This document shows in detail the families of the later Roman emperors after the accession of Emperor Valentinian I in 364, the Ostrogoth kings of Italy who ruled from 476 to 552, and the Lombard kings who ruled during the following two hundred years. The families of the Carolingian kings who ruled only in Italy are shown in detail, those whose main kingdoms lay elsewhere are referred to in outline form only to demonstrate how the title passed between the various members of the family. Lastly, the kings of Italy from the succeeding dynasties are shown, in most cases in outline form only as their complete families are set out in other documents.

The kingdom of Italy was first created in 476, from the remnants of the Roman empire. It continued in existence, restricted to the northern part of the Italian peninsula, during the 6th to 10th centuries under the Ostrogoths, the Lombards and the dynasties of the Carolingians and their successors. After 963, northern Italy was administered as part of the Holy Roman Empire. Italy was not finally united until well into the 19^th century, under the leadership of the kings of Sardinia of the house of the counts of Savoy.

The administrative influence of the Roman empire over western and southern Europe was diminishing by the early 5^th century. The decline was hastened by outside pressure from the so-called barbarians of eastern Europe, strengthening regional identities within the empire notably in Gaul led by the Merovingian Frankish monarchy, and internal political squabbling. The lack of internal cohesion within the failing empire is reflected by the accession of nine emperors in the thirty year period which followed the murder of Emperor Valentinian III in 455, all from different families and only four of whom were born in Italy. The division of the empire into its eastern and western components, first formalised by Emperor Valentinian I in 364, was a further factor which contributed to decline, although it enabled imperial government to survive in the east long after the empire in the west had disintegrated.

Romulus "Augustulus", last Roman emperor in the West, was deposed in 476. By this time the western empire was considered of such irrelevance that his successor Odoacar the Goth declared himself king only of Italy, the first time the separate existence of Italy as a political entity was recognised. The Italian Ostrogoth kingdom survived until 552, nominally within the Roman empire which was not legally abolished. The sole remaining emperor continued to rule in the east from Constantinople, although the Byzantines retained outposts on the Italian mainland well into the 11th century. After the death of the last Ostrogoth king, direct imperial rule was nominally restored. It was challenged by the Lombards who arrived in Italy from Hungary on the invitation of Narses, the imperial administrator.

Alboin was crowned first Lombard king in Italy at Milan in 572, later establishing Pavia as his capital. Lombard rule continued in northern Italy until 774, when the Carolingian Frankish King Charles I (later Emperor Charlemagne) invaded, deposed King Desiderius and proclaimed himself king of Italy. By this time, autonomous Lombard duchies were well established in the southern half of the peninsula in Benevento, Naples, Salerno and Spoleto, separated from northern Italy by the expanding central Italian Papal territories which represented another obstacle to the northern kings imposing their authority throughout the country. Despite the best efforts of the Carolingian kings, particularly Louis King of Italy who attempted to provide better protection for Rome after the Arab sack of 846, as well as extend his authority into the Lombard duchies in the south, the new dynasty never succeeded in establishing its authority throughout the Italian peninsula. After the death of King Louis in 875, the Italian crown passed to Carolingian monarchs from the line of Ludwig "der Deutsche" King of the East Franks, until Emperor Charles III was deposed in 887.

For the following 70 years, the Italian throne passed between the families of the dukes of Friulia, the dukes of Spoleto and the Burgundian dynasties, its authority being further weakened by competition between the rival candidates. This period of political weakness and uncertainty culminated in the invasions of Italy by Otto I King of Germany in 951 and 961, the coronation of Otto as emperor in 962 and his deposition of Berengar King of Italy in 963. Henceforth the northern Italian kingdom (north of the Papal territories) was administered as part of the Holy Roman Empire.

Imperial authority in northern Italy had weakened by the mid-12^th century, enabling the northern Lombard cities to establish considerable local autonomy, formalised in the Treaty of Konstanz which was agreed in 1183 by Emperor Friedrich "Barbarossa". A single local dynasty was never able to establish control over northern Italy. Each city developed its own system of administration under its own separate leadership, although by the 14^th and 15^th centuries many local families such as the Este and Gonzaga had in effect created their own principalities around the cities which they controlled.

I am grateful to Morris Bierbrier for providing reference numbers from the Prosopography of the Later Roman Empire ("PLRE")[1], (marked "[MB]") which has not so far been consulted directly.

Chapter 1. LATER ROMAN EMPERORS

The administrative influence of the Roman empire over western and southern Europe was diminishing by the early 5th century. The decline was hastened by outside pressure from the so-called barbarians of eastern Europe, strengthening regional identities within the empire notably in Gaul led by the Merovingian Frankish monarchy, and internal political squabbling. The lack of internal cohesion within the failing empire is reflected by the accession of nine emperors in the thirty year period which followed the murder of Emperor Valentinian III in 455, all from different families and only four of whom were Italian by birth. The division of the empire into its eastern and western components, first formalised by Emperor Valentinian I in 364, was a further factor which contributed to decline, although ironically it enabled imperial government to survive in the east long after the empire in the west had disintegrated.

