Arcadius vs Libius Severus

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.

After the death of Majorian, the magister militum Ricimer proclaimed Libius Severus as Western Roman Emperor. Severus was a senator with no significant military or political experience, and his reign was entirely controlled by Ricimer.

During Severus's reign, the Western Roman Empire lost effective control over several provinces. The Eastern Emperor Leo I refused to recognize him, and the general Aegidius established an independent domain in Gaul, further fragmenting imperial authority.

Libius Severus died, possibly poisoned by Ricimer, after a reign of four years. His death left the Western imperial throne vacant for two years, as Ricimer did not immediately appoint a successor, highlighting the powerlessness of the emperor.