Arcadius AD 383-408 Gold Solidus Milan

Arcadius AD 383-408 Gold Solidus

Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust/Arcadius with standard and Victory on globe. M-D in field

Milan

RCV20724, 21mm, 4.41g

Arcadius AD 383-408

Arcadius was the eldest son of Theodosius and Aelia Flaccilla and was born before his father was elevated to the eastern throne in AD379. He was co emperor with his father for 12 years until his elevation as sole emperor of the Eastern empire upon his father’s death in AD 395. Married to Aelia Eudoxia he had 5 children including Theodosius II who succeeded him as emperor in AD 408.
Largely untalented and ineffective his wife Aelia Flaccilla together with the praetorian prefect Rufinus effectively ruled the Eastern empire until Aelia’s death in AD 404. Rufinus also became increasingly estranged from Honorius, Arcadius’ brother and from AD 393 co emperor of the Western empire. There was also an intense rivalry between Rufunus and Honorius’ chief minister Stilicho which resulted in an estrangement between the 2 empires. This period saw the transfer of power to ambitious deputies, some of who were of barbarian origin. This weakened the authority of the emperors and eventually led to the collapse of the Western empire. The Easten empire was more fortunate as Arcadius’ daughter Pulcheria proved to be a capable administrator during the reign of Theodosius II who succeed.