VALENTINIAN I 364-375, VALENS 364-378, GRATIAN 367-383, VALENTINIAN II 375-392

GRATIAN (-after Sep 351). Ammianus Marcellinus records that "Gratianus maior ignobili stirpe" was born "apud Cibalas Pannoniæ" and adds that he was first called "Funarius"[2]. He was rewarded for his military service by appointment as Count of Africa in 327 by Emperor Constantine I, but was later disgraced. He was appointed count in Brittany by Emperor Constans. He received the usurper Magnentius in Pannonia in Sep 351, but Emperor Constantius confiscated all his assets in reprisal[3].

m ---. The name of Gratian´s wife is not known.

Gratian & his wife had two children:

1. VALENTINIAN (Cibalæ, Pannonia [3 Jul] [320/21]-Vergitione 17 Nov 375). Ammianus Marcellinus implies, but does not state explicitly, that "Valentinianus" was the son of "Gratianus maior ignobili stirpe"[4]. Zosimus records that Valentinian was "Cibali oriundus…Pannoniæ"[5]. A member of the personal guard of Emperor Julian, he was disgraced and returned to Pannonia. He helped engineer the succession in 363 of Emperor Jovian, after whose death in Feb 364 he was acclaimed by the army at Nikaia 26 Feb 364 as Emperor VALENTINIAN I. The Chronicon Paschale records that "Valentianianus" was proclaimed emperor "Nicææ Bythiniæ…V Kal Mar" (in 364)[6]. Theophanes records that "Valentinianus Augustus" was installed as emperor "cum Gratianum filium imperii collegam…et consulem" and that he renounced "fratrem…Valentem" and Arianism[7]. He formalised a division of the empire into east and west in Jun 364, retaining the latter part while his brother ruled in the former[8]. The Chronicon Paschale records the death "in castello Vergitione" of "Valentinianus Augustus" aged 55[9]. m firstly SEVERA [Marina], daughter of ---. Theophanes records that "Valentinianus senior" repudiated "Severa uxore Gratiani matre" in 360 and married "Iustinam"[10]. Iordanes names "Severa" as first wife of "Valentinianus senior" when recording that she consented to her husband's second marriage[11]. The Chronicon Paschale records that "Gratianus Augustus" revoked "Marinam matrem suam Augustam" after his father died[12]. The Chronicon Paschale records the death "III Non Aug" in 449 of "Marina Augusta Valentiniani Augusti uxor"[13], but the year must be incorrect. m secondly (bigamously) as her second husband, IUSTINA, widow of MAGNENTIUS, daughter of --- (-Milan 391). Theophanes records that "Valentinianus senior" repudiated "Severa uxore Gratiani matre" in 360 and married "Iustinam"[14]. Iordanes names "Iustina" as second wife of "Valentinianus senior", recording that he married her with the consent of his first wife during the latter's lifetime[15]. Zosimus records that the mother of "minorem Valentiniani filium" was "Magnentii prius uxor", and names her "Iustina" in a later passage[16]. Emperor Valentinian & his first wife had one child:

a) GRATIAN (Cibalæ, Pannonia 18 Apr 359-executed Lyon 25 Aug 383). Iordanes names "Gratiano Valentiniano fratre de Iustina secunda uxore natu" when recording his accession[17]. Theophanes records that "Valentinianus Augustus" was installed as emperor "cum Gratianum filium imperii collegam…et consulem"[18]. His father named him co-Emperor GRATIAN 24 Aug 367, he was recognised as sole emperor after the death of his father[19]. The Chronicon Paschale that his father proclaimed "Gratianus Augustus in Gallis…IX Kal Sep"[20]. He renounced the title Pontifex maximus, borne by all emperors since Augustus[21]. He was forced to flee by the usurper Maximus, was captured at Lyon and executed[22]. m firstly (374) CONSTANTIA, daughter of Emperor CONSTANTIUS II & his third wife Faustina --- (361-383). Ammianus Marcellinus records that "Constantium…uxorem" gave birth to "[filia] posthuma, eiusque nomine appellata" and that she married "Gratiano"[23]. The Chronicon Paschale records that the body of "Constantiæ, Constantini filius" was brought "Constantinopolim…pridie Kal Sep" in 383 and buried "Kal Dec"[24]. m secondly ([mid-] 383) LAETA, daughter of --- (-after [408]). Zosimus names "Laeta, Gratiani quondam principis coniux" and "eiusque mater Pissamena" when recording that Emperor Theodosius granted them a pension[25]. The date of her marriage is calculated on the assumption that she married shortly before her husband died, bearing in mind that his first wife´s body was returned to Constantinople after Gratian was killed.

