Beautiful Egypt 46 – «Assassinations» March 9, 2014

   In the previous article, we tackled the tenure of Theodosius I. He started by ruling the Eastern Empire, then ruled the Eastern and Western Empires collectively. Also, we spoke of the division of the Empire after his death to become two independent kingdoms: one in the East which capital was Constantinople ruled by his son Arcadius, and the other in the East ruled by his son Honorius. Egypt was ruled by Caesar of the East who some historians considered the thirty-fifth dynasty to govern Egypt. Romans continued governing Egypt for 259 years which ended with the Arab conquest!

Caesar Arcadius (395-408 A.D.)

   Theodosius wanted to secure his son’s ascension to the throne. So he had him proclaimed Augustus in 383. At that time, Arcadius was only about six years old! He made him ruler of the East under the custody of Tatian, then Rufinus.

   Theodosius died in 395, and, therefore, the Eastern Empire was passed on to Arcadius who was, then, eighteen. He did not rule individually: for he was in Rufinus’ custody. Historians have no unanimous opinion regarding Arcadius. Some maintain he was the first Caesar, whereas others assert he was the second, owing to the fact that Theodosius was the founder of the Eastern Empire, and his role in establishing it cannot be overlooked.

 Theodosius’ Commandment

   Theodosius wrote his son a commandment upon his ascension to throne. According to ancient references, it reads, “Had you been a Persian prince and the throne bequeathed to you, the title Khosrow could have preserved your throne and crown. However, you are a citizen of Rome, a well-known state and people. Be as firm as you can. Should you not be aware of these things, just ask: for if you want to be worthy of ruling this state, rule yourself first and overcome it: for a sensible man controls himself and makes his head rule his whims.

   People, my son, fall into two types: the populace who only care about pleasure, and the kingly who care about making their subjects happy, as the latter category’s happiness makes a king happy. So, should your flaws overcome you, you become their slave. But if you wear a royal crown, beware desires and leave them to the mob. Such earthly desires sometimes overcome kings and princes. If you want to enjoy kingly manners, be just and merciful. Do not do good for the sake of praise, for the mob never hesitate to praise a king. So, perfect in virtues, justice, and good manners. Behave as a king so that you win your subjects’ affection instead of snatching it by force. Romans do not accept the leadership of the arrogant. So, leave arrogance to the kings of Asia and the East, and be as great as befits Caesar. If you become an enemy to any king, lead your armies adeptly that you might be obeyed. Plunge into dangers with your soldiers: for this strengthens them and makes them fearless of death.

   This commandment is reinforced by your reading the history of your predecessors that you might know their victories and defeats, the reasons for their pride and humiliation, and what you should do or avoid.” Yet, due to his lack of wisdom, Arcadius did not abide by his father’s advice, which made him fail in handling the state’s affairs. Thus, he was hated by his subjects.

Arcadius’ Reign

   When he ascended to power, he tried to get independent from Rufinus’ control and the court. So, he issued some decrees and religious directives against pagan heterodoxies, attempting, thereby to follow his father’s suit and attain some success as well as his subjects’ favor. Additionally, this was his only means to rule the state in the presence of powerful statesmen who controlled the army and government. Rufinus had other goals. Whereas the emperor tried to be independent from everybody, Rufinus tried to strengthen his relation with the emperor by marrying him off to his daughter. Yet, Arcadius seized the opportunity of Rufinus’ absence and married Eudoxia who was in the custody of Promotus, Rufinus’ fiercest enemy.

   Arcadius was not qualified to rule the kingdom, for he was not adept, especially with Rufinus’ absolute power over the East and striving to usurp the throne! Yet, he dreaded Eudoxia who was quite cruel. So much so that she was harsh with John Chrysostom, the patriarch of Constantinople.

Rufinus

   Before his death, Theodosius appointed his Magister Militum Stilicho custodian of his two sons. Having taken over, Stilicho became preoccupied with dividing money and soldiers between them. Yet, getting to know of Rufinus’ despotism, he strove to depose him. He seized the opportunity of Ostrogoths’ attack (they almost approached Constantinople) and mobilized a great army to overcome them and avenge himself on Rufinus. Having defeated the Ostrogoths, he marched toward Constantinople. Rufinus was aware that Stilicho wanted to get rid of him. So, he hurried to Arcadius, asking him to tell Stilicho send his troops to Constantinople without him.

   The commander complied. Yet, he told commander Gainas that he wanted to get rid of Rufinus. So, they pledged to carry out the order. Upon the troops’ entering Constantinople, Rufinus met them, and they deceived him by feigning loyalty. So, he disclosed to them his desire to kill the empress in order to ascend the throne, having won their allegiance. They pretended to comply and told nobody, including the emperor himself due to the latter’s lack of wisdom. Upon settling down, commander Gainas asked Rufinus to ask the emperor have a look at his army and weaponry.

   When Arcadius arrived, escorted by Rufinus, he started by greeting the commanders, after which both started having a look at the soldiers. No sooner had they reached the middle of the troops, than they attacked Rufinus and killed him. Also, the commander and some of his followers killed all Rufinus’ supporters in the country. When the news of the tyrant’s murder reached the people, they rejoiced and flooded to the place to watch his corpse! Historians maintain that the people hated Rufinus so much that they mutilated his corpse and dragged it in the streets. Moreover, all his money and property were confiscated after his wife and son had fled to Jerusalem in fear of death. After Rufinus’ death, the emperor appointed the eunuch Eutropius in his stead. At that time, Stilicho believed he was entitled to be prince regent, as per Theodosius’ commandment. Yet, he retracted lest war break out between the two brothers. So, he did not interfere in Arcadius’ management of the state’s affairs. Thus, the Empire was split into two independent parts. As for Arcadius’ tenure and its impact on Egypt, we shall recount a new story… Stories will never end in Beautiful Egypt.

General Bishop

Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center