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DesideriusRoman statesman of the mid-4th century.
Country:
 Italy |
Content:
- Desiderius: A Roman Statesman in the Mid-Fourth Century
- Tenure as Vicar
- Codex Theodosianus and Imperial Recognition
- Legacy
Desiderius: A Roman Statesman in the Mid-Fourth Century
Early Life and AppointmentDesiderius, a Roman statesman of the mid-fourth century, served as a vicarius under the usurper Magnus Maximus. The specific region over which he held authority is not known with certainty, with possibilities including Spain, Britain, or Gaul.
Tenure as Vicar
Desiderius's tenure as vicar began with his appointment by Magnus Maximus. The exact timeframe of his office is not recorded, but it is likely to have ended with the fall of Maximus in 388 AD.
Codex Theodosianus and Imperial Recognition
A law preserved in the Codex Theodosianus, dated July 11, 385 AD, is addressed to Desiderius by Emperors Valentinian II, Theodosius, and Arcadius. At this time, Magnus Maximus was officially recognized as a co-emperor by these rulers, hence the inclusion of a law addressed to his appointed vicar.
Legacy
Although the details of Desiderius's life and career are limited, the Codex Theodosianus provides evidence of his official status and the broad authority he wielded during the reign of Magnus Maximus. His legacy remains a testament to the complex and turbulent political landscape of the Roman Empire in the late fourth century.
