Arbogast

AncientGeneralRoman Empire340 — 394

Frankish magister militum, killed Valentinian II.

Compare Arbogast with another historical figure:

Quick Facts

Born

340

Died

394

Country

Roman Empire

Era

Ancient

Occupation

General

Score Overview

Military (10%)73

Political (20%)32

Influence (20%)48

Legacy (20%)40

Leadership (15%)35

Strategy (15%)50

Total Score44.4

Arbogast — Complete Timeline

380 AD

Appointed Magister MilitumPolitical Action◆ Major

Arbogast, a Frankish general, was appointed Magister Militum (Master of Soldiers) in the Western Roman Empire. He effectively controlled the army and became the power behind the throne of the young Emperor Valentinian II.

AppointmentRoman EmpireMilitary

Impact: national

392 AD

Killed Emperor Valentinian IIPolitical Action◆ Major

After a series of conflicts with Valentinian II, Arbogast was implicated in the emperor's death, which was officially ruled a suicide. Arbogast then elevated Eugenius, a Roman rhetorician, as a puppet emperor.

AssassinationRoman EmpirePower Struggle

Impact: nationaldestructive

394 AD

Defeated at the Battle of the FrigidusWar◆ Major

Arbogast and his puppet emperor Eugenius were defeated by the Eastern Roman Emperor Theodosius I at the Battle of the Frigidus. Arbogast committed suicide after the battle, ending his rebellion.

BattleRoman EmpireCivil War

Impact: globaltragic