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Flavius BautoRoman general and consul
Country:
 Italy |
Content:
- The Life and Legacy of Bauto
- Early Career and Rise to Prominence
- Lieutenant to Emperor Valentinian II
- Consulship and Influence
- Family and Legacy
- Conclusion
The Life and Legacy of Bauto
Bauto, a renowned Roman general and consul, played a pivotal role in shaping the Roman Empire's history during the 380s.
Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Born a Frank, Bauto's military career began in 380 when Emperor Gratian dispatched him as magister militum to assist Emperor Theodosius I in the East. Theodosius sought to revive the Empire following Emperor Valens' devastating defeat at Adrianople in 378.
Lieutenant to Emperor Valentinian II
In 383, after the assassination of Gratian, his younger brother Valentinian II became emperor. However, Valentinian faced a formidable rival in the usurper Magnus Maximus. Bauto was tasked with repelling Maximus' advances in the West, a mission he accomplished successfully. Given Valentinian's tender age of four, Bauto wielded considerable influence at the imperial court.
Consulship and Influence
By 385, Bauto had been appointed consul. He was an ally of Quintus Aurelius Symmachus and Bishop Ambrose of Milan, with whom he opposed the restoration of the Altar of Victory in the Senate House.
Family and Legacy
Bauto's daughter, Aelia Eudoxia, married Emperor Arcadius, making Bauto the maternal grandfather of Emperor Theodosius II. He passed away sometime before 388.
Conclusion
Bauto's tenure as consul marked the pinnacle of his career. His military prowess and political influence shaped the Roman Empire during a time of instability. His legacy lived on through his daughter, who played a significant role in imperial politics.
