 |
Lupicino et Iovino |
367 |
Valens begins his first war
against the Goths under Athanaric (367-9), who
had supported Procopius. The Goths flee into the montes
Serrorum (Carpathians) and elude Valens.
Supposed invasion of Picts, Scotti and Atacotti
in Britain (Summer). The comes maritimi
tractus Nectaridus and the dux
Fullofaudes are killed or neutralised, while in
the meantime Franks and Saxons attacked the
Gallic coast. Valentinian sends the comes
domesticorum Severus to investigate, but he
returns to Valentinian at Amiens, without having
achieved anything. Britain, apparently, is in a
state of growing anarchy. Valentinian then
promotes Severus to magister peditum and
sends Jovinus to Britain. Meanwhile, Valentinian
falls ill and he has to elevate his oldest son (though
only 8) Flavius Gratianus Augustus to the rank of Augustus in
Amiens (August 24). Jovinus also returns from
Britain, not having enough manpower to pacify the
island. The Alamanni suddenly cross the Rhenus
(Rhine) and plunder Mogontiacum (Mainz)
near the year's end.
The Persians capture the Armenian king Arsaces
and invade Iberia (Georgia). |
|
|
Valentiniano et Valente |
368 |
Floods prevent Valens'
offensive against the Goths (Spring).
Valentinian and Gratian campaign against the
Alamanni and defeat them at Solicinium (Schwetzingen),
although Valentinian is almost killed in battle (August-September).
Comes Flavius Theodosius Senior begins his campaign
in Britain, landing in Rutupiae (Richborough)
and marching to Londinium (London),
pacifying the south. |
|
|
Valentiniano et Victore |
369 |
Theodosius completes the
pacification of the rest of Britain, rallying the
scattered units of the former garrison and
putting down the rebellion of Valerius. After his
return to Gaul, Theodosius is promoted to magister
equitum instead of Jovinus.
Valentinian starts his rebuilding of the Rhine Limes
(early Summer).
Valens invades Gothic territory a second time
from Noviodunum, defeats the Greuthingi
before he fights Athanaric's Tervingi at Isaccea
(Dobruja), then makes peace (late Summer).
Frithigern becomes king of the Visgoths. |
|
|
Valentiniano et Valente |
370 |
After pressing the comes
Nannienus hard, the Saxons in N. Gaul are
defeated by the magister peditum Severus
near Deuso. While Valentinian attempts
to make the Burgundians attack the Alamanni, the magister
equitum Theodosius campaigns against the
Alamanni from Raetia into Germania.
Valentinian settles Alamanni in the Po valley.
Valens supports the Armenian king Pap with his
general Arintheus and troops. |
|
|
Gratiano et Probo |
371 |
Valens sends a larger force
under Traianus and Vadomarius. In answer, Shapur
invades Armenia, but his army is defeated at
Bagavan. A truce is negotiated.
Valentinian campaigns against the Alamanni. The
capture of Macrian, king of the Buccinobantes,
fails. |
Firmus |
372-5 |
Modesto et Arinteo |
372 |
In Africa, the Moorish
prince Firmus claims the title of
emperor due to court intrigues by the comes
Africae Romanus.
The magister equitum Theodosius Senior
campaigns against the Sarmatians.
Valentinian sends the Alamannic king Fraomar with
many soldiers to Britain as reinforcements. |
|
|
Valentiniano et Valente |
373 |
Valens' magister
peditum Traianus defeats the Sassanid
Persians near Bagavan (Vagabanta),
leading to a 5-year truce while Shapur deals with
the Kushans.
The magister equitum Theodosius Senior
is sent to Africa to campaign against Firmus, but
also to investigate Romanus (373-5).
The Huns defeat the Alans at the battle of the
river Tana�s (Don) and enter Europe.
The Quadi invade across the Danube, after their
king Gabinius is murdered at a peace banquet by
Marcellianus, the praefectus praetorio of
Gaul (Fall). The Huns ravage the countryside of
Valeria, and their Sarmatian allies defeat two
Roman legions. |
|
|
Gratiano et Equito |
374 |
The Sarmatians and Quadi
invade the provinces Valeria, Pannonia II and
Moesia I (Summer). Sarmatians invading Moesia are
driven back by the dux Moesiae,
Theodosius Junior. Valens fights Athanaric at Noviodunum
(Isaccea). Valentinian agrees to a treaty with
Macrianus, king of the Alamanni. |
Valentinian II |
375-92 |
Gratiano et Equito |
375 |
Valentinian crosses the
Danube at Aquincum (Budapest) on a
campaign against the Quadi.
