The Battle of Frigidus, fought in 394 AD near the Frigidus River (modern-day Vipava Valley, Slovenia), was a decisive conflict between the Eastern Roman Emperor Theodosius I and the Western usurper Eugenius. This battle marked the last significant attempt by pagan forces to resist the Christianizing trend within the Roman Empire. Theodosius, supported by Alaric and his Gothic forces, ultimately triumphed, solidifying Christianity’s dominance in the empire. The victory also led to the consolidation of power under Theodosius, making him the last emperor to rule over both the Eastern and Western Roman Empires.
Battle of the Frigidus: Obscure Turning Point
| Historical event | The Battle of Frigidus |
| Date | September 5–6, 394 AD |
| Location | Near the Frigidus River (modern-day Vipava Valley, Slovenia) |
| Belligerents | Eastern Roman Empire (led by Emperor Theodosius I) vs. Western Roman Empire (led by usurper Eugenius and his general Arbogast) |
| Commanders | Eastern Roman Empire: Theodosius I, Stilicho, and Alaric I (possibly). Western Roman Empire: Eugenius, Arbogast |
| Result | Decisive victory for the Eastern Roman Empire |
| Significance | The defeat of Eugenius and Arbogast secured Theodosius I’s control over the entire Roman Empire. The battle marked the last significant attempt by Pagan forces to challenge Christian dominance in the Roman Empire. |
| Casualties | Heavy on both sides; exact numbers unknown, with the Western forces suffering particularly severe losses. |
Introduction
The Battle of the Frigidus, fought on September 5–6, 394 AD, was a decisive battle between the forces of Roman Emperor Theodosius I and the usurper Eugenius, supported by the Frankish general Arbogast. The battle took place near the Frigidus River (modern-day Vipava River in Slovenia) in the eastern Alps. It was the culmination of a power struggle within the Roman Empire, following the death of Emperor Valentinian II under suspicious circumstances.
Background of the Battle
- (1) In 312, Constantine defeated his rival Maxentius at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge to become emperor of the Roman world. Following a vision just before the battle, Constantine became the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity.
- (2) Throughout the 4th century, many Romans, especially senators, continued to worship pagan gods and to urge the return to polytheism, causing dissension between the eastern and western halves of the empire. The emperor of the eastern half was Theodosius, a fervent proponent of Christianity. The western empire was ruled by Valentinian II.
- (3) When Valentinian was found dead under mysterious circumstances, the western empire passed into the control of a Frankish general named Arbogast, who appointed a new emperor, Eugenius.
- (4) Eugenius was a well-known sympathizer with the Roman aristocrats who favored paganism, appointing a number of them to key government posts. Pagan shrines were restored, and it seemed that a pagan revival was underway.
- (5) Theodosius was determined to quash this development; when diplomatic efforts failed, he organized his army for an invasion of the west, departing Constantinople in May 394 and crossing the Alps unopposed.
The Battle
- (1) The battle began with a headlong attack by Theodosius’s men. Eugenius’s troops stood firm, and the day ended in a standoff.
- (2) On the second day, a tempest supposedly swept through the valley, with the high winds blowing directly into the faces of Eugenius’s army. Our only sources for this battle are Christian ones, which emphasize the role of this storm, claiming that it was so powerful that it blew the arrows of Eugenius’s men back at them. The army of Theodosius was victorious.
- (3) The battle was perceived by contemporaries as a clear victory of the Christian God over the pagan ones, and it resulted in the deaths of many of paganism’s most prominent adherents. Thus, Christianity was firmly established, and as the dominant religion, and the majority of the inhabitants of the Roman Empire converted.
Outcome
- (1) Theodosius I, the Eastern Roman Emperor, emerged victorious. His forces, bolstered by Visigothic allies under Alaric I, decisively defeated the troops of Eugenius and Arbogast.
- (2) After the battle, Eugenius was captured and executed. Arbogast committed suicide shortly after realizing the defeat.
- (3) The victory allowed Theodosius I to reunify the Roman Empire under his rule, ending the civil war and briefly restoring stability. However, this was one of the last times the Roman Empire would be unified, as it would permanently split after Theodosius’s death in 395 AD.
- (4) Theodosius I’s victory also marked a significant moment for Christianity. Eugenius and Arbogast were associated with a revival of traditional Roman paganism, and their defeat was seen as a triumph for Christianity, which Theodosius had been promoting as the state religion.
Conclusion
The Battle of Frigidus had far-reaching consequences. It solidified Theodosius as the sole ruler of a united Roman Empire, and he became the last emperor to rule over both the Eastern and Western Roman Empires. The battle also marked a significant turning point in the struggle between paganism and Christianity within the empire, as Theodosius’ victory reinforced his policies favoring Christianity and led to further suppression of pagan practices.
FAQ about The Battle of Frigidus?
1. What were the main causes of the Battle of Frigidus?
The battle was primarily caused by political and religious tensions. After Emperor Theodosius I declared Christianity the state religion, there was resistance from the pagan factions within the empire, particularly in the Western Roman Empire. The usurper Eugenius, backed by his general Arbogast, sought to restore traditional pagan practices, leading to a conflict with the devoutly Christian Theodosius I.
2. What was the significance of the Battle of Frigidus in the context of the Roman Empire?
The battle was highly significant, as it marked the end of the last major pagan opposition to Christian rule in the Roman Empire. Theodosius I’s victory ensured the dominance of Christianity and the unity of the Roman Empire under a single emperor. It also marked the beginning of the decline of pagan practices within the empire.
3. How did the battle unfold, and what were the key events?
The battle took place over two days. On the first day, Theodosius I’s forces were initially pushed back. However, a strong windstorm, which was later interpreted as divine intervention by Christians, blew against Eugenius’ forces on the second day, turning the tide of battle. Theodosius’ forces launched a counter-attack, leading to the defeat of Eugenius, who was captured and executed. Arbogast committed suicide after realizing the battle was lost.
4. Who were the key figures in the Battle of Frigidus?
The key figures included Theodosius I, the emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire, who led the Christian forces. On the opposing side were Eugenius, the usurper emperor of the Western Roman Empire, and Arbogast, his Frankish general, who was the real power behind the throne. Stilicho, a general under Theodosius, and possibly the Visigothic leader Alaric I, also played significant roles in the battle.
5. What were the consequences of the Battle of Frigidus?
The immediate consequence was the death of Eugenius and Arbogast, leading to Theodosius I’s unchallenged rule over the entire Roman Empire. The victory also solidified the position of Christianity within the empire and marked the decline of paganism. However, the heavy losses weakened the empire’s military, contributing to the challenges the empire would face in the following decades.
