HONORIUS
Flabius Honorius, born in 384, was the son of Theodosius I, the Roman emperor from 379-395. As a child, Honorius was named Nobilissimus Puer (Most Noble Child), and at 2 years of age held the consulate. In 393, at the age of nine, Honorius was named emperor at Constantinople.
In 395 after his father died, Honorius succeeded to the throne together with his brother Arcadius. Honorius ruled the West while Arcadius took control of the East.
The West was managed under the influence of a powerful adviser General Stilicho. Honorius married both of Stilicho's daughters, Maria and Termantia.
Honorius made Milan his empire's capital but in 402, after Visigoths invaded Italy, Honorius retreated to the heavily guarded city of Ravenna. In 408, Stilicho was assassinated leaving the indecisive emperor alone to deal with both the Visigoths and the Alaric. Honorius could not decide between fostering conciliation or resistance and followed the advice of different advisers.
As Horonius's reign progressed through the years, control over more and more western cities were falling to other conquerors. In 406, Vandals, Alans, Burgundians, and Suevis crossed the Rhine into Gaul. By 409 Vandals had crossed towards Spain. The Franks were able to take control over north-eastern Gaul while the Visigoths conquered the south-western part.
Like those of emperors before him, Honorius's reign was not without rebellions, Barbarian invasions and other problems. In 397, in North Africa, the Master of Soldiers Gildo revolted against the emperor but this usurpation was immediately suppressed. In Britain, there were a series of revolts from 406-411 beginning with that of Marcus followed by those of Gratian and Constantine.
Constantine was able to reach Arles in 407 while Priscus Attalus was proclaimed emperor in 409. Attalus lost power the following year when Honorius had peace with the Alaric. Honorius sent General Constatius to crush Constantine and reclaim Gaul. After Constantine was defeated in 411, a strong revolt headed by Juvinus happened in the Northern Gaul.
It wasn't until 2 years later that the troops headed by Juvinus were defeated. In 410, Rome was successfully attacked by Visigoths and this did great emotional damage to the whole empire from Israel to Britain. The Sack of Rome is said to have inspired Augustine to write The City of God. In 417, General Constantius ended up marrying Honorius's sister, Galla Placidia, and was proclaimed co-emperor to Honorius 3 years later.
Constantius died the same year he was proclaimed co-emperor leaving Honorius as sole emperor. In 420, Maximus took control over Spain and it was only in 422 that he was suppressed by Honorius's people.
Honorius left the control of his army to his generals and did not involve himself much in the public affairs of the empire. In 423, Honorius passed away due to an illness, possibly of the lungs.
He left the empire in shambles, with Britain completely lost from the empire. Because he died with no heir, Johannes, his chief secretary, was proclaimed the emperor after his death. In 425, the son of Constantius and Galla Placida took over the reigns and restored the dynasty in the empire.Original Authors: Doods Pangburn
Edit Update Authors: M.A.Harris
Updated On: 22/07/2008
