From 395 to 408, Stilicho was the first Germanic general to become de facto ruler of Italy and the western Roman Empire. He would not be the last.

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Theodosius the Great ruled a united Roman Empire for less than 150 days.  Following his death, the western Roman world was dominated by two barbarian generals, Alaric and Stilicho.  If only they could get along.

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Following the Battle of Adrianople, it was up to Theodosius the Great to pacify the central empire and make a treaty with the Goths.  

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In 376, the Goths appealed to the Romans for entry into their empire to escape the Huns.  On 9 August, 378, two years of cruelty and mistakes by the Romans finally came to an end at the Battle of Adrianople.

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In 364 Valentinian brought a new personality to the leadership of the western Roman Empire. He might have benefited from a few more readings of Meditations...

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In the mid-4th century, Frankish and Roman-Frankish generals began to exert control over the Western Roman Empire.  Could they be the next great rulers of Rome? No.

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Previously, Roman and Germanic rulers drew their power from the support of their people or acclamation of an assembly or martial prowess. Now rules look to...other, more reliable sources for their power.

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Diocletian hoped that his abdication would be the first in a long line of planned retirements, as his Tetrarchy became the established political structure for generations. Constantine had...other ideas.

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The years 260-300 were transformative for the western Roman empire, particularly in the region surrounding Gaul. Postumus and Carausius led successful breakaway kingdoms that relied on forming stronger relationships with the Rhine tribes, especially the Franks.  Everything was finally put back together thanks to the leadership of Constantius Chlorus, the Father of Constantine the Great (he will be on the test).

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With the Franks, Alemanni, and Juthungi constantly raiding into Roman Gaul, the citizens decided to turn to more local administration to get the response they needed.

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