Cambridge Ancient Hi.. - Index of

36 2. the eastern empire: theodosius to anastasius
the effect of deflecting criticism from the emperor. 20 Similarly, although his
non-involvement in military campaigning curtailed his contact with the
army and risked leaving him more vulnerable to military usurpation, it also
had the important benefit of shielding him from the political (and possible
physical) consequences of military defeat, and so played its part in his survival
and that of his office. 21
At the same time Theodosius was quick to capitalize on anything which
could be presented as a success on the part of his armies. The Persian war
of 421–2, which may in part have been embraced anyway for its potential
political benefits for the unmilitary Theodosius, 22 quickly became the
subject of a flurry of celebratory poetry even though the war itself ended
in stalemate, while news of the success of eastern troops against the
western usurper John in 425 was the occasion for the emperor to lead an
impromptu procession of thanksgiving through the capital. 23 Theodosius’
participation in hunting is surely also significant in this context: in earlier
centuries, hunting, as the sport most closely allied to warfare, had been a
way for unwarlike emperors to offset any stigma arising from their lack of
involvement in military affairs. 24
But though victory had always been an important element in the projection
of a strong image by emperors, it was, fortunately, not the only imperial
virtue available for exploitation. 25 Philanthropia was another which
Theodosius could be seen exercising, 26 while his renowned reluctance to
impose capital punishment secured his claim to clementia. 27 But it was pietas,
an attribute with a respectable pedigree going back to Augustus, 28 and given
fresh significance more recently by Christianity, which through the
influence of the devout Pulcheria and in the hands of contemporary
writers became the keynote of the Theodosian court. There is no reason
to doubt Theodosius’ personal sincerity in this area, but in a society where
asceticism was accorded great respect there were also clear political advantages
to be gained from advertising this aspect of the emperor’s behaviour
– his regular fasting, self-denial of comforts, daily devotions and memorizing
of the scriptures – and the stories which circulated concerning the
role of the emperor’s prayers in achieving military success served to
confirm that such piety was an attribute of real consequence. 29 It was to
20 Cf. Hopkins (1978) 196. 21 Cf. Whitby (1992).
22 Liebeschuetz, Barbarians and Bishops 129.
23 Soc. HE vii.21.7–10, 23.11–12; John Ant. fr. 195 (�FHG iv.613). Cf. Chron. Pasch. p.579 which
reports the formal announcement in the capital of a Roman success during the Persian war of 421–2.
24 Theodosius’ hunting: John Ant. fr. 194 (�FHG iv.612); Theodore Lector, HE 353 (Hansen p.
100.4); earlier centuries: Charlesworth (1943) 4.
25 Charlesworth (1937), with Wallace-Hadrill (1981).
26 Notably in subventions towards the costs of public building projects in provincial cities: Nov.Th.
23 (443) (Heraclea Salbake, Caria: see Roueché (1986)); cf. Marcell. Chron. s.a. 436 (Cyzicus).
27 Soc. HE vii.22.9–11. 28 Charlesworth (1943).
29 Soc. HE vii.22.4–7, 23.9; Harries (1994).
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