Theodosius the Great, also known as Flavius Theodosius was born in January 347, in Gallaecia and died in January 395. Theodosius grew in Spain, and even though he did not have an extensive education, he was open-minded and had a special interest in studying history.
Achievements
Theodosius is known for a establishing a strong, unified Roman Empire. During his reign, Theodosius manifested active suppression of Arianism and paganism. Some historians have claimed that Theodosius the Great led to an establishment of Christianity (King, 1960). He also developed the Nicene Creed which was used by the Council of Nicaea as the universal custom for Christian Orthodoxy. Theodosius is also remembered for directing the convening of the general counsel at Constantipole.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Theodosius maintained a friendly attitude with the church while taking care of the legislation to ensure that the interest of the state were not sacrificed unless for church or the clergy. Additionally, Theodosius enforced more aggressively against the pagans the policies he pursued since 379. In 391 February, he prohibited visiting of the temples as well as offering sacrifices (King, 1960). Until then, he had been tolerant with the pagans and adhered to the old cults in the high offices. One of the achievements of Theodosius is the standing negotiations with the Persians over the division of authority in Armenia which led to a treaty which brought peace on the eastern border for a long time.
After ordering one army division from Egypt to Africa, Theodosius set out the main body troops to go against Maximus' army. Within few months, the enemy was defeated. Theodosius is also celebrated for directing for settlement of the Germanic tribes within the borders of the empire (Cameron, 1969). Theodosius emphasized the claim to supreme power throughout his empire. He relinquished the west to Valentinian who was his co-emperor even though he secured his influence by making the Frankish general Arbogast as the principal adviser.
References
Cameron, A. (1969). Theodosius the Great and the Regency of Stilico. Harvard Studies in Classical Philology , 73 , 247-280.
King, N. Q. (1960). The emperor Theodosius and the establishment of Christianity . Westminster Press.
