Scimyst
Subscribe
  • Home
  • Discoveries
    • All
    • 1001 Mysteries
    • Aliens & UFOs
    • Animal World
    • Archaeology
    • Biology
    • Doomsday
    • Famous Landmarks
    • History
    • Mars Exploration
    • Military Science
    • Oceanography
    • Science Q&A
    • Scientific Discoveries
    • Space Science
    • Why
    • World Figures
    • World Wonders
    thanh pho trang 650

    The Lost City of 500 Years Containing Flesh-Eating Parasites

    creating the worlds first plasma lamp not using a wire just throw it away 133669

    Creating the world’s most durable plasma lamp that doesn’t “take a break” after a few days of use

    which country suffers the most natural disasters in the world every year 136695

    Which country suffers the most natural disasters in the world, “experiencing” the most super typhoons each year?

    strange spc exoplanet

    10 Most Strange Things of the Universe

    thuan tay trai 650

    Left-Handed People and 16 “Shocking” Facts

    cham do ben khoe mieng 650

    The Secret of the Two Red Dots at the Corner of the Mouth of the Tang Dynasty Concubine

    tinh van con cua 650

    Revealing Unseen Images of the Crab Nebula through the James Webb Space Telescope

    cau hon o phap 650

    Banning Bathing, Forcing Tears, and Strange Wedding Customs Around the World

    isaac Newton1

    10 Famous Inventions of Isaac Newton

    Trending Tags

    • Events
      • All
      • Science Stories
      • Scientific Projects

      Tonight announces the Ig Nobel Prize winners

      frog

      Frog Wins Ig Nobel Prize 2005

      canhcutIg

      Life is Not Lacking in Quirks

      Nobel Prize in Medicine 2005: A Modern Fairy Tale

      10 Weird Inventions Awarded the Ig Nobel Prize 2005

      nobelKT

      Why Did They Win the Nobel Prize in Economics?

      giaydientu

      “Electronic Paper” Set to Appear on the Market

      Development of Science and Technology in the South Central Coast and Central Highlands Provinces

      a russian scientist loves vietnam 1659

      A Russian Scientist Who Loves Vietnam

    • Lifestyle
      • All
      • Environment
      • Medicine & Health
      tdnong

      Global warming may be the cause of major storms

      traxanh1

      Green tea has effects against dementia

      Discovery of Cancer-Preventing Genes in the Human Body

      Khachdulich Indonesia

      Avian influenza harms tourism more than terrorism

      nao

      Lying – A Disease of People with Brain Defects

      cafe

      Coffee May Prevent Cancer

      tebaocum

      Recreating the ‘Death’ Flu Virus of 1918

      Indo ban

      The whole world unites to fight avian influenza

      HIV aids

      The Mystery of AIDS Epidemic

      Trending Tags

      • Technology
        • All
        • AI - Artificial Intelligence
        • Computer Science
        • New Technology
        • Scientific Inventions
        top apps explore space solar system on pc 98000

        Top Applications for Exploring the Universe and Solar System on PC

        vai dien tu 650

        Soon there will be data-transmitting clothing

        sua loi khong vao dc coc coc 650

        Why can’t Cốc Cốc download videos to the computer?

        may tinh cu 1

        17 Things You Can Do with an Old Computer

        play free games super fun on android devices 54708

        Play Extremely Fun Free Games on Android Devices

        top 10 best weather apps on android 98127

        Top 10 Best Astronomy Apps on Android

        canh tay robot 650

        Robot system helps neutralize mines

        trang trai noi o rotterdam 650

        Modern Cities Combining Gardens and Cattle Farms

        city tree 650

        “High-tech” trees can purify polluted air

      • Cultural Heritage
        ai cap 650

        The Ruins of Memphis & the Pyramid Complex from Giza to Dahshur – Egypt

        khao co 650

        Prehistoric Archaeological Sites in the Dordogne Valley and Caves in the Vézère Valley – France