Emperor Valentinian & his second wife had four children:

b) VALENTINIAN ([Villa Murocincta, near Sirmium] 21 Jan 866 or [2 Jul 371]-15 May 392). Theophanes names "Valentinianum iuniorem" as the son of "Valentinianus senior" and his second wife "Iustinam"[26]. The Chronicon Paschale records the birth "XII Kal Feb" in 366 of "Valentinianus Augustus"[27]. Iordanes names "Valentinianum…Gratam Iustamque et Gallam" as the four children of "Valentinianus senior" & his second wife[28]. He was acclaimed as co-Emperor VALENTINIAN II by the army of the Danube at Aquincum, Pannonia, under the regency of his mother, and was recognised as sole emperor after the death of his half-brother[29]. The Chronicle of Marcellinus records that "Valentinianus Gratiani frater et Theodosius imperatores" defeated the rebel "Maximum tyrannum et Victorem filius eius" at Aquileia in 388[30]. After the death of Valentinian's mother, Emperor Theodosius, emperor in the east, extended his authority to include the empire in the west. Emperor Valentinian was probably assassinated[31]. The Chronicon of Bishop Idatius records that “Valentinianus junior” was killed “apud Viennam” in 392 by “Comitis Arbogasti”[32].

c) GRATA . Theophanes names "Iustam, Gratam et Gallam" as the three daughters of "Valentinianus senior" and his second wife "Iustinam"[33]. Iordanes names "Valentinianum…Gratam Iustamque et Gallam" as the four children of "Valentinianus senior" & his second wife[34].

d) IUSTA . Theophanes names "Iustam, Gratam et Gallam" as the three daughters of "Valentinianus senior" and his second wife "Iustinam"[35]. Iordanes names "Valentinianum…Gratam Iustamque et Gallam" as the four children of "Valentinianus senior" & his second wife[36].

e) GALLA (-May 394). Theophanes names "Iustam, Gratam et Gallam" as the three daughters of "Valentinianus senior" and his second wife "Iustinam", adding that "magnus Theodosius" married Galla as his second wife[37]. Iordanes names "Valentinianum…Gratam Iustamque et Gallam" as the four children of "Valentinianus senior" & his second wife, specifying that Galla married Emperor Theodosius after the death of his first wife[38]. The Chronicle of Marcellinus records that "Galla Theodosii regis altera uxor" came to Constantinople in 386[39]. The Chronicle of Marcellinus also records that "Gallia Theodosii uxor" was expelled by "Arcadio privigno suo" in 390[40]. She died in childbirth. m (387) as his second wife, Emperor THEODOSIUS I, son of THEODOSIUS & his wife Thermantia --- (346-17 Jan 395).

2. VALENS (Cibalæ, Pannonia 328-killed in battle 9 Aug 378). Theophanes records that "Valentinianus Augustus" was installed as emperor "cum Gratianum filium imperii collegam…et consulem" and that he renounced "fratrem…Valentem" and Arianism[41]. His brother named him co-Emperor VALENS 28 Mar 364[42]. The Chronicon Paschale records that "Valens, Valentiniani frater" was proclaimed emperor "Constantinopoli in Hebdomo…IV Kal Apr" (in 364)[43]. After the division of the empire into east and west in Jun 364, Emperor Valens ruled in the east, at first from Constantinople and later from Antioch[44]. m DOMINICA, daughter of ---. Theophanes records that "Domnicam Valentis coniugem" retained the Aryan religion[45]. Valens & his wife had three children:

a) GALATIUS (-early 372). Theophanes records that "Galates Valentes filius" died in 368[46].

b) ANASTASIA . Theophanes names "Anastasiam et Carossam" as the daughters of "impius…Valens"[47].

c) CAROSSA . Theophanes names "Anastasiam et Carossam" as the daughters of "impius…Valens"[48].

THEODOSIUS I 379-395, HONORIUS 395-423

Two brothers, parents not known:

1. THEODOSIUS (-beheaded early 376). A general under the service of Emperor Valentinian I, he was decapitated by Emperor Gratian[49]. m THERMANTIA, daughter of ---. The Pauli Historiæ Romanæ names "Theodosius genitus patre Theodosio matre Thermantia"[50]. Theodosius & his wife had one child:

a) THEODOSIUS (Cauca, near Valladolid 11 Jan 347-Milan 17 Jan 395, bur 8 Nov 395 Constantinople). The Chronicon of Bishop Idatius records that Theodosius was “natione Hispanus, de provincial Gallæciæ, civitate Cauca”[51]. After campaigning with his father, he retired to Cauca after his father was executed. He was named master of cavalry by Emperor Gratian, and led the victory against the Visigoths in Pannonia in end 378[52]. The Pauli Historiæ Romanæ names "Theodosius genitus patre Theodosio matre Thermantia"[53]. Iordanes records the accession of "Theodosius Spanus" as emperor at Sirmium and his reigning for 17 years[54]. He was proclaimed co-Emperor THEODOSIUS I in the East 19 Jan 379 by Emperor Gratian, ruling jointly with the latter and with Emperor Valentinian II until 392. The Chronicon Paschale records that "Theodosius Augustus" was proclaimed emperor "in Sirmio…XIV Kal Feb" by "Gratiano uxoris fratre" and entered Constantinople "VIII Kal Dec"[55]. Ruling first from Thessaloniki, he entered Constantinople 24 Nov 380[56]. The Chronicle of Marcellinus records that "Valentinianus Gratiani frater et Theodosius imperatores" defeated the rebel "Maximum tyrannum et Victorem filius eius" at Aquileia in 388[57]. Theodosius eliminated the division of the empire, ruling in both east and west after this victory[58]. The Chronicon Paschale records the death "Mediolani…XVI Kal Feb" in 394 (presumably O.S.) of "Theodosius Augustus", and the return of his body to Constantinople and burial "V Id Nov"[59]. m firstly (end 376) PLACILLA, daughter of --- (-Autumn 386). Theophanes names "Placilla" as the first wife of "magnus Theodosius"[60]. Iordanes names "Flacilla" as the first wife of Emperor Theodosius, recording that she died before his second marriage[61]. The Pauli Historiæ Romanæ also names "Flacilla" as the first wife of Emperor Theodosius[62]. m secondly (387) GALLA, daughter of Emperor VALENTINIAN I & his second wife Justina --- (-May 394). Theophanes names "Iustam, Gratam et Gallam" as the three daughters of "Valentinianus senior" and his second wife "Iustinam", adding that "magnus Theodosius" married Galla as his second wife[63]. Iordanes names "Valentinianum…Gratam Iustamque et Gallam" as the four children of "Valentinianus senior" & his second wife, specifying that Galla married Emperor Theodosius after the death of his first wife[64]. The Chronicle of Marcellinus records that "Galla Theodosii regis altera uxor" came to Constantinople in 386[65]. The Chronicle of Marcellinus also records that "Gallia Theodosii uxor" was expelled by "Arcadio privigno suo" in 390[66]. She died in childbirth. Emperor Theodosius & his first wife had three children:

i) ARCADIUS (end 377-1 May 408). Theophanes names "Arcadius…et Honorius" as the sons of "magnus Theodosius" and his first wife[67]. Iordanes names "Archadium Honoriumque" as the children of Emperor Theodosius & his first wife, recording in a later passage that they later divided the empire, Arcadius ruling in Constantinople for 13 years after the death of their father[68]. His father proclaimed him co-Emperor ARCADIUS at Constantinople 19 Jan 383. The Chronicon Paschale records that "Arcadius" was proclaimed emperor "Constantinopoli a patre suo Theodosio Augusto in Tribunali Hebdomi…XIV Kal Feb"[69]. The Chronicon of Bishop Idatius records that Theodosius installed “Arcadium filium suum” as emperor in 383[70]. He succeeded as Emperor in the East in 395.

- EMPERORS in the EAST.

ii) HONORIUS (Constantinople 9 Sep 384-15 Aug 423). Theophanes names "Arcadius…et Honorius" as the sons of "magnus Theodosius" and his first wife[71]. The Chronicon Paschale records the birth "V Id Sep" in 384 of "Honorius, Arcadii germanus frater"[72]. The Chronicon of Bishop Idatius records the birth in 384 of “Honorius filius Theodosii”[73]. Iordanes names "Archadium Honoriumque" as the children of Emperor Theodosius & his first wife, recording in a later passage that they later divided the empire with his brother, Honorius ruling in Rome[74]. His father proclaimed him co-Emperor HONORIUS at Constantinople 10 Jan 393, he ruled as Emperor in the West after the death of his father in 395. m firstly (398) MARIA, daughter of STILICO & his wife Serena --- (-[Feb/Mar] 407). Zosimus records that "Honorio principi" married "Stelicho…filiam…ex Serena", naming her "Mariam" in a later passage[75]. Iordanes records that "Stilico…comis…duæ filiæ Maria et Hermantia" were both wives of Emperor Honorius but died as virgins[76]. m secondly (408, repudiated end 408) HERMANTIA, daughter of STILICO & his wife Serena --- (-415). Zosimus records that "Imperator…Honorius" married "sororem eius Thermantiam" after the death of "Maria coniuge"[77]. Iordanes records that "Stilico…comis…duæ filiæ Maria et Hermantia" were both wives of Emperor Honorius but died as virgins[78]. The Chronicle of Marcellinus also names the two sisters and records the same information[79].