In Asia, the Isaurians revolt.
In Africa, Firmus is betrayed and commits suicide.
After devastating the lands of the Quadi,
Valentian is preparing another campaign across
the Danube when he dies of a stroke in Brigetio
(Komarom-Sz�ny) after being enraged by envoys of
the Quadi (November 17). His younger son Flavius Valentinianus (Valentinian II) is made
emperor by Valentinian's leading general
Merobaudes (supported by the army) in Aquincum
(Budapest) on November 22. Gratian, though the
older son, agrees and is made guardian of
Valentinian II (who is only 4 years old). |
|
|
Valente et Valentiniano |
376 |
The magister equitum
Theodosius Senior falls from grace and is
executed in Carthago (Winter).
Defeated by the Huns, the West (Visi-) Goths
under their king Frithigern ask for permission to
enter the Empire and are allowed into Thrace (Fall),
where they are settled by the magister militum
per Thracias Lupicinus and the dux Moesiae
secundae, Magnus Maximus. Many dedititii
take advantage of their presence and join the
Gothic army. |
|
|
Gratiano et Merobaude |
377 |
The Saracens under Queen
Mavia revolt and devastate a stretch of land from
Phoenicia to Palestine as far as the Sinai.
Valens quickly ends the revolt and concludes a
treaty. Theodosius the Younger becomes magister
militum per Illyricum and campaigns against
the Sarmatians. The Goths in Thrace rebel and
defeat the comes per Thracias Lupicinus
near Marcianopolis (Devnia) during
January-March. A battle near Ad Salices ('at
the Willows') is undicided (late Summer).
Barzimer, tribune of the scutarii, is
defeated and killed near Develtum (Zagoria)
during the Fall. Gratian prepairs to come to the
aid of Valens.
Gratian settles Goths and Taifali in the Po
valley. |
|
|
Valente et Valentiniano |
378 |
The Alamanni (Lentienses)
cross the frozen Rhine and invade Raetia (February).
Victory of the comes Nannienus over the
Alamanni under Priarius near Argentovaria
(Harbourg) in the Spring. Gratian campaigns
against the Lentienses in the Black Forest (early
Summer). This delays him, but he marches east
after the victory. Meanwhile, Valens campaigns
against the Goths (Summer). Valens decides not to
wait for Gratian. Battle of Adrianople (Edirne),
defeat and death of Valens with more than 2/3 of
the army of the East (August 9). Barbarian
invasions along the entire Danube (late Summer to
Fall). Gratian's magister equitum
Theodosius Iunior pushes the Sarmatians back
across the Danube (Fall). |
Theodosius |
379-95 |
Ausonio et Olibrio |
379 |
Flavius Theodosius is elevated to Augustus of
the Eastern Empire in Sirmium (Sremska
Mitrovica) by Gratian (January 19). Theodosius
begins the campaign against the Goths in Thrace (379-82).
His general Modares defeats the Goths.
Death of Shapur II, he is succeeded by his
brother Ardeshir II as king of the Sassanid
Persians. |
|
|
Gratiano et Theodosio |
380 |
Gratian makes peace with
the Ostrogoths under Alatheus and Safrac, whose
subjects are settled in Pannonia (late Summer).
The Bedouin under queen Mavia defeat a Roman
force. Frithigern dies and is succeeded by
Athanaric. Gratian aids Theodosius in his Gothic
campaign by sending his magister militum
Flavius Bauto and his son Flavius Arbogastes (Arbogast) against them (Winter). |
|
|
Syagrio et Eucerio |
381 |
The Visigothic king
Athanaric and his followers surrenders to
Theodosius in Constantinople (January 11). Death
of Athanaric (January 25). Gratian also takes the
field against the Goths. Together, he and
Theodosius drive the Goth from Illyria back into
Thrace (Spring). In Britain, the comes
Britanniarum Magnus Maximus defeats the
Picts and the Scots who have invaded the diocese. |
|
|
Antonino et Syagrio |
382 |
Theodosius makes peace with
the Visigoths (October 3) and settles them as
federates in Moesia II, probably with some degree
of autonomy. |
Maximus
Arcadius |
383-8
383-408 |
Merobaude et Saturnino |
383 |
Theodosius elevates his
older son Flavius Arcadius to the rank of Augustus (January
19) at the age of 6. Magnus Maximus in Britannia usurps the
purple (Spring) and crosses over to Gaul. Gratian
leaves Milan to campaign against the Alamanni in
Raetia (early Summer) and confronts Maximus in
Gaul. Gratians army defects to Maximus near Paris.
