West Roman Emperor Honorius (384-423). He was a younger son of emperor Theodosius Great and consequ
West Roman Emperor Honorius (384-423). He was a younger son of emperor Theodosius Great and consequently Honorius’ political career began rather early. As a two year old child he had already been a consul :) Then he was five Honorius was taken to Rome and the title of Augustus was given to him in January 393 AD*. His father died soon after this and the empire was “divided” between him and his older brother Arcadius who resided in Constantinople. In a golden solidus above Honorius is portrayed as a mighty emperor who is stomping on a defeated enemy. Real life was different though, and his long “reign” can be regarded as a giant political and military disaster for western part of Empire. First years weren’t too bad though, since Honorius’ able military commander - and de facto regent - Stilicho managed to stem the tide. But after the Vandal-Roman general was murdered things got out of hand. Borders were leaking like a sieve, important provinces were lost and usurpers sprung up here and there like mushrooms. Worst of all was the sack of Rome by Alaric’s troops which took place in 410. Honorius’ behavior during the conflict describes fittingly his incompetence as a ruler. The emperor sat namely tightly in his swamp-protected city Ravenna without moving a finger to help besieged citizens. One may also speculate that Alarik could have been able to dethrone Honorius, if he had tried, but luckily for inept kaisar the mighty visigoth died just a few months after conquesting Rome. * = 23st of Jan to be exact -- source link
#rome#emperor#gold#coin#honorius#history