Arcadius

Arcadius became the first Eastern Roman emperor following the permanent division of the Roman Empire after the death of Theodosius I. He ruled the East while his brother Honorius ruled the West, establishing the Byzantine Empire.

Rufinus, the powerful Praetorian Prefect and regent for Arcadius, was murdered by Gothic soldiers loyal to the general Stilicho. This event marked the beginning of the influence of court eunuchs and ministers over Arcadius's reign.

The Gothic general Gainas, who had risen to power in Constantinople, rebelled against Arcadius. Gainas occupied the capital but was eventually defeated and killed by the Roman general Fravitta, ending the threat.