Theodosius I

Theodosius I (A.D. 346–395), emperor of Rome. Theodosius was of Armenian descent, born in Spain. He rose through the ranks of the Roman military. Later with Emperor Gratian he ruled Rome, becoming responsible for provinces in the east (A.D. 379). He would not allow religious practices that were not Christian, but he did allow the formation of an independent nation for the non-Christian Visigoths (A.D. 382) within the eastern provinces. He became emperor of all of Rome when he conquered the non-Christian peoples that populated the west (394 A.D.).

See also: Rome, Ancient.