The conflict of western and eastern courts of the roman empire in the end of 4th century

Author(s):  D.E. Bogdanov, Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russia, ignorabim@yandex.ru

Issue:  Volume 44, №22

Rubric:  Topical issues of world history

Annotation:  Basing on the complex analysis of the late antiquity sources the article views conflict of Stilicho who was Honorius’s guardian & eunuch Eutropius who were controlling Arcadius’s court after Rufinus. After the death of Theodosius the Great Stilicho used the situation to affect the emperor’s sons, enlisting the support of armies directed against Arbogast and Eugene. Stilicho took part in the elimination of Rufinus, who was the guardian of Arcadius. Eutropius used the situation to establish control over the Eastern Court, organized opposition to Stiliсho and even became a consul, but finally he made many enemies and was deposed. The most colorful picture of that confrontation is depicted by the court poet of Stilicho - Claudius Claudianus. After the overthrow of Eutropius Empress Aelia Eudoxia and her favorites are ruled the Eastern Roman Empire. Stilicho’s efforts to unite the empire under his rule were unsuccessful despite of his superiority in military power and close contacts with barbarian leaders (Alaric, Gainas).

Keywords:  Stilicho, late antiquity, Eutropius, Rufinus, Honorius’s court, Arcadius’s court.

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