7 Questions
What was Stilicho's intention in planning a wedding between his son and Galla Placidia?
To place his offspring on one of the imperial thrones.
Who did Galla Placidia marry in a Roman ceremony after being captured by the Goths?
Athaulf.
What did Athaulf wish to do in regards to Rome?
Restore it rather than replace it with Gothia.
What was the name of the son born to Athaulf and Galla Placidia?
Theodosius.
Who was the successor of Athaulf, who murdered him and publicly humiliated Galla Placidia?
Sigerich.
Who did Galla Placidia eventually marry, who was initially reluctant and compelled by her brother's command?
Fl. Constantius.
Who was proclaimed as Augusta jointly by her husband and her brother after Constantius was proclaimed as Augustus?
Galla Placidia.
Study Notes
The Royal Weddings and Political Intrigue of Galla Placidia
- Stilicho planned a wedding between his son and Galla Placidia, the emperor's sister, with the intention of placing his offspring on one of the imperial thrones.
- Galla Placidia shared her brother's loathing of marriages between close relations and consented to the execution of her aunt and prospective mother-in-law Serena.
- Galla Placidia was captured by the Goths in the next year after Alaric's second siege of Rome and eventually married Alaric's successor Athaulf in a Roman ceremony.
- Athaulf wished to restore Rome rather than replace it with Gothia, which was supported by the wedding ceremony and its aftermath.
- The couple had a son named Theodosius who died soon after birth, fulfilling a prophecy.
- Athaulf was murdered, and Galla Placidia was publicly humiliated by his successor, Sigerich, before being restored to the Romans by Valia.
- Fl. Constantius married Galla Placidia, who was initially reluctant and compelled by her brother's command, and the couple had two children.
- In 421, Constantius was proclaimed as Augustus, and Galla Placidia was proclaimed Augusta jointly by her husband and her brother.
- After the death of Honorius, the usurper Johannes seized the throne in 423, and Placidia was proclaimed a second time as a widow and regent for her son Valentinian III.
- Galla Placidia's eastern nieces, the three surviving daughters of Arcadius, had a different fate, with the eldest, Aelia Pulcheria, being proclaimed August at the age of fifteen and living a life of religious devotion with her sisters.
- Stilicho's plan to place his offspring on the imperial throne led to his downfall and the ruin of his family.
- The political intrigue surrounding the royal weddings and the desire for power and influence in the Roman Empire played a significant role in the lives of Galla Placidia and those around her.
Test your knowledge of the fascinating royal weddings and political intrigue of Galla Placidia, the sister of the Roman emperor. From the controversial marriage proposals to the unexpected alliances, this quiz will challenge you to recall the twists and turns of this historical period. Discover the key players, their motivations, and the impact of their actions on the Roman Empire. Keywords: Roman Empire, Galla Placidia, royal weddings, political intrigue, Stilicho, Athaulf, Valentinian III,
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