Beautiful Egypt 49 – «Pulcheria» March 30, 2014

   We already spoke of Caesar Arcadius whose weakness gave an opportunity to Rufinus and Eutropius to control the state. Then Eudoxia ascended to power, followed by Anthemius the tetrarch of the East. Arcadius died in 408. He was succeeded by his son Theodosius II.

Theodosius II (408-450 A.D.)

   He was Arcadius’ youngest son. He was born in 401 and proclaimed Augustus in 402! Unlike his father, he was prepared to be emperor at an early age. He got an emperor’s education, and learnt language and rhetoric as well. He spoke in both Greek and Latin, showing keenness on learning.

Individual Reign

   Theodosius II ruled individually after his father’s death in 408. Yet, he was only seven at that time. As per the Roman laws, his uncle Honorius was entitled to be prince regent. Yet, the statesmen of Constantinople refused this, deciding to assign the post to Anthemius who was rich, honest, and experienced at the state’s affairs.

   At that time, Anthemius tried to improve the relations between the Eastern and Western Roman Empires. Thus, consulates were established in 409, and four thousand soldiers were sent by Constantinople to help Honorius overcome his enemies. Though these efforts were not that fruitful, the relation between the East and the West were better off than they were upon Theodosius I’s death. Anthemius fortified Constantinople, especially after her enemies had attacked her. In 413, the great circular fence was established. It extended for several miles. There was an internal fence which height was 12 meters and an external one that had a hundred towers, along with defense openings that enabled firing from the fortress roof whenever the city was attacked. The fence is still there.

   Anthemius left his post in 414 to rest, assigning Pulcheria, the emperor’s eldest sister the state’s affairs for she wanted to take over. Some historians maintain that Pulcheria deposed Anthemius and ascended to power. Others assert that he might have died at that time. In all cases, however, power was passed on to Pulcheria who was proclaimed Augusta in the same year.

Pulcheria Reigns

   Some historians maintain that Pulcheria was the only grandchild of Theodosius to take after him his abilities and disposition. She took after him good manners, bravery, and political adeptness. Her strength showed in her early youth. In 412, when she was only fifteen, she convinced her brother of deposing Anthemius, say historians. Likewise, she took up her brother’s education and upbringing: She exerted a lot of effort in having him learn ethics and sciences, such as, the Orthodox creed, charity, and asceticism. She assigned renowned teachers the responsibility of educating her brother.

   She also helped him acquire whatever was necessary for an emperor, such as controlling his emotions, psychological balance, as well as the protocol of the court. This had a great impact on Theodosius’ character: for despite his lack of aptitude, he was serious and respectable. Also, he was kind, merciful, humble, content, and well-mannered. He was interested in engraving, painting, and hunting. In fact, he was called the “calligrapher” due to his good handwriting.

   Yet, as far as governance was concerned, he was quite lazy. So much so, that he would not read the papers he was required to sign! Some historians maintain that Pulcheria wanted to teach him a lesson in that respect. So, she gave him a letter to sign, telling him it was important for the state’s welfare. In that letter, she wrote the following, “I do hereby depose myself and acquit people from my allegiance.” He signed it without reading its content. But, his sister made him read the letter, then tore it up before him that he might be more careful and meticulous in his work.

   Some historians assert that Pulcheria undertook the state’s affairs seriously and diligently. She managed them adeptly. Likewise, she was fair, which is why she was able to overcome seditions and solve problems. Thus, her subjects loved and trusted her. Moreover, Pulcheria took care of arts, sciences, and industries. She was good at both Greek and Latin.

   She was only distracted by the Persians’ raiding of Constantinople’s provinces from 420 to 422. So, Theodosius II mobilized the army, fought their king, stopped his conquests and expelled him from the provinces. War lasted until they made a treaty, and the Persians were ousted.

Eudocia

   In 421, Pulcheria saw that her brother had become successful. So, she started fetching him a virtuous wife, not a rich one. One writer maintains that a pagan philosopher had daughter called Athens. She took knowledge and eloquence after her father. She was also a good writer. She had two brothers who the father had bequeathed all his wealth, leaving nothing to her. Yet, after his death, she needed money and asked her brothers for it. But, they would not give her any. She complained to Pulcheria who admired her sense and sensibility. So much so, that Pulcheria decided to marry her off to her brother. When Theodosius II heard of her, he frequented his sister’s residence. He fell in love with her. They got married after she had been Christianized and her name was changed to Eudocia.

   When her brothers got to know of this marriage, they fled. Yet, she fetched them and appointed them in high positions. Historians maintain that Empress Eudocia was studious, sensible, and open-minded. She wrote a lot.

   After a while, Eudocia yearned to rule the empire, but Pulcheria did not give her the chance. Both women conflicted, which split statesmen into two parties: one supported the sister, and the other the empress. After a while, Pulcheria’s party emerged victorious and she took over. Then, she charged Eudocia of committing adultery with one of the court men. The emperor was infuriated. He suspected his wife, and banished her and the said person. So, she went to Jerusalem where she stayed in seclusion till her death in 460.

   Pulcheria played a great role in the ecumenical council that was held in Ephesus in 431 to try Nestor, the patriarch of Constantinople who deviated from the Orthodox faith. Pope Cyril the Great, the 24th patriarch, (also known as the Pillar of Faith), excommunicated Nestor. Likewise, Pope Dioscorus, the 25th patriarch, played a great role in preserving faith in the second council of Ephesus held in 449, and… Stories will never end in Beautiful Egypt.

General Bishop

Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center