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Jovian

(Encyclopedia)Jovian (Flavius Claudius Jovianus) jōˈvēən [key], c.331–364, Roman emperor (363–64). The commander of the imperial guard under Julian the Apostate in his Persian campaign, Jovian was proclaime...

Paulus

(Encyclopedia)Paulus (Julius Paulus) pôlˈəs [key], fl. c.200, Roman jurist. He was extremely prolific and is thought to have written some 300 books. His surviving work displays keen analysis of the opinions of o...

Theodosian Code

(Encyclopedia)Theodosian Code thēˌədōˈshən [key], Latin Codex Theodosianus, Roman legal code, issued in 438 by Theodosius II, emperor of the East. It was at once adopted by Valentinian III, emperor of the Wes...

Symmachus, Quintus Aurelius

(Encyclopedia)Symmachus, Quintus Aurelius sĭmˈəkəs [key], c.345–c.405, Roman government official and orator. Educated in Gaul, he held several official positions, including the consulship in 391. He is best k...

Attila

(Encyclopedia)Attila ətĭlˈə, ătˈələ [key], d. 453, king of the Huns (445–53). After 434 he was coruler with his brother, whom he murdered in 445. In 434, Attila obtained tribute and great concessions for ...

Constantius III

(Encyclopedia)Constantius III, d. 421, Roman emperor of the West (421). In 411, as general of Honorius, he defeated Gerontius and Constantine; thereafter he was the virtual ruler of the West. Aspiring to the hand o...

Valens

(Encyclopedia)Valens väˈlənz [key], c.328–378, Roman emperor of the East (364–78). Brother and coregent of Valentinian I, Valens followed in most respects his brother's policies but, unlike him, embraced Ari...

Galla Placidia

(Encyclopedia)Galla Placidia gălˈə pləsĭdˈēə [key], c.388–450, Roman empress of the West, daughter of Theodosius I. Captured by Alaric I in the course of his Italian campaign, she was held by the Visigoth...

Boniface

(Encyclopedia)Boniface bŏnˈəfās [key], d. 432, Roman general. He defended (413) Marseilles against the Visigoths under Ataulf. Having supported Galla Placidia in her struggle with her brother, Emperor Honorius,...

Ephesus, Council of

(Encyclopedia)Ephesus, Council of, 431, 3d ecumenical council, convened by Theodosius II, emperor of the East, and Valentinian III, emperor of the West, to deal with the controversy over Nestorianism. Adherents of ...

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