        baroque churches philippines 67188

        Baroque Churches – Philippines

        mont saint michel france 67265

        Mont Saint Michel Island – France

        acropolis bracelet in athens greece 67621

        Acropolis Fortress in Athens – Greece

        language mo tan thuy hoang china 67087

        Tomb of Qin Shi Huang – China

        historical city ayutthaya 67804

        Historical City of Ayutthaya

        historical city ayutthaya 67804 2

        Historic City of Ayutthaya

        mesa verde national park 67201

        Mesa Verde National Park – United States of America

        Trending Tags

        • Entertainment
          • All
          • Photo Library
          • Videos

          Honesty

          Telephone

          Advanced Technology

          Terminal Illness

          Allergy

          Love Like Mars

          Super Definition

          Coi Sách

          Selling Candy

        No Result
        View All Result
        Scimyst
        • Home
        • Discoveries
          • All
          • 1001 Mysteries
          • Aliens & UFOs
          • Animal World
          • Archaeology
          • Biology
          • Doomsday
          • Famous Landmarks
          • History
          • Mars Exploration
          • Military Science
          • Oceanography
          • Science Q&A
          • Scientific Discoveries
          • Space Science
          • Why
          • World Figures
          • World Wonders
          thanh pho trang 650

          The Lost City of 500 Years Containing Flesh-Eating Parasites

          creating the worlds first plasma lamp not using a wire just throw it away 133669

          Creating the world’s most durable plasma lamp that doesn’t “take a break” after a few days of use

          which country suffers the most natural disasters in the world every year 136695

          Which country suffers the most natural disasters in the world, “experiencing” the most super typhoons each year?

          strange spc exoplanet

          10 Most Strange Things of the Universe

          thuan tay trai 650

          Left-Handed People and 16 “Shocking” Facts

          cham do ben khoe mieng 650

          The Secret of the Two Red Dots at the Corner of the Mouth of the Tang Dynasty Concubine

          tinh van con cua 650

          Revealing Unseen Images of the Crab Nebula through the James Webb Space Telescope

          cau hon o phap 650

          Banning Bathing, Forcing Tears, and Strange Wedding Customs Around the World

          isaac Newton1

          10 Famous Inventions of Isaac Newton

          Trending Tags

          • Events
            • All
            • Science Stories
            • Scientific Projects

            Tonight announces the Ig Nobel Prize winners

            frog

            Frog Wins Ig Nobel Prize 2005

            canhcutIg

            Life is Not Lacking in Quirks

            Nobel Prize in Medicine 2005: A Modern Fairy Tale

            10 Weird Inventions Awarded the Ig Nobel Prize 2005

            nobelKT

            Why Did They Win the Nobel Prize in Economics?

            giaydientu

            “Electronic Paper” Set to Appear on the Market

            Development of Science and Technology in the South Central Coast and Central Highlands Provinces

            a russian scientist loves vietnam 1659

            A Russian Scientist Who Loves Vietnam

          • Lifestyle
            • All
            • Environment
            • Medicine & Health
            tdnong

            Global warming may be the cause of major storms

            traxanh1

            Green tea has effects against dementia

            Discovery of Cancer-Preventing Genes in the Human Body

            Khachdulich Indonesia

            Avian influenza harms tourism more than terrorism

            nao

            Lying – A Disease of People with Brain Defects

            cafe

            Coffee May Prevent Cancer

            tebaocum

            Recreating the ‘Death’ Flu Virus of 1918

            Indo ban

            The whole world unites to fight avian influenza

            HIV aids

            The Mystery of AIDS Epidemic

            Trending Tags

            • Technology
              • All
              • AI - Artificial Intelligence
              • Computer Science
              • New Technology
              • Scientific Inventions
              top apps explore space solar system on pc 98000

              Top Applications for Exploring the Universe and Solar System on PC

              vai dien tu 650

              Soon there will be data-transmitting clothing

              sua loi khong vao dc coc coc 650

              Why can’t Cốc Cốc download videos to the computer?

