Aelia Eudoxia
Aelia Eudoxia was a prominent historical figure in the late 4th and early 5th centuries, known for her marriage to Arcadius, the son of Emperor Theodosius I. Born to the pagan Frankish general Bauto, she may have fled to the Eastern Roman Empire amidst political turmoil, specifically during the reign of the usurper Maximus. After marrying Arcadius in 395 CE, Eudoxia wielded significant influence, particularly as she became an active player in the political dynamics of Constantinople. She was known for her opposition to pagan practices, advocating for the promotion of Christianity and the suppression of pagan cults, exemplified by her actions against the Marneum pagan temple. Her tenure also included notable conflicts with influential figures like John Chrysostom, the archbishop of Constantinople, which ultimately led to his exile. Eudoxia was officially proclaimed Augusta in 400 CE, marking her elevated status. She died in childbirth in 404 CE, leaving a legacy that influenced the role of empress and the religious landscape of the Eastern Roman Empire.
Aelia Eudoxia
Related civilizations: Imperial Rome, Byzantine Empire
Major role/position: Empress
Life
Daughter of the pagan Frankish general Bauto who served the West Roman emperor Gratian, Aelia Eudoxia (yoo-DAHK-see-uh) may have fled in 387 c.e. with Gratian’s widow Justina and her son Valentinian II from the usurper Maximus to the East Roman emperor Theodosius the Great at Salonika. On April 27, 395 c.e., she married Arcadius, the sixteen-year-old son of Theodosius. She gained a controlling influence when he became emperor in 395 c.e.
In July, 399 c.e., Eutropius, the all-powerful adviser of Arcadius, was exiled at Eudoxia’s insistence. On January 9, 400 c.e., she was proclaimed Augusta. She supported the pro-Roman party of Lucius Domitisu Aurelianus (Aurelian), prefect of the praetorium of the Orient, against those who supported the barbarians. She favored the proscription of pagan cults. At the birth of her son Theodosius in 401 c.e., she obtained through a clever stratagem the destruction of the Marneum at Gaza, a pagan temple tolerated by Arcadius. Conflicts between her and the archbishop of Constantinople, Saint John Chrysostom, resulted in his exile. She died in childbirth.
Influence
Eudoxia’s upholding of the Roman and Christian traditions and her imposition on a strong religious hierarchy set the pace for East Rome. She raised the position of empress to equality. The consorts of Theodosius II and Valentinian III would carry her name.
Bibliography
Diehl, Charles. Byzantine Empresses. New York: Studion, 1999.
Jones, A. H. M. The Later Roman Empire, 284-602. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1986.
Oost, Stewart Irvin. Galla Placidia Augusta. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1968.