The History of Rome

148- The Cousin's Cousin

Aug 22, 2011
After Valentinian and Valens became emperors, Julian the Apostate's cousin took over Constantinople. The podcast explores the division of the empire into east and west, Valentinian's dilemma between an army invasion and his cousin's takeover, Sassanid aggression, and Procopius' successful coup in Constantinople.
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ANECDOTE

Valentinian's Dilemma

  • Valentinian learned of the Alamanae invasion and Procopius' coup on the same day.
  • He prioritized the coup, wanting to confront Procopius, but his advisors convinced him to address the Alamanae threat first.
INSIGHT

Procopius's Background

  • Procopius, Julian the Apostate's maternal cousin, was a trusted advisor during Julian's reign.
  • He led a decoy army during Julian's Persian invasion, which placed him away from the main army when Julian died.
ANECDOTE

Procopius's Coup

  • Procopius saw an opportunity in the unpopularity of Petronius, Valens' father-in-law, left in charge of Constantinople.
  • He used this discontent and the loyalty of two passing legions to seize the imperial palace.
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