Description
Theodosius I, AE17, 392-395, Cyzicus
RIC IX Cyzicus 29A.
Obv.: D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG, Bust of Theodosius I, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed, right.
Rev.: GLORIA ROMANORVM SMKΓ, Emperor on horseback, right, raising right hand.
2.64 g
16.8 mm
Theodosius was born in Hispania probably in 347. As emperor, Theodosius I reigned from 379 until 395,
He is believed to have accompanied his father during the campaigns throughout the provinces, as was customary, at the time, for families with a tradition of military service.
Valens was his predecessor, he died at the Battle of Adrianople against the Goths in 378. Early the following year, Theodosius was appointed by Gratian as new eastern emperor.
Once emperor, he made Nicene Christianity the state religion of Rome and suppressed the Arians.
After Theodosius’s final victory in September 394, he became the sole emperor of the whole empire. He died a few months later in 395. He was succeed by his weak sons Honorius and Arcadius.
He was the last emperor to rule the entire Roman Empire.
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