07-10-2011, 08:14 PM
Ave Civitas,
I am working on a story about the battle of Frigidus. My research reveals that Timasius, related to Theodosius's wife, Empress Aelia Flaccilla, was pretty high up in the pecking order.
Theodosius placed him as commander of troops in the campaign against Eugenius and Arbogast.
When the battle was over however, it was Stilicho who chose to keep the legions in the West.
My question is, if Timasius was overall commander and Stilicho a subordinate general, why did Timasius not just say, "Sorry Flav, I'm taking the legions, bye."
My guesses are:
1. Stilicho was made Magister Utriusque Militiae and that put him as supreme commander of the Western legions. However, that still does not give him control of the Eastern legions.
2. Timasius was relieved of command (with the intention of sending him back east) but the orders were overlooked when Theodosius took ill, so had no control over the legions.
Any suggestions, thoughts, sources I may look up?
Thanks again,
Tom
I am working on a story about the battle of Frigidus. My research reveals that Timasius, related to Theodosius's wife, Empress Aelia Flaccilla, was pretty high up in the pecking order.
Theodosius placed him as commander of troops in the campaign against Eugenius and Arbogast.
When the battle was over however, it was Stilicho who chose to keep the legions in the West.
My question is, if Timasius was overall commander and Stilicho a subordinate general, why did Timasius not just say, "Sorry Flav, I'm taking the legions, bye."
My guesses are:
1. Stilicho was made Magister Utriusque Militiae and that put him as supreme commander of the Western legions. However, that still does not give him control of the Eastern legions.
2. Timasius was relieved of command (with the intention of sending him back east) but the orders were overlooked when Theodosius took ill, so had no control over the legions.
Any suggestions, thoughts, sources I may look up?
Thanks again,
Tom
AKA Tom Chelmowski
Historiae Eruditere (if that is proper Latin)
Historiae Eruditere (if that is proper Latin)