Gratian is killed by the magister equitum
Andragatius at Lugdunum (Lyons) (August
25). Death of Ardeshir II, he is succeeded by his
cousin Shapur III as king of the Sassanid
Persians. The Saracens break their treaty of 377,
but their raids are defeated by the magister
peditum praesentalis Richomer, uncle of
Arbogast. |
Victor |
384-8 |
Ricomede et Clearcho |
384 |
Maximus and Theodosius
reach an agreement, Valentinian II is recognised
as ruler of the Middle Empire (Italy, Illyria,
Africa) while Maximus is recognised as Augustus
of the West. However, later in the year Maximus
breaks this agreement and elevates his son Victor
to Augustus, no longer recognising Valentinian.
He thereby forced the issue of his own legitimity. |
|
|
Arcadio et Baudone |
385 |
Death of the magister
militum Flavius Bauto (or Bautes), protector
of Theodosius. His son Arbogast quickly becomes
one of the most influential men in the empire. |
|
|
Honorio et Euuodio |
386 |
Victory of the magister
peditum per Thracias Promotus over
the Greuthingi (Orstogoths) under Odotheus (early
Fall).
Theodosius and Shapur III conclude a peace-treaty,
which results in the division of Armenia. |
|
|
Valentiniano et Eutropio |
387 |
Maximus invades Italy (early
Summer) and Valentinian retreats with his mother
Justina to Thessalonica, where Theodosius summons
his troops for the campaign against Magnus
Maximus. Some Goths defect and hide in the
countryside around the city.
Theodosius sends his magister militum per
Orientem Flavius Stilicho to the Persians and
reaches an agreement about the partition of
Armenia. The pro-Roman king Arsak retained
possession of west-Armenia, while the pro-Persian
king Khosro retained the east. |
|
|
Theodosio et Cynegio |
388 |
The Franks under the kings
Gennobaudes, Markomer and Sunno invade the area
around Colonia (Cologne). The magistri
militum praesentalis Nannienus and Quintinus
counterattack and are victorious in the Silva
Carbonaria (Kohlenwald). Quintus is later
defeated east of Novaesium (Neuss).
Theodosius and Valentinian II campaign against
Magnus Maximus (July/August), they defeat him
near Emona, Siscia (Sisak) and Poetovio
(Ptuij/Pettau). Maximus surrenders in Aquileia
and is executed (August 28), although his wife
and two daughters are spared. Maximus' son Victor
is defeated and executed by Valentinian's magister
peditum Arbogast (Fall).
Theodosius reorganises the army and the supreme
command structure in the Eastern Empire. He
appoints Arbogast as magister militum in
the West.
Death of Shapur III, he is succeeded by his son Bahram IV as king of the Sassanid
Persians. |
|
|
Timasio et Promoto |
389 |
Valentinian is made emperor
of the West and travels to Gaul (Spring).
Theodosius enters Rome with his young son
Honorius (June 13). A renewed invasion of Franks
into Gaul lead to a foedus (treaty)
between them and Valentinian. |
|
|
Valentiniano et Neuterio |
390 |
When the citizens of Thessalonike
kill the magister militum per Illyricum
Butheric, Theodosius exerts excessive reprisals
and massacres between 7,000 and 15,000
inhabitants in the hippodrome (Spring). |
|
|
Tatiano et Symmacho |
391 |
Arbogast campaigns across
the Rhine against the Bructeri and the Chamavi (Winter).
Theodosius returns with the army to
Constantinople (early Summer), after which he
drives the Goths from Thessalonica to Thrace.
Battles against several barbarian groups in
Thrace (Fall-Winter). The magister militum
per Thracias Promotus is killed (end of the
year) by the Goths, who elect Alaric as one of their leaders.
