Theodosius II vs Vitellius

Theodosius II ordered the construction of the Theodosian Walls, a massive triple fortification system that protected Constantinople. The walls were built under the direction of the praetorian prefect Anthemius. They successfully defended the city from numerous sieges for over a thousand years.

Theodosius II founded the Pandidakterion, a state-sponsored university in Constantinople. The institution had 31 chairs for Greek and Latin grammar, rhetoric, philosophy, and law. It became a major center of learning and preserved classical knowledge during the early Middle Ages.

Theodosius II oversaw the compilation of the Theodosian Code, a collection of Roman laws since the reign of Constantine I. The code was published in the Eastern and Western Roman Empires, standardizing legal practices and influencing later legal systems, including the Justinian Code.

Theodosius II's reign faced repeated invasions by the Huns under Attila. The Huns ravaged the Balkans and forced the Eastern Roman Empire to pay heavy tribute. Theodosius's policy of appeasement and payment of tribute was criticized but bought time for the empire.

Vitellius's forces defeated Otho's army at the First Battle of Bedriacum. The victory allowed Vitellius to enter Rome and be recognized as emperor by the Senate. His reign was marked by lavish spending and unpopularity.

Vitellius was proclaimed emperor by his troops in Germania Inferior after the death of Galba. He was the governor of the province and had the support of the Rhine legions. His claim was challenged by Otho, leading to civil war.

Vitellius was captured and killed by Vespasian's supporters in Rome. He was dragged through the streets and executed, and his body was thrown into the Tiber. His death ended the Year of the Four Emperors and established the Flavian dynasty.