General Notes

1  NAME Aelia /Eudoxia/


The marriage (April 27, 395) of Arcadius toEudoxiawas arranged by Arcadius' corrupt minister, the eunuch Eutropius, who had supported the match in order to undercut theposition of a political rival. But Eudoxia came to resent being dominated by Eutropius, and in 399 she helped bring about his downfall. The period of Eudoxia's most decisive influence overher ineffectual husband dates from her designation as augusta onJan. 9, 400.  Chrysostom, patriarch of Constantinople, who attacked her and the frivolity of her court in outspoken terms. In 404 sheexpelled him from his see and sent him into exile.  Shortly afterward Eudoxia died from a miscarriage. But she had borneArcadiusfour daughters and a son, who became the emperor Theodosius II (reigned 408-450). One of the daughters, Pulcheria, was regent for Theodosius II for several years.