The History of Rome

158- An Imperial Suicide

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Nov 14, 2011
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INSIGHT

Powerless Emperor Valentinian II

  • Valentinian II was a powerless figurehead despite being senior Augustus for years.
  • Arbogost, a Frankish general, held real power in the Western Empire, ignoring Valentinian's authority.
INSIGHT

Arbogost's Blunt Power Play

  • Arbogost lacked subtlety and openly dismissed Valentinian's authority.
  • His bluntness alienated the emperor and undermined his own position in the West.
ANECDOTE

The Imperial Suicide of Valentinian II

  • Valentinian II hanged himself at age 21 after years as a puppet emperor.
  • His suicide followed an unsuccessful attempt to dismiss Arbogost from command.
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