Theodosius I

Flavius Theodosius (January 11, 347 – January 17, 395), also called Theodosius I and Theodosius the Great, was Roman Emperor from 379-395. He reunited the Eastern and Western Roman Empire, but was the last emperor of both parts of the empire. After his death, the two parts split permanently. He is also known for making Christianity the official state religion of the Roman Empire.

Theodosius I
Emperor of the Roman Empire
Reign	August 378 - 15 May 392 (emperor in the east, with Gratian and Valentinian II in the west); 15 May 392 - 17 January 395 (whole empire)
Full name	Theodosius
Born	January 11, 347 AD
Birthplace	Cauca, modern Spain
Died	January 17, 395 AD
Place of death	Milan Italy
Buried	Constantinople (Modern Day Istanbul)
Predecessor	Valens (in the east); Valentinian II in the west
Successor	Arcadius in the east; Honorius in the west
Wives	1) Aelia Flaccilla (?-385) 2) Galla, daughter of Valentinian I
Children	Arcadius, Honorius, Pulcheria (?-385) and Galla Placidia
Dynasty	Theodosian
Father	Theodosius the Elder
Mother	Thermantia
Religious beliefs	Christianity

Contents

Life

Early life

Where Theodosius was born is disputed. According to Hydatius and Zosimus, Theodosius was born in what is now Coca, Spain. However, Marcellinus Comes writes that he was from Italica, Hispania (now is Spain). His father was was a military officer.

Death

Theodosius died in Milan on January 17, 395.

Christianity as religion of Roman Empire

Theodosius made the Nicene Creed the official belief system of the Roman Empire. Prior to that, many different creeds were believed. The Nicene Creed states that that Jesus, the Son, is equal to God the Father. Other people, such as Arius, said that Jesus was inferior to the Father. Theodosius affirmed the faith that the Council of Nicea agreed on.

Other websites

• De Imperatoribus Romanis, Theodosius I