Definition

Proper noun: - Theodosius I (Flavius Theodosius): The last emperor to rule over both the eastern and western halves of the Roman Empire as a united entity. He is noted for making Christianity the state religion of the Roman Empire and for decisively ending traditional pagan worship.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • Theodosius the Great issued the Edict of Thessalonica in 380 AD, declaring Nicene Christianity the official state religion.
  • After the death of Theodosius the Great in 395, the Roman Empire was permanently divided between his two sons.
  • Historians credit Theodosius the Great with the final suppression of pagan rituals and the closing of temples.

Advanced Usage

• "The Theodosian Code": Refers to a major compilation of Roman laws commissioned by Theodosius II, the grandson of Theodosius the Great. While not directly created by him, it bears the family name and his policies influenced later legal codes.
  • Scholars study the Theodosian Code to understand late Roman law and society.

Variants and Related Words

• Theodosius I: The more formal historical name for Theodosius the Great.
• Flavius Theodosius: His full Roman name.
• Theodosian Dynasty: The imperial family he founded, which ruled the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire for several generations.

Synonyms

• Theodosius I (primary synonym)
• Emperor Theodosius

Related Phrases

• "Age of Theodosius": A phrase sometimes used by historians to describe the late 4th century, characterized by the consolidation of Christianity and the beginning of the empire's final political division.
  • The architecture of the Age of Theodosius shows a transition from classical Roman to early Byzantine styles.

Noun

1. the last emperor of a united Roman Empire, he took control of the eastern empire and ended the war with the Visigoths; he became a Christian and in 391 banned all forms of pagan worship (346-395)