Emperor Theodosius & his second wife had one child:

iii) GALLA PLACIDIA ([388/early May 394][80]-Rome 27 Nov 450). Theophanes names "Placidia" as the daughter of "magnus Theodosius" and his second wife[81]. Iordanes names "Placidiam" as the daughter of Emperor Theodosius & his second wife, recording in a later passage that she was captured by "Halaricus rex Vesegotharum" and later married his successor "Atauulfo"[82]. The Chronicle of Marcellinus also records that "Placidia Honorii principis sorore" was abducted by "Halaricus" and later married "Athaulfo propinquo suo"[83]. The Chronicon of Bishop Idatius records that “Ataulfus” married “Placidiam” at Narbonne in 414[84]. Her first husband married her after failing to establish an alliance with Emperor Honorius[85]. As part of the peace negotiated by King Walia with the Romans in 416, Galla Placidia was returned to her brother Honorius in early 416[86]. The Chronicon Albeldense names “Ballia” as successor of “Sigericus”, adding that he made peace with Emperor Honorius and returned his sister Placidia to him[87]. Iordanes records the marriage of "Constantio patricio" and Placidia after the latter was returned to Rome by Walia King of the Visigoths[88]. Iordanes records that Placidia was created "Augustam" and her son Valentinian "Cæsar" to lead the opposition to Iohannes who invaded the western empire[89]. The Chronicon of Bishop Idatius records the death in 450 of “Valentiniani Imperatoris mater Placidia…apud Romam”[90]. m firstly (Narbonne 1 Jan 414) as his third wife, ATAULF King of the Visigoths, son of --- (-murdered Barcelona [Aug/Sep] 416). m secondly (1 Jan 417) FLAVIUS CONSTANTIUS, son of --- (-2 Sep 421). He succeeded 8 Feb 421 as Emperor CONSTANTIUS III.

2. HONORIUS . Claudius names "Honorius" as father of "Serena" in his poem Laus Serenæ[91]. m MARIA, daughter of ---. Claudius names "Flaccillam Mariam" as mother of "Serena" in his poem Laus Serenæ[92]. Honorius & his wife had two children:

a) THERMANTIA . Claudius names "Serena minor, prior…Thermantia natu" as the daughters of "Honorius" in his poem Laus Serenæ[93].

b) SERENA . Zosimus records that "Serenæ, principis Theodosii fratris filiæ" was the wife of "Stelichonum" who was one of the two commanders of the Roman army[94]. m STILICO, son of --- (-23 Aug ----). Zosimus records the death "X Kal Sep, Bassi Philippique consulatu" of "Stelicho"[95]. Stilico & his wife had three children:

i) EUCHERIUS . Zosimus records that "Eucherio Stelichonis filio" fled but was brought back to Rome after the death of his father and strangled[96].

ii) MARIA (-[Feb/Mar] 407). Zosimus records that "Honorio principi" married "Stelicho…filiam…ex Serena", naming her "Mariam" in a later passage[97]. Iordanes records that "Stilico…comis…duæ filiæ Maria et Hermantia" were both wives of Emperor Honorius but died as virgins[98]. The Chronicle of Marcellinus also names the two sisters and records the same information[99]. m (398) as his first wife, Emperor HONORIUS, son of Emperor THEODOSIUS I & his first wife Flacilla --- (Constantinople 9 Sep 384-Aug 423).

iii) HERMANTIA (-415). Zosimus records that "Imperator…Honorius" married "sororem eius Thermantiam" after the death of "Maria coniuge"[100]. Iordanes records that "Stilico…comis…duæ filiæ Maria et Hermantia" were both wives of Emperor Honorius but died as virgins[101]. The Chronicle of Marcellinus also names the two sisters and records the same information[102]. m (408, repudiated end 408) as his second wife, Emperor HONORIUS, son of Emperor THEODOSIUS I & his first wife Flacilla --- (Constantinople 9 Sep 384-Aug 423).

CONSTANTIUS III 421, VALENTINIAN III 423-455

1. FLAVIUS CONSTANTIUS (-2 Sep 421). He succeeded 8 Feb 421 as Emperor CONSTANTIUS III. m (1 Jan 417) as her second husband, GALLA PLACIDIA, widow of ATAULF King of the Visigoths, daughter of Emperor THEODOSIUS I & his second wife Galla (-Rome 27 Nov 450). Iordanes records the marriage of "Constantio patricio" and Placidia after the latter was returned to Rome by Walia King of the Visigoths[103]. The Chronicon of Bishop Idatius records the death in 450 of “Valentiniani Imperatoris mater Placidia…apud Romam”[104]. Emperor Constantius & his wife had two children:

a) HONORIA ([417/18]-). The Pauli Historiæ Romanæ names "Honoria et Valentiniano" as the children of Placidia Augusta[105]. The order in which the children are named suggests that Honoria was the older child but this is not certain. Iordanes records that Attila unsuccessfully proposed marriage to "Honoriam Valentiniani principis germanam, filiam Placidiæ Augustæ"[106].