Theodosius issues a law allowing provincials to
defend themselves against rogue soldiers. |
Eugenius
(Arbogast) |
392-4
|
Arcadio et Rufino |
392 |
Arbogast refuses to
acknowledge Valentinian. Valentinian is then
found dead by hanging in Vienne (May 15),
alledgedly by siucide.
Theodosius annexes Illyria for the Eastern Empire
(Summer).
Arbogast, weakenened by the illness of his uncle
Richomer, decides to elevates the pagan magister
scrinii Flavius Eugenius to the throne as puppet
emperor (August 22) with support of the pagan
Senate. Arbogast campaigns against the Franks
opposite Colonia (Cologne) (Winter 392-3).
The magister militum per Thracias
Stilicho continues the fight against barbarians
in Thrace.
Theodosius' magister peditum praesentalis
Richomer dies of illness. |
Honorius |
393-423 |
Theodosio et Abundantio |
393 |
Theodosius elevates his
second son Flavius Augustus Honorius to Augustus of the West (January
23) at the age of 9. |
|
|
Arcadio et Honorio |
394 |
Theodosius campaigns
against Eugenius and Arbogast (Summer). Victory
of Theodosius in the 'Battle of the Frigid River'
on the river Frigidus (Vipava/Wippach)
on September 5-6. Beheading of Eugenius (September
6). Suicide of Arbogast (September 8). Theodosius
is now sole emperor, with his sons Arcadius and
Honorius as co-regents in the East and West.
Barbarian invasions along the entire Danube, e.g.
Alaric in Thrace. |
(Stilicho) |
|
Olybrio et Probino |
395 |
Theodosius dies in Milan (January
17). The Empire is divided once more, for the
last time: Flavius Arcadius is now ruler of the East,
Honorius of the West.
Alaric is elected king of the
Visigoths and renounces the treaty with Rome. The
magister peditum Flavius Stilicho (who is also guardian of
Honorius) advances on Illyria. Alaric is shut up
in Thessalia (Spring-Fall).
Return of the eastern army to Constantinople
under the magister militum per Thracum
Gainas. Execution of the Eastern praefectus
praetorio Rufinus by Gainas before the gates
of the city (November 27). Stilicho marches back
to Italy.
Transfer of the seat of the Gallic prefecture
from Trier to Arelate (Arles). |
|
|
Arcadio et Honorio |
396 |
Stilicho travels to the
Rhine and renews the treaties with several
Germanic kings (Winter-Spring). Partition of
Illyria between the East and Western Empires.
Alaric raids Greece, sparing Athens but ravaging
Attica and the Peloponnesos. |
|
|
Caesario et Attico |
397 |
Stilicho sails to Greece
and campaigns against Alaric on the Peloponnesos
(Spring-Summer). He sends a force by sea, but is
recalled. Eutropius (Arcadius' chief eunuch)
makes Alaric magister militum per Illyrium
and the Goths retreat from Greece.
The comes Africae Gildo (son of Firmus
and also king of the Moors) separates from the
Western Empire, with the support of Arcadius and
Eutropius. Gildo is declared hostis publicus
(enemy of the State) during late Fall. |
|
|
Honorio et Eutichiano |
398 |
Mascezel campaigns against
Gildo (Winter-Spring). Defeat of Gildo between Ammaedara
(Ha�dra) and Theveste (T�bessa) in
April. Execution of Gildo (July 31). |
|
|
Mallio et Theodoro |
399 |
Revolt of the Ostrogoth
peasant militias in Phrygia under Tarbigild (Spring).
Defensive measures of the magister militum
per Thracum Gainas and the dux Leo
are without result. Gainas pacts with Tarbigild.
Fall of the minister Eutropius. Death of Bahram
IV, he is succeeded by his son Yazdegird I as king of the Sassanid
Persians. |
|
|
Stilicone et Aureliano |
400 |
Gainas forces his
nomination to magister militum praesentalis
and enters Constantinople with his army (Winter-Spring).
Confusion erupts among the Gothic forces, and
Gainas suddenly leaves the city. Up to 7000 Goths
are massacred (July). The magister militum
Fravitta besieges Gainas on the Hellespont (Fall).
His liburni destroy the ships of Gainas
in the Dardanelles. Gainas retreats across the
Danube and is killed by the Huns under Uldin (December
23). |