Theodosius: The Empire at Bay

Theodosius: The Empire at Bay
by Mr. Stephen Williams, Mr. Gerard Friell

Theodosius: The Empire at Bay
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Book Summary Information

Author: Mr. Gerard Friell, Mr. Stephen Williams
Edition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1995-02-22
ISBN: 0300061730
Number of pages: 238
Publisher: Yale University Press

Book Reviews of Theodosius: The Empire at Bay

Book Review: Good book over an overrated emperor of underrated importance
Summary: 5 Stars

Given the impact of Theodosius on history, it is surprising that most people probably have no idea who he was: consolidator of the power of the Catholic church, oppressor of "paganism" (which included abolishing the original Olympic Games), chief architect (intentionally or not) of the fall of the Western Empire, by giving power to the Goths and leaving as heir Honorius, one of the most disastrous emperors ever. Theodosius - called "the Great" by a grateful church - is a towering figure in relation to his successors in the Western Empire, bit a mediocre one when compared to his predecessors. The impression is that of a good, but not extraordinary, military chief and administrator, lacking long-term vision, and whose main concerns were to preserve his own power, that of his family, and to save his soul. Still, whatever his personal limitations, Theodosius was a key figure in shaping history, and this book is an excellent way to understand why.

Summary of Theodosius: The Empire at Bay

Theodosius I was the last Roman emperor to rule over both East and West. After the military disaster of Adrianople he had to rebuild the state by adopting a new policy of cooperation with the barbarians. He also suppressed paganism and established a unified Catholic Church by law. His reign was a turning point in the history of the late Roman Empire. The authors describe the military, political, and religious struggles of this turbulent period and analyze the far-reaching effects of his policies in the fourth and fifth centuries.

"One cannot help grappling with historical issues while reading this book. Nonspecialists will find much here to reward their efforts". -- Thomas S. Burns, American Historical Review

"A model of clarity and organization. Within a basically narrative structure it tells the story of the Roman Empire from Adrianople (378 CE) to the Vandal conquest of North Africa (430 CE), with particular emphasis on military and religious policies.... A rare work, in that it is valuable to students and scholars at all levels". -- Choice

"A coherent narrative of the crisis-ridden years of the late fourth century, as well as a useful general discussion of the society, institutions, and structures of the late empire". -- R. Bruce Hitchner, History

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