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Flavius ArinfeusRoman military leader
Date of Birth: .
Country:  Italy |
Content:
- Arintheus: Roman General and Statesman
- Campaigns of Julian and Jovian
- Service under Valens
- Gothic Wars
- Armenian Campaigns
- Consulship and Death
Arintheus: Roman General and Statesman
Early Life and Military ServiceArintheus was a Roman military commander and statesman who played a significant role in the late 4th century. His origins are unknown, but he began his military career around 355 as a tribune in Raetia. He participated in Emperor Constantius II's campaigns against the Alemanni in Gaul and the Goths.
Campaigns of Julian and Jovian
In 361, Arintheus accompanied Constantius in his ill-fated campaign against Julian, the Caesar of Gaul. After Constantius' death, Arintheus participated in Julian's Persian expedition in 363, commanding cavalry and leading a force to plunder the outskirts of Ctesiphon.
Following Julian's death, Arintheus and other courtiers sought to succeed him. They eventually settled on Saturninius Secundus Salutius, who declined the imperial title. They then proclaimed Jovian emperor.
Jovian retained Julian's military commanders, appointing Arintheus and Salutius as ambassadors to negotiate a peace treaty with King Shapur II of Persia. Arintheus was later dispatched to Gaul to confirm the appointment of Flavius Jovinus as Magister Equitum.
Service under Valens
Arintheus contributed to the accession of Valentinian I in 364. He served under Valens, Valentinian's co-emperor, in suppressing the revolt of Procopius. In 366, he was appointed Magister Peditum, a post he held until 378.
Gothic Wars
Arintheus participated in the Gothic War of 367-369. In 368, he captured several Gothic families who had failed to retreat into the mountains. In 369, he negotiated with the Gothic leader Athanaric.
Armenian Campaigns
In 370, Arintheus led an army into Armenia to restore King Papas to the throne and assist him against Sassanid raids. His presence deterred Shapur II from invasion.
Consulship and Death
In 372, Arintheus became consul alongside Domitius Modestus. He died in 378 at a young age, according to Basil the Great, with whom he corresponded. He was baptized on his deathbed and may have opposed Valens' Arianism. Arintheus had a daughter and a son named Amphilochius. He may have owned the eunuch Eutropius, who later became influential at the Eastern Roman court.