              may tinh cu 1

              17 Things You Can Do with an Old Computer

              play free games super fun on android devices 54708

              Play Extremely Fun Free Games on Android Devices

              top 10 best weather apps on android 98127

              Top 10 Best Astronomy Apps on Android

              canh tay robot 650

              Robot system helps neutralize mines

              trang trai noi o rotterdam 650

              Modern Cities Combining Gardens and Cattle Farms

              city tree 650

              “High-tech” trees can purify polluted air

            • Cultural Heritage
              ai cap 650

              The Ruins of Memphis & the Pyramid Complex from Giza to Dahshur – Egypt

              khao co 650

              Prehistoric Archaeological Sites in the Dordogne Valley and Caves in the Vézère Valley – France

              baroque churches philippines 67188

              Baroque Churches – Philippines

              mont saint michel france 67265

              Mont Saint Michel Island – France

              acropolis bracelet in athens greece 67621

              Acropolis Fortress in Athens – Greece

              language mo tan thuy hoang china 67087

              Tomb of Qin Shi Huang – China

              historical city ayutthaya 67804

              Historical City of Ayutthaya

              historical city ayutthaya 67804 2

              Historic City of Ayutthaya

              mesa verde national park 67201

              Mesa Verde National Park – United States of America

              Trending Tags

              • Entertainment
                • All
                • Photo Library
                • Videos

                Honesty

                Telephone

                Advanced Technology

                Terminal Illness

                Allergy

                Love Like Mars

                Super Definition

                Coi Sách

                Selling Candy

              No Result
              View All Result
              Scimyst
              No Result
              View All Result
              Home Events Science Stories

              Recent research clears Galla Placidia of accusations

              by Sci
              March 9, 2023
              in Science Stories
              0
              Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

              The Roman historical records depict Galla Placidia as a treacherous woman, consorting with enemies, “bringing elephants to trample on her ancestors’ graves”, and steering the Western Roman Empire towards its demise.

              However, recent in-depth studies of this most maligned queen have yielded contrary results. She not only endured a more tumultuous life than anyone else but was also a remarkable ruler.

              The Age of Turmoil

              Galla Placidia 1
              Galla Placidia deserves recognition as a brilliant leader of the Western Roman Empire. (Image: Scala, Firenze).

              Galla Placidia (? – 450) was the daughter of Emperor Theodosius I (347 – 395), the first and last ruler of the Theodosian Dynasty. As a child, the princess was betrothed to Eucherius, the son of General Stilicho at court.

              Placidia grew up in the palace of Constantinople, Istanbul (now in Turkey). Starting from 388, after stabilizing the Eastern Roman Empire, Theodosius I led military campaigns to conquer the Western Roman Empire. In 394, he defeated the king of the western half, unifying Rome.

              Before the division into Eastern and Western halves, Rome experienced a golden age. The city of Rome was a magnificent capital with grand palaces, 46,600 multi-story buildings, 1,800 castles, 856 public baths, 28 libraries, 10 massive aqueducts, 1,300 fountains, and an extensive road system, housing a population of millions.

              However, everything changed after 200. War and turmoil nearly halved the population of Rome, leading to rampant lawlessness.

              After unifying Rome, Theodosius I declared Christianity the state religion, allowing the suppression of all other religions, igniting the most brutal “cultural war”. Throughout 392, fanatical Christian mobs rampaged, destroying pagan temples, including the Temple of Olympia and the Statue of Zeus.

              In 395, Emperor Theodosius I passed away. Rome was once again divided into two halves, with the East governed by Prince Arcadius and the West overseen by the adolescent Prince Honorius. Princess Placidia was ordered to leave Istanbul and move to Rome.

              In 401, the Western Roman Emperor, Honorius, relocated to the port city of Ravenna, establishing his capital. This young king was notorious for his incompetence and vanity. In 404, Honorius claimed credit for General Stilicho’s accomplishments and held lavish celebrations on the Capitoline Hill. From that point on, relations between Honorius and his court deteriorated.

