2020-02-27 Thu

Theodosius II was the Eastern Roman Emperor reigning from 408 to 450 AD. He was a son and successor of Arcadius (383-408). He allowed his government to be run by a succession of relatives and ministers.

At various times during his reign, Theodosius sent armies against the Vandals of Africa, the Persians, and the Huns. He is mostly known for promulgating the Theodosian law code, and for the construction of the Theodosian Walls of Constantinople.

In 421, Theodosius married Aelia Eudocia, a woman of Greek origin. Today on 27th February in the year 425, The University of Constantinople is founded by Emperor Theodosius II at the urging of his wife. It was started with 31 chairs (15 in Latin and 16 in Greek). Among the subjects were law, philosophy, medicine, arithmetic, geometry, astronomy, music and rhetoric.

During the reign, he issued gold, silver, and copper coins from various mints such as Nicomedia, Antioch, Alexandria, Thessalonica, Cyzicus, Rome, and Ravenna. Depicted here is gold Solidus issued during his reign from Constantinople mint. The obverse of a coin depicted the pearl-diademed, helmeted, cuirassed bust of Theodosius II, head turned slightly right, spear in right hand over the shoulder, shield decorated with horseman motif in left. On the other hand, the reverse of a coin portrays Constantinopolis enthroned facing, helmeted head right, right foot on prow, scepter in the right hand, Victory on globe in left; star in left field, CONOB in exergue.

Image Source: Heritage Auctions