408

By Place

Western Roman Empire

• In the summer of this year, the usurper Constantine III captures Hispania, destroying the loyalist forces defending it.
• September — Alaric, King of the Visigoths, lays siege to Rome.

Eastern Roman Empire

• Theodosius II succeeds his father Arcadius as Emperor of the Eastern half of the Roman Empire. Due to Theodosius' young age, the Praetorian prefect, Anthemius, acts as emperor.
• Under Uldin, the Huns attack the Eastern Empire, setting fire to various frontier forts and taking control of the Castra Martis. The Romans try to negotiate, but Uldin demands an exorbitant gold tribute in return for his withdrawal. This demand is rejected and the Romans begin to push the Huns back across the Danube.

Births

• Emperor Taiwu of Northern Wei

Deaths

• May 1 — Arcadius, Roman Emperor of the East
• August 23 — Stilicho, Roman general (executed)