b) VALENTINIAN (Ravenna 2 Jul 419-murdered 16 Mar 455). The Chronicle of Marcellinus records the birth "419 V Non Iul" at Ravenna of "Valentinianus iunior…patre Constantio et Placidia matre"[107]. The Pauli Historiæ Romanæ records his birth "VI Non Iul"[108]. Iordanes names "Placidiam" as the mother of "Valentiniani iunioris imperatoris"[109]. Iordanes records that Placidia was created "Augustam" and her son Valentinian "Cæsar" to lead the opposition to Iohannes who invaded the western empire, and that after Iohannes was defeated Valentinian was created joint emperor at Ravenna by his maternal uncle[110]. The Chronicle of Marcellinus also records the event, dating it to 424[111]. He succeeded in 423 as Emperor VALENTINIAN III, jointly with his maternal uncle, Emperor in the West. The Chronicle of Marcellinus records that "Valentinianus iunior" was made emperor at Ravenna in 425[112]. The Chronicon Paschale records that "Valentinianus junior" was named augustus "X Kal Nov" in 425 by "Theodosio juniore Augusto"[113]. Iordanes records that Emperor Valentinian was murdered by Maximus who had invaded the empire[114]. The Chronicon Paschale records that "Valentinianus Augustus" was murdered in 455[115]. m (29 Oct 437) as her first husband, EUDOXIA, daughter of Emperor THEODOSIUS II, Emperor in the East & his wife Eudoxia --- (422-after 462). The Chronicle of Marcellinus records the betrothal in 424 of "Valentinianus cæsar" and "Theodosii imperatoris Eudoxiam filiam"[116]. Ioannes Malalas records the marriage of "Valentinianus iunior…Constantii Imperatoris et Placidiæ magnæ filius" and "Theodosio…filiam Eudoxiam…ex Eudocia Augusta, Philosophi filia"[117]. Theophanes records the marriage of "Valentinianus Gallæ Placidiæ et Constantini filius" and "Eudoxiam Theodosii imperatoris filiam ex Eudocia coniuge" in 426[118]. Iordanes records the marriage of Emperor Valentinian III in the third year of his reign to "Eudoxiam Theodosii principis filiam", specifying that her father transferred Illyria to the western empire as her dowry[119]. The Chronicon Paschale records the marriage "Constantinopolim…XII Kal Nov" in 437 of "Valentinianus junior Augustus" and "Eudoxia filia Theodosii et Eudocæ Augustæ"[120]. She married secondly ([Mar] 455) Emperor Petronius Maximus. After the murder of her first husband, she was forced to marry his successor, but was captured during the Vandal invasion and taken to north Africa with her two daughters[121]. Iordanes records that "Eudoxia Valentiniani uxore" invited "Gizericus…rex Vandalorum" to Rome from Africa, but was taken back to Africa by him with her two daughters[122]. She was freed in 462[123]. Emperor Valentinian & his wife had two children:

i) EUDOXIA . The Chronicon Paschale names "Eudociam et Placidiam" as the two daughters of "Valentinianus junior Augustus" and his wife "Eudoxia filia Theodosii et Eudocæ Augustæ"[124]. The Chronicon of Bishop Idatius records that Maximus arranged the marriage of “filio suo ex priore coniuge Palladio” and “Valentiniani filiam” in 455[125]. After the death of her father, his successor forced Eudoxia to marry his son, but she was captured by Genseric King of the Vandals during his attack on Rome and taken back to north Africa with her mother and sister[126]. The primary source which records her first marriage has not so far been identified. Procopius names "Eudocia and Placidia" as children of "Eudoxia…and Valentinian", recording that Eudocia was married to Huneric, the older son of Gaiseric, while the other was the wife of Olybrius, a Roman senator[127]. The Victoris Tonnennensis Epsicopi Chronicon records that "Hugnericus" married "Valentiniani filiam" who had been abducted from Rome in captivity[128]. The Chronicon of Bishop Idatius records that one daughter of Valentinian married “Gentoni Gaiserici filio” and the other “Olybrio Senatori Urbis Romæ”[129]. m firstly PALADIUS, son of Emperor PETRONIUS MAXIMUS & his first wife --- (-[murdered May 455]). m secondly ([455]) as his second wife, HUNERIC, son of GENSERIC King of the Vandals (-484).

ii) PLACIDIA . The Chronicon Paschale names "Eudociam et Placidiam" as the two daughters of "Valentinianus junior Augustus" and his wife "Eudoxia filia Theodosii et Eudocæ Augustæ"[130]. She and her husband were captured by Genseric King of the Vandals during his attack on Rome and taken back to north Africa with her mother and sister, freed in 462[131]. Procopius names "Eudocia and Placidia" as children of "Eudoxia…and Valentinian", recording that Eudocia was married to Huneric, the older son of Gaiseric, while the other was the wife of Olybrius, a Roman senator[132]. The Chronicon of Bishop Idatius records that one daughter of Valentinian married “Gentoni Gaiserici filio” and the other “Olybrio Senatori Urbis Romæ”[133]. m (before 455) OLYBRIUS, son of --- (-23 Oct or 2 Nov 472). He succeeded in 472 as Emperor OLYBRIUS.

