Honorius, Roman Emperor Timeline 384-423

Honorius was born Flavius Honorius, the younger son of Emperor Theodosius I and his wife Aelia Flaccilla. His father was Emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire. He was the couple’s second son, his brother Arcadius had been born in 377.

Honorius became consul of Rome.

Valentinian II, Emperor of the Western Roman Empire, was found dead by hanging. It is thought that he was murdered by General Arbogast. Honorius’s father took over rule of the whole Roman Empire.

Honorius was appointed co-ruler with his father.

Theodosius I died. Honorius became Emperor of the Western Roman Empire and his brother Arcadius became Eastern Roman Emperor. General Flavius Stilicho acted as regent for the young Honorius who made Milan his capital city.

Gildo, Roman Governor of Africa, led a revolt against the rule of Honorius. The revolt was put down by General Stilicho.

Emperor Honorius married Maria, daughter of General Flavius Stilicho.

The Visigoths, led by King Alaric, began attacking northern Italy. In response.

Battle of Pollentia
General Stilicho defeated King Alaric of the Visigoths at Pollentia. The Visigoths retreated to Verona.

Battle of Verona
General Stilicho defeated King Alaric forcing the Visigoths to leave Italy. After the battle, Emperor Honorius moved the capital to Ravenna on the Eastern coast of Italy.

A combined force of Ostrogoths, Alans, Vandals and Quadi invaded Roman Gaul (France).

The Goths, led by Radagaisus, invaded Italy.

The Goths, led by Radagaisus were defeated by Stilicho.

In Britain Marcus was accepted as Western Emperor.

A force of Ostrogoths, Alans, Vandals and Quadi invaded Gaul (France).

Gratian was accepted as Western Emperor by the Romans in Britain.

Constantine III was accepted as Western Emperor by the Romans in Britain. He left his son, Constans, in charge of Britain and invaded northern Gaul (France).

Honorius’s wife, Maria died at Ravenna.

Emperor Honorius married Thermantia, his first wife’s sister.

General Stilicho agreed to pay Alaric 4,000 pounds of gold to leave Italy.

Honorius’s brother, Arcadius, died. He was succeeded as Emperor of Eastern Rome by his young son Theodosius II. Stilicho went to Constantinople to help set up the new Emperor’s court.

Olympius, one of Honorius’s ministers, convinced Honorius that Stilicho was conspiring with the barbarian hordes to overthrow him.

Honorius removed Flavius Stilicho from power and executed him. He then proceeded to execute all those in power that had been in Stilicho’s favour, including Stilicho’s son, Eucherius. Honorius’s wife, Thermantia, daughter of Stilicho, was sent back to her mother. Afraid of the purge against them, Stilicho’s loyal troops joined King Alaric.

Alaric, King of the Visigoths, who had been joined by many Roman troops during the purge of 408, had been promised land and 4,000 pounds of gold by Stilicho. Honorius now refused to honour this agreement. Alaric marched on Rome and lay siege to the city. The city was forced to pay a ransom of gold, silver and goods to Alaric who then lifted the siege.

The force of Ostrogoths, Alans, Vandals and Quadi invaded Hispania (Spain).

Honorius refused to agree a peace with the Visigoths and called for military support from the Eastern Empire.

Troops were despatched to help Honorius. However, they were ambushed by Alaric and very few reached their destination.

Once again the Senate pleaded with Honorius to make peace with Alaric but he again refused. Instead he sent a force under Olympius which was defeated and forced to retreat.

Honorius refused to agree a peace with the Visigoths so Alaric petitioned the Senate. The Senate elected Priscus Attalus as Emperor who then agreed the treaty with Alaric.

In protest at the appintment of Attalus, Honorius asked the Governor of Africa, Heraclian, to stop sending grain to Rome. Attalus sent troops to restore the African grain supply but they were defeated by Heraclian.

A force of troops from the Eastern Empire reached Honorius.

Attalus refused to send troops to take over Africa and restore the grain supply. This infuriated Alaric and he stripped Attalus of his position.

Alaric asked for negotiations with Honorius to be resumed. After agreeing a meeting, Honorius attacked Alaric. Alaric was furious and mustered his troops.

Alaric and his army of Visigoths, attacked and sacked Rome. The violence and looting continued for three days.

Honorius’s new commander, Constantius, defeated Constantine III.

Honorius arranged for his half-sister, Galla Placidia, to marry his commander Constantius.

Honorius had lost control of northern Gaul (France) to the Franks and southern Gaul to the Visigoths.

Honorius named Constantius his co-Emperor. However, Theodosius, the Eastern Emperor, refused to recognise him.

Constantius died.

Honorius died of oedema.