Flavius Honorius, 393 - 423

The younger son of Theodosius I , Honorius was born in 384 and raised to the rank of Augustus at the age of nine. On his father's death, Honorius inherited the western empire whilst his brother Arcadius inherited the eastern. Like his brother, Honorius was the weak son of a strong father. The western empire was mostly ruled by Honorius's general and guardian, Stilicho, who although of barbarian origins, is often considered one of the last great Romans. The reign of Honorius was an absolute disaster for the western empire. Gaul was ravaged by Goths who met no resistance. The legions were finally withdrawn from Britain by order of Honorius in 410. Only Italy itself was kept free from barbarian invasion until Stilicho was executed. Without the great leader, the army failed and Italy was invaded, with Rome itself being sacked in 410. The Visigoths withdrew from Italy in 412, and some recovery was made by general Constantius. In 421, Constantius was raised to the rank of Augustus. Honorius died in 423.