The Throne of the Caesars: Theodosius II

Theodosius II

Eastern Roman emperor A. D. 402 ≠ 450

During his long reign of forty-eight years, the Church made its influence felt in imperial politics to an even greater extent than before. Bishops at Alexandria, Antioch, and Constantinople continuously competed for power and prestige. It was during the reign of Theodosius II that the Alexandrian scientist and mathematician Hypatia was murdered by a violent sect of lay brethren with the tacit approval of Cyril, Bishop of Alexandria.

All the Roman laws from the time of Constantine I up until about mid way through the reign of Theodosius II (428 - 435) were reviewed and published in one manuscript, called the Codex Theodosianus. A university was founded at Constantinople to teach philosophy, law, and theology from a Christian perspective. This would be the third university in existence at that time, joining two that had been established several centuries earlier at Athens and Alexandria.

--Jay King