lothia Posted July 10, 2011 Report Share Posted July 10, 2011 Ave Civitas, I am working on a story about the battle of Frigidus. My research reveals that Timasius, related to Theodosius's wife, Empress Aelia Flaccilla, so pretty high up on the pecking order. Theodosius placed him as commander of troops in the campaign against Eugenius and Arbogast. When the battle was over however, it was Stilicho who chose to keep the legions in the West. My question is, if Timasius was overall commander and Stilicho a subordinate general, why did Timasius not just say, "Sorry Flav, I'm taking the legions, bye." My guesses are: 1. Stilicho was made Magister Utriusque Militiae and that put him as supreme commander of the Western legions. However, that still does not give him control of the Eastern legions. 2. Timasius was relieved of command (with the intention of sending him back east) but the orders were overlooked when Theodosius took ill, so had no control over the legions. Any suggestions, thoughts, sources I may look up? Thanks again, Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sonic Posted July 10, 2011 Report Share Posted July 10, 2011 Ave Civitas, I am working on a story about the battle of Frigidus. My research reveals that Timasius, related to Theodosius's wife, Empress Aelia Flaccilla, so pretty high up on the pecking order. Theodosius placed him as commander of troops in the campaign against Eugenius and Arbogast. When the battle was over however, it was Stilicho who chose to keep the legions in the West. My question is, if Timasius was overall commander and Stilicho a subordinate general, why did Timasius not just say, "Sorry Flav, I'm taking the legions, bye." My guesses are: 1. Stilicho was made Magister Utriusque Militiae and that put him as supreme commander of the Western legions. However, that still does not give him control of the Eastern legions. 2. Timasius was relieved of command (with the intention of sending him back east) but the orders were overlooked when Theodosius took ill, so had no control over the legions. Any suggestions, thoughts, sources I may look up? Thanks again, Tom Very briefly, it is possible, though unattested, that immediately after the conquest Timasius was ordered to return East by Theodosius (before Theodosius' death). Shortly before Theodosius died, Stilicho was made parens (guardian) of Honorius in the West. If Timasius was still in the West, as both Honorius and Stilicho were now of a higher rank than Timasius, Timasius had no choice but to follow their orders and he was returned East. Stilicho Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Viggen Posted July 10, 2011 Report Share Posted July 10, 2011 sonic is too modest, he is the author of the book Stilicho, just in case people that read here dont know... Here our review by Prof. Matyzak http://www.unrv.com/...ew/stilicho.php and an interview with him.. http://www.unrv.com/...-ian-hughes.php Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lothia Posted July 11, 2011 Author Report Share Posted July 11, 2011 Ave Civitas, Thank you very much for your response. Sonic, I appreciate your comment, and it is something I had not considered. Thank you for your time, and I will read your book. Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.