              In 408, Honorius executed Stilicho and Eucherius out of suspicion. The king also ignored conflicts within the military between Roman soldiers and hired Gothic troops, disregarding the food supply agreement that Theodosius I had signed for an alliance with the Goths. Out of dissatisfaction, the contemporary Gothic king, Alaric I (370 – 410), led around 180,000 soldiers and civilians to besiege Rome.

              The Princess as “Spoils of War”

              hoang de alaric i
              Portrait of Emperor Alaric I, who made Placidia a “princess of spoils”.

              Galla Placidia
              Portrait of the “Gothic Queen” – Galla Placidia. (Image: Alamy – Wikipedia.org)

              In early 410, Rome was densely populated with Gothic soldiers. For three months, they besieged 12 city gates and halted all transport on the Tiber River. Initially, the citizens of the city were not overly panicked, believing Emperor Honorius would intervene. Unexpectedly, Honorius did nothing.

              After a prolonged siege, Rome fell into a state of famine. The citizens suffered so much that bodies piled up in the streets. Plagues also spread.

              Princess Placidia, who had previously gone unnoticed, suddenly became the “brains of Rome” simply by residing within the city. Rumors such as “the princess colluding with the Goths,” “the princess inherited the cruelty of her father,” “the princess seeks to seize power”… spread widely.

              Faced with the threat of starvation, the Roman Senate was forced to pay Emperor Alaric I 42 wagons of treasure. The Goths accepted this but did not withdraw, instead increasing their forces.

              The only reason Alaric I hesitated to attack was his religious fervor. He feared that causing bloodshed in sacred Rome would bring divine punishment. Despite his strong military, he hoped to resolve the conflict through a favorable agreement for his people.

              Contrary to Alaric I’s expectations, Emperor Honorius had deliberately abandoned Rome from the start. In the summer of 410, the Goths began to run out of supplies. With no other option, Alaric I commanded an attack.

              Rome fell immediately. In just three days, the Goths searched and looted all the treasures of Rome. Princess Placidia, at this time in her twenties, was captured as a spoils of war.

              After three days of looting, Alaric I led his troops and civilians along with the “living spoils” out of Rome. Upon hearing the news, Emperor Honorius breathed a sigh of relief, as the Goths had spared the capital, Ravenna.

              The Empress of Unity

              Just a few months after leaving Rome, Alaric I fell gravely ill and passed away. The Goths buried him in the southern regions of Rome, where they were encroaching. Athaulf (370 – 415), Alaric I’s brother-in-law, was unanimously chosen to ascend the throne.

              Emperor Athaulf was known for his strategic mind, youth, and good looks. In January 414, he suddenly announced his marriage to the “spoils of war princess” – Placidia. Throughout the four years prior and the months leading up to his ascension, Athaulf had always overseen Placidia.

              He had also humiliated Placidia upon her capture by making the princess sit in an uncovered wagon, announcing to all the places the Goths passed through that “this is the fallen princess of Rome.”

              The Goths were nomadic like the Mongols, moving and pillaging continuously. Perhaps, after being “treated specially” for some time, Placidia was also regarded as a member of this “mobile nation.”

              In ancient times, Romans had a prejudice that “Goths are barbarians.” According to historians’ conjectures, Placidia, having shared hardships with them for a long time, might have seen things differently.

              Before the Gothic soldiers and civilians, Emperor Athaulf expressed his desire to marry Placidia because “she is nobler, more beautiful, and purer than any woman.” The Goths supported their king and organized the most extravagant wedding in Narbonne, Gaul (modern-day France), inviting numerous Roman and Gothic nobles to attend.

              On the wedding day, Placidia wore a royal silk gown of the Goths while Athaulf donned Roman general’s armor. The king and queen declared the unification of Rome and the Goths, ending the war and nomadism, and establishing a peaceful nation for both Gothic and Roman citizens.

