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Galla (wife of Theodosius I)

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Galla (flourished 4th century) was a Princess of the Western Roman Empire and an Empress of the Roman Empire. Galla was the daughter of Emperor Valentinian I and Empress Justina. Her elder half-brother was Emperor Gratian, while her full-blooded siblings were Emperor Valentinian II and Justa. Little is known on Galla and her full name is unknown. Galla is the female cognomen for Gallus.

In 388, Galla accompanied Justina and Valentinian II as they fled to Thessaloniki, Greece to meet Theodosius I before the invasion of Italy by the usurper Maximus.

Galla was a beautiful woman. Theodosius had requested to Justina for Galla’s hand in marriage, however Justina only consented to the marriage if he attacked Maximus and restored Valentinian II to the throne. Theodosius consented to Justina’s request and Theodosius and Galla married in late 387. When she married Theodosius, she became a Roman Empress and became a stepmother to Theodosius’ sons from his first marriage, who were Honorius and Arcadius. Theodosius previously became a widow from his first marriage to Aelia Flaccilla.

While Theodosius was in Italy, Galla was turned out from the palace at Constantinople either by Arcadius or by those who governed in his name.

Theodosius and Galla had three children who were:

  • A son, Gratian born in 388, who died young
  • A daughter, Aelia Galla Placidia (392-450). She was the only child who survived to adulthood and later become an Empress.
  • A son, John who died with his mother in childbirth in 394

Sources

  • Rodgers,N.,The History and Conquests of Ancient Rome,Hermes House,2005.
  • http://www.roman-emperors.org/theo1.htm
  • http://www.roman-emperors.org/vali.htm
  • http://www.ancientlibrary.com/smith-bio/1326.html



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