Honorius was born to Theodosius and Aelia Flaccilla in 384 and inherited the western part of the empire on his father's death (with the eastern half going to his elder brother Arcadius). During his lifetime Honorius witnessed wave after wave of barbarian invasions, each one more devastating than the previous one. In 404 he moved the imperial palace to a fortress in Ravenna. On cue, Rome was then sacked in 410 by the barbarian forces under the command of Alaric; a first in over 800 years. The Vandals would seize Northern Africa (Italy's bread basket) and various usurpers, most importantly Constantine...

The wife of Arcadius, Eudoxia had no desire to remain in the political background that was expected of an empress. Instead, she thoroughly dominated not only the will of Arcadius (who was, incidentally, content to relax well out of the limelight) but also play an active role in the political issues of the day and the religious ones as well. In this light she was resented by many who saw her self-acquired role unwelcome and was denounced as arrogant and materialistic. Those who had the nerve to condemn her could always count on swift retribution on her orders and this only served to further alienate...

Arcadius was given the title of Augustus when only six years of age. After his father Theodosius died in 395 he and his brother Honorius remained the only emperors, Arcadius being the emperor in the eastern half. It seems he spent his whole life ineffectually trying to rid himself of one regent after another who wielded the true power. Even his wife Eudoxia has more on record for being politically active and influential than he and, as a result, little of what he personally desired came through amid all the background noise. He died in his early 30's of unknown causes. AU Solidus RIC 1 (X) Solidus...

Wife of Theodosius I and mother of Honorius and Arcadius. AU Solidus RIC 72 (Constantinople) Solidus Obv: AELFLACCILLAAVG - Draped bust right, with elaborate headdress, necklace and mantle. Rev: SALVSREIPVBLICAE Exe: CONOB - Victory seated right on throne, writing Christogram on shield held on small column. c.383-386 (Constantinopolis). $11,543 12/5/02. AR Siliqua RIC 78 (Constantinople) Siliqua Obv: AELFLACCILLAAVG - Diademed, draped bust right. Rev: No legend Exe: CON - Chi-rho within wreath. $1,500 4/1/01. AE2 RIC 23 (Heraclea), C 4 AE2 Obv: AELFLACCILLAAVG - Mantled,...