              “I trust and wish to heed the advice of the queen, the wisest and most pious woman in the world,” Athaulf said. On their wedding day, the king gifted the queen 50 young men as bodyguards, each dressed in luxurious silk garments, carrying two large plates, one filled with gold and one with precious stones (all spoils from Rome). Not long after, Placidia gave birth to a prince, naming him after his grandfather – Theodosius.

              Only a few months later, Theodosius died. In 415, Athaulf was assassinated. After several coups, Sigeric, the brother of General Sarus, who was likely the mastermind behind Athaulf’s assassination, ascended to the throne. Fearing repercussions, Sigeric killed all of Athaulf’s children (from a previous marriage).

              Queen Placidia was spared execution because of her <em“Roman bloodline” (the Sarus and Sigeric brothers had cordial relations with Emperor Honorius), but she was still publicly ridiculed for a distance of 12 miles. Ultimately, Sigeric used her as a bargaining chip with Honorius, exchanging her for grain.

              Queen Placidia and Emperor Athaulf
              Queen Placidia and Emperor Athaulf ushered in a brief period of peace between the Goths and the Romans. (Image: Alamy)

              The All-Powerful Regent

              Upon returning to the Western Roman Empire, Placidia was forced by Emperor Honorius to marry the infamous, deceitful, and aged general – Constantius. The former Gothic queen vehemently opposed this, but could not change the situation.

              Honorius held Constantius in high regard, even granting him the highest title of Augusta in 421.

              Placidia had two children with Constantius, Honoria and Valentinian. Since Emperor Honorius had no offspring, Valentinian, Placidia’s son, naturally became the heir to the throne. From 417, two years before Valentinian’s birth, Placidia initiated the construction of the royal church in Ravenna – Santa Croce.

              While the exterior of Santa Croce seemed rather ordinary, its interior was adorned magnificently. Quickly, this church attracted nobility from all over, helping Placidia build an extensive network of relationships and subtly consolidate her power.

              Just a few months after being named Augusta, Constantius died of illness. Emperor Honorius, with his suspicious nature, once again turned against Placidia, exiling her from Ravenna.

              Not long after expelling Placidia from Ravenna, Honorius fell ill and died at the age of 38. Before passing, the emperor bequeathed the throne to Joannes, a court official he trusted most.

              Joannes did not possess the bloodline of the Theodosian dynasty, leading to public outcry. Immediately, Placidia mobilized her network of influence established during her time at Santa Croce, sending news and pleas for help to the Eastern Roman Empire, where her nephew, the son of her brother Arcadius – Emperor Theodosius II – was in power.

              Theodosius II quickly dispatched a formidable army to the Western Roman Empire, assisting Placidia and her two young children in reclaiming the palace in Ravenna. Following this event, Placidia not only successfully placed her six-year-old son on the throne but also took over the title of Augusta of her late husband, becoming the regent.

              For the next 10 years, Regent Placidia served as a steadfast support for the young Emperor Valentinian III. She established national laws, cared for the daily lives of the people, and continuously reformed the legal system to align with the changing times.

              In 437, as Valentinian III came of age, Placidia stepped down from her regency but remained her son’s most reliable advisor. She was actively involved in religious affairs and earned the respect of theologians and popes.

              Beyond Ravenna, Placidia also focused on Rome, allocating substantial budgets and assistance.

              • The Vibrant Ancient Villages of a Civilization That Lasted 8,000 Years
              • Two Massive Projects from Saudi Arabia: Technology That Is Both Comprehensive and Unbelievably Grand!
              • The World’s Largest Transport Aircraft Takes Off Again in Simulation
              Tags: Emperor Theodosius IQueen Galla Placidiathe life of Queen Galla Placidiathe Theodosian dynasty
              Next Post
              rescue helping researchers with the intention of preserving ancient ruins 126274

