On This Day

Roman Emperor Theodosius I proclaims his six year old son Arcadius co-emperor

Theodosius I (Ancient Greek: Θεοδόσιος Theodosios; 11 January 347 – 17 January 395), also known as Theodosius the Great, was Roman emperor from 379 to 395.

Theodosius I (Ancient Greek: Θεοδόσιος Theodosios; 11 January 347 – 17 January 395), also known as Theodosius the Great, was Roman emperor from 379 to 395. He won two civil wars and was instrumental in establishing the Nicene Creed as the orthodox doctrine for Nicene Christianity. Theodosius was the last emperor to rule the entire Roman Empire before its administration was permanently split between the Western Roman Empire and the Eastern Roman Empire.

Historical Significance

Theodosius I (Ancient Greek: Θεοδόσιος Theodosios; 11 January 347 – 17 January 395), also known as Theodosius the Great, was Roman emperor from 379 to 395.

Key People

Theodosius I

Roman emperor prior to the Splitting of Rome into East and West from 379 to 395

Roman emperor prior to the Splitting of Rome into East and West from 379 to 395

Events Before

  1. 9th recorded perihelion passage of Halley's Comet

    9th recorded perihelion passage of Halley's Comet

  2. Battle of Adrianople: Gothic rebel army defeats Roman forces under Emperor Valens, who is killed

    The Battle of Adrianople, also known as Battle of Hadrianopolis, was fought between the Eastern Roman army led by the Roman emperor Valens and Gothic rebels (largely Thervings as well as Greutungs,...

  3. Teotihuacan General Siyaj K'ak', conquers the important Mayan city Tikal and deposes its ruler

    Teotihuacan General Siyaj K'ak', conquers the important Mayan city Tikal and deposes its ruler

  4. Theodosius installed as co-emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire by Emperor Gratian, charged with repelling the Goths

    Theodosius installed as co-emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire by Emperor Gratian, charged with repelling the Goths

  5. Theodosius I makes his adventus, or first formal entry, into Constantinople

    Theodosius I makes his adventus, or first formal entry, into Constantinople

Events After

  1. St Damasus I dies and ends his reign as Catholic Pope. Began reign 366

    Pope Damasus I (305 – 11 December 384), also known as Damasus of Rome, was the bishop of Rome from October 366 to his death in 384.

  2. Siricius, bishop of Tarragona, elected as Bishop of Rome; first to style himself Pope

    Siricius, bishop of Tarragona, elected as Bishop of Rome; first to style himself Pope

  3. Bishop Ambrose of Milan baptizes Augustine of Hippo

    Ambrose of Milan (Latin: Aurelius Ambrosius; c. 339 – 4 April 397), canonized as Saint Ambrose, was a theologian and statesman who served as Bishop of Milan from 374 to 397.

  4. Battle at Aquileja: Emperor Theodosius beats emperor Magnus Maximis

    Battle at Aquileja: Emperor Theodosius beats emperor Magnus Maximis

  5. BC Roman-Gaulish Wars: Battle of the Allia - Roman army is defeated by raiding Gauls, leads to subsequent sacking of Rom

    BC Roman-Gaulish Wars: Battle of the Allia - Roman army is defeated by raiding Gauls, leads to subsequent sacking of Rome

More from the 380s

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on January 19, 383?
Theodosius I (Ancient Greek: Θεοδόσιος Theodosios; 11 January 347 – 17 January 395), also known as Theodosius the Great, was Roman emperor from 379 to 395. He won two civil wars and was instrumental in establishing the Nicene Creed as the orthodox doctrine for Nicene Christianity. Theodosius was the last emperor to rule the entire Roman Empire before its administration was permanently split between the Western Roman Empire and the Eastern Roman Empire.
Why is Roman Emperor Theodosius I proclaims his six year old son Arcadius co-emperor significant?
Theodosius I (Ancient Greek: Θεοδόσιος Theodosios; 11 January 347 – 17 January 395), also known as Theodosius the Great, was Roman emperor from 379 to 395.
Who was involved in Roman Emperor Theodosius I proclaims his six year old son Arcadius co-emperor?
Key figures include Theodosius I (Roman emperor prior to the Splitting of Rome into East and West from 379 to 395).

Explore More