ABSTRACT
The Roman Empire was radically transformed during the fifth century, which effectively extends from 395 to 518. Theodosius the Great had recognized that simultaneous pressure from Persian kings in the East and migrating German tribes in the West required a continual Imperial presence on both fronts. That and a desire for Imperial unity necessitated sharing the Imperial office between two or more colleagues dynastically linked by marriage, blood, or both. Therefore, Theodosius made one of his two sons emperor in the East and the other emperor in the West when he died in 395.
