Theodosius II AD 402-450. Constantinople
Solidus AV

21 mm, 4,52 g

D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted, and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear and shield with horseman motif / SALVS REIPVBLICAE, Theodosius enthroned facing, Valentinian standing facing beside, each in consular robes and holding mappa and cruciform sceptre; star in central field, CONOB in exergue.

mint state

RIC 233; Depeyrot 78/1.

Theodosius II, born in AD 401, ruled as the Eastern Roman Emperor from AD 402 until his death in AD 450. His long reign, marked by both internal reforms and external threats, shaped the Eastern Roman Empire and helped secure its future as the Byzantine Empire. Theodosius became emperor as a child after the death of his father, Arcadius, and for much of his early reign, the real power lay in the hands of his sister, Aelia Pulcheria, who served as regent and Augusta. One of Theodosius II’s most notable achievements was the promulgation of the Codex Theodosianus in AD 438, a compilation of Roman laws that helped organize and standardize legal codes across the empire. This legal reform had a lasting impact on Roman and later Byzantine governance. Theodosius also focused on strengthening the empire's defenses, most notably the construction of the famous Theodosian Walls around Constantinople, which made the city nearly impregnable for centuries and contributed to its survival during multiple sieges. Theodosius II faced several external threats during his reign, particularly from the Huns, led by Attila, and from Sassanid Persia. The Eastern Empire frequently paid tribute to the Huns to maintain peace, although this policy of appeasement was a source of criticism. Theodosius also had to deal with invasions and raids along the Danube frontier, a persistent challenge throughout his reign. Religious controversy was a central issue during Theodosius’ time. The early 5th century was marked by debates over Christological doctrines, especially between the supporters of the Council of Ephesus (AD 431), which endorsed the Theotokos (Mother of God) title for the Virgin Mary, and those who opposed it. Theodosius himself leaned toward theological conservatism but often sought to maintain balance between competing religious factions within the Christian Church. Theodosius II died in AD 450 after a horse-riding accident, and his death marked the end of a long and relatively peaceful reign. He was succeeded by his sister Pulcheria and her husband, Marcian, who continued his policies. Theodosius II’s reign was significant for the internal consolidation of the Eastern Roman Empire, which would help it survive for nearly a thousand more years as the Byzantine Empire.