              Sheep help Italian archaeologists preserve ancient ruins

              12 years ago there was an earthquake that tilted the earths axis 126275

              12 years ago, there was an earthquake that tilted the Earth's axis

              indonesia new capital city of the future 126276

              New Capital of Indonesia - City of the Future

              Leave a Reply Cancel reply

              Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

              FEATURED POST

              the mystery of the mummified woman misidentified as an egyptian pharaoh 129359

              The Mystery of the Mummy of the Woman Mistaken for the Pharaoh of Egypt

              space monsters in mythology first appearance 129358

              Cosmic Monster ‘in Legend’ Appears for the First Time

              the most dangerous coastline in the world haunting the dreams of mangrove forests 108247

              The world’s most dangerous strait – The haunting toll measured in sailors’ lives

              10 amazing natural phenomena that challenge science 60818

              23 Mysterious Natural Phenomena That Challenge Science

              TRENDING

              nguoi ai cap co dai 650
              Scientific Discoveries

              What Race Are the Egyptians Ultimately? Why Are They Different from Today’s Africans?

              bit flip strange phenomenon originating from space
              Space Science

              Bit Flip: A Strange Phenomenon Originating from Outer Space

              grand canyon mysterious area ancient egyptian ruins of the united states 133940
              1001 Mysteries

              Grand Canyon, the mysterious area containing ancient Egyptian relics of the United States

              why the acid in the human stomach is similar to the acid in carnivorous animals 136174
              Why

              Why is the acidity of human stomachs similar to that of scavenger species?

              EDITOR PICK'S

              What Race Are the Egyptians Ultimately? Why Are They Different from Today’s Africans?

              No Tunnels, No Supports: China Stuns the World with a Bridge that Floats like Silk on the River

              If it’s so hot, why don’t people in Europe install air conditioning?

              20 Famous Inventions of Ancient China

              Why is the Earth’s core still hot after billions of years?

              Exploring Xiaozhai Tiankeng – the deepest sinkhole in the world!

              The secret behind Saudi Arabia’s artificial rain technology: A breakthrough in weather!

              Newsletter

              THE MOST IMPORTANT WORLD NEWS AND EVENTS OF THE DAY

              Subscribe to our mailing list to receives daily updates direct to your inbox!

              Category

              • 1001 Mysteries
              • AI – Artificial Intelligence
              • Aliens & UFOs
              • Animal World
              • Antibiotic Resistance
              • Archaeology
              • Bacteria & Insects
              • Biology
              • Biotechnology
              • Climate & Weather

              Site Link

              • Log in
              • Entries feed
              • Comments feed
              • WordPress.org

              About Us

              At Scimyst, we uncover the wonders of science, history, and culture. From ancient mysteries to modern innovations, our stories inspire curiosity and connect you to the fascinating world around us. Explore the unknown with us!

              • About
              • Advertise
              • Privacy & Policy
              • Contact

              © 2025 Scimyst - Your gateway to the wonders of science and culture

              No Result
              View All Result
              • Home
              • Discoveries
                • 1001 Mysteries
                • Aliens & UFOs
                • Animal World
                • Archaeology
                • Biology
                  • Bacteria & Insects
                  • Biotechnology
                  • Plants
                • Doomsday
                • Famous Landmarks
                • History
                  • This Day in History
                • Military Science
                • Mars Exploration
                • Oceanography
                • Science Q&A
                • Science Quiz
                • Scientific Discoveries
                • Space Science
                • Why
                • World Figures
                • World Wonders
                  • Cultural Heritage
                  • Vietnamese Heritage
              • Technology
                • AI – Artificial Intelligence
                • Computer Science
                • New Technology
                  • Self-Driving Cars
                • Scientific Inventions
              • Lifestyle
                • Cancer
                • Environment
                  • Climate & Weather
                  • Disasters
                  • Latest Storm Updates
                  • Nature
                  • Solutions
                • Medicine & Health
                  • Antibiotic Resistance
                  • Common Illnesses
                  • Dengue Fever
                  • Family Medicine Cabinet
                  • Food Safety
                  • Health
                  • Influenza Outbreak
                • Scientific Applications
              • Events
                • Science Events
                • Science Stories
                • Scientific Projects
              • Entertainment
                • Photo Library
                • Videos

              © 2025 Scimyst - Your gateway to the wonders of science and culture