PETRONIUS MAXIMUS 455, AVITUS 455-456, MAIORANUS 456-461

1. MAXIMUS (-killed Aquileia 388). The Chronicle of Marcellinus records that "Valentinianus Gratiani frater et Theodosius imperatores" defeated the rebel "Maximum tyrannum et Victorem filius eius" at Aquileia in 388[134]. The Chronicon of Bishop Idatius records that Theodosius killed “Maximus tyrannus…ab Aquileia V Kal Aug” in 388[135]. m ---. The name of Maximus´s wife is not known. Maximus & his wife had one child:

a) VICTOR (-killed Gaul 388). Zosimus records that Emperor Theodosius awarded "dignitate Cæsaris" to "Maximum…filium Victorem"[136]. The Chronicon of Bishop Idatius records that “filius Maximi…Victor” was killed in Gaul in 388 by “Arbogastem Comitem”[137]. The Chronicle of Marcellinus records that "Valentinianus Gratiani frater et Theodosius imperatores" defeated the rebel "Maximum tyrannum et Victorem filius eius" at Aquileia in 388[138].

2. [brother/sister] . m ---. One child:

a) PETRONIUS MAXIMUS ([396]-murdered 27 May 455). Theophanes names "Maximus Maximi nepos" when recording that he murdered Emperor Valentinian[139]. A member of the Roman Anicii family[140]. Iordanes records that Maximus murdered Emperor Valentinian after invading the empire[141]. He succeeded in 455 as Emperor PETRONIUS MAXIMUS, Emperor in the West. After his accession, he forced his predecessor's widow to marry him, and her daughter Eudoxia to marry his son, triggering the invasion by Genseric King of the Vandals to whom the younger Eudoxia had been promised in marriage for his son. He was killed by the Romans after he attempted to flee[142], although the primary sources on which this is based have not yet been identified. m firstly ---. The first wife of Petronius Maximus was lured to the palace of Emperor Valentinian III who raped her[143], although the primary source on which this is based has not yet been identified. m secondly ([Mar] 455) as her second husband, EUDOXIA, widow of Emperor VALENTINIAN III, daughter of Emperor THEODOSIUS II, Emperor in the East & his wife Eudoxia --- (422-after 462). After the murder of her first husband, she was forced to marry his successor, but was captured during the Vandal invasion and taken to north Africa with her two daughters[144]. Ioannes Malalas records the marriage of "Eudoxia Augusta, Valentiniani Regis vidua" and "Maximo Tyranno"[145]. Emperor Petronius Maximus & his first wife had one child:

i) PALADIUS (-[murdered May 455]). The Chronicon of Bishop Idatius records that Maximus installed “filio suo ex priore coniuge Palladio” as cæsar in 455[146]. It is assumed that he was killed at the same time as his father[147]. m ([Apr] 455) as her first husband, EUDOXIA, daughter of Emperor VALENTINIAN III, Emperor in the West & his wife Eudoxia . The Chronicon of Bishop Idatius records that Maximus arranged the marriage of “filio suo ex priore coniuge Palladio” and “Valentiniani filiam” in 455[148]. After the death of her father, his successor forced Eudoxia to marry his son, but she was captured by Genseric King of the Vandals during his attack on Rome and taken back to north Africa with her mother and sister[149]. The primary source which records her first marriage has not so far been identified. She married secondly ([455]) as his second wife, Huneric. The Victoris Tonnennensis Epsicopi Chronicon records that "Hugnericus" married "Valentiniani filiam" who had been abducted from Rome in captivity[150].

1. AVITUS ([390/400]-[Nov/Dec] 456, bur Saint-Julien de Brioude, Auvergne). He was a member of a noble Gallo-Roman family in Auvergne, proclaimed Emperor AVITUS, Emperor in the West, by Theoderic II King of the Visigoths in Toulouse 9 Jul 455[151]. The Chronicle of Cassiodorus records the succession of "Avitus" after "Maximum" in 455 and his deposition in 456[152]. He was deposed by Maiorianus, defeated near Piacenza 17/18 Oct 456, installed as Bishop of Piacenza but died while fleeing to Gaul[153]. m ---. The name of Avitus´s wife is not known. Avitus & his wife had [three or more] children:

a) PAPIANILLA . m SIDONIUS APOLLINARIUS ---. The poet.

b) other children.

1. MAIORIANUS (-beheaded 7 Aug 461). A member of a Roman noble family[154]. He deposed and expelled Emperor Avitus in Oct 456, with the help of Ricimer, and was proclaimed Emperor MAIORANUS, Emperor in the West, by the army at Ravenna 1 Apr 457. The decision was opposed by Emperor Leo, emperor in the east. Maioranus was captured at Tortona by his former ally Ricimer, tortured and beheaded[155].

SEVERUS 461-465, ANTHEMIUS 467-472, OLYBRIUS 472

1. SEVERUS (-murdered 14 Nov 465). A member of a family originating in Lucania in southern Italy[156]. He was proclaimed Emperor SEVERUS, Emperor in the West, by Ricimer 19 Nov 461[157]. The Pauli Historiæ Romanæ records the accession of "Severus" and his death after reigning four years[158]. He was poisoned, probably by Ricimer[159].

1. PROCOPIUS . A descendant of Procopius, cousin of Emperor Julian, belonging to a family originating in Cilicia, he was general of the armies of the empire of the east under Emperor Theodosius II[160]. m LUCINA, daughter of ---. The primary source which confirms her marriage has not yet been identified. Procopius & his wife had [two] children:

a) ANTHEMIUS (-murdered 11 Jul 472). The Chronicon Paschale names "Valentiniano Augusto et Anthemio" as consuls in 455[161]. He was proclaimed Emperor ANTHEMIUS, Emperor in the West, by Emperor Leo, emperor in the east, in early 467 with the agreement of Ricimer and acclaimed emperor by the army in Italy 12 Apr 467[162]. The Pauli Historiæ Romanæ records the accession of "Anthemium" and his naming "eiusque generum Ricimerum" as patricius[163]. Sicily was conquered by the Vandals in Aug 468[164]. The Chronicle of Cassiodorus records that in 472 "patricius Ricimer Romæ" deposed Emperor Anthemius, and that he was murdered 40 days later[165]. m Ælia MARCIA EUPHEMIA, daughter of Emperor MARCIANUS, Emperor in the East, & his first wife ---. Ioannes Malalas records the marriage of "Marcianus filiam ex priore uxore" and "Anthimio"[166]. The primary source which confirms her name has not yet been identified. Emperor Anthemius & his wife had two children:

i) MARCIANUS . Theophanes records that "Marcianus" son of "Anthemii, qui Romæ imperavit", husband of "Leontiæ, Verinæ quidem filiæ, imperatricis…Areadnæ sororis", travelled to Constantinople in rebellion against Emperor Zeno[167]. The Chronicon Paschale names "Zenone et Marciano" as consuls in 469 and "Marciano et Festo" as consuls in 472[168]. m (474 or after) as her second husband, LEONTIA, widow of IULIUS, daughter of Emperor LEON I, Emperor in the East & his wife Verina ---. Her first marriage is recorded[169].

ii) ALYPIA . Ioannes Malalas records the marriage of "Anthemius…filiam" and "Recimero, militum magistro"[170]. The primary source which confirms her name has not so far been identified. Her marriage is confirmed by Procopius recording that "Anthemius, the emperor of the West, died at the hand of his son-in-law Ricimer"[171]. m ([Nov/Dec] 467) RICIMER ---.

b) [--- . m ---.]

i) daughter . Iordanes records the marriage of "Nepotem filium Nepotiani" and "nepte sua [Anthemio]" at Ravenna after his accession as emperor[172]. It is assumed that this means that one of her parents was the sibling of Emperor Anthemius, although the precise relationship may have been more remote. m (Ravenna 474) Emperor JULIUS NEPOS, Emperor in the West, son of NEPOTIANUS & his wife --- ([450]-murdered 9 May 480).

1. OLYBRIUS (-23 Oct or 2 Nov 472). A member of the Roman Anicii family[173]. He and his wife were captured by Genseric King of the Vandals during his attack on Rome and taken back to north Africa with her mother and sister, freed in 462[174]. The Chronicon Paschale names "Rusticio et Olybrio" as consuls in 464[175]. He was chosen to succeed in 472 as Emperor OLYBRIUS, Emperor in the West, by Ricimer, and acclaimed as emperor [23 Mar or Apr] 472[176]. The Chronicle of Cassiodorus records that "patricius Ricimer Romæ" installed "Olybrio" as emperor in 472 after deposing Emperor Anthemius, and that Emperor Olybrius ruled seven months before dying[177]. m (before 455) PLACIDIA, daughter of Emperor VALENTINIAN III & his wife Eudoxia ---. Procopius names "Eudocia and Placidia" as children of "Eudoxia…and Valentinian", recording that Eudocia was married to Huneric, the older son of Gaiseric, while the other was the wife of Olybrius, a Roman senator[178]. The Chronicon of Bishop Idatius records that one daughter of Valentinian married “Gentoni Gaiserici filio” and the other “Olybrio Senatori Urbis Romæ”[179]. She and her husband were captured by Genseric King of the Vandals during his attack on Rome and taken back to north Africa with her mother and sister, freed in 462[180]. Olybrius & [his wife] had one child:

a) IULIANA . Her marriage is confirmed by Procopius who names “Areobindus, Olybrii [imperator] gener” as one of the “quatuor…belli Imperatores”[181]. The Chronicon Paschale names "Julianam" as daughter of "Olybrius ex