THEODOSIUS I THE GREAT (379-395)

Flavius Theodosius

"The Last Games" Theodosius I the Great was the last emperor to rule both the eastern and western parts of the Roman Empire. He reigned from 379 CE, initially alongside Gratian (until 383) and Valentinian II (until 392), and later as sole ruler. During his reign, the Goths took control of Illyria and settled south of the Danube within the empire's borders.

He issued decrees that effectively established Nicene Christianity as the state religion of the Imperium Romanum. In 393 CE, Theodosius banned the ancient Olympic Games, deeming them a relic of paganism. He divided the empire into two parts: eastern and western, a division that proved to be permanent.

Obverse: Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Theodosius I to right, D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG

Reverse: Roma seated left, holding Victory on globe, VRBS ROMA LVGPS

Mint: Lugdunum, 388-392 A.D.

Weight: 1,71 g

Diameter: 18mm

Provenance: Fritz Rudolf Künker, ex Auktion Rauch 37, Wien 1986, Nr. 751

Reference : 88.1 RIC IX 43b, RSC 72b

Collection : IMPERIUM ROMANUM 08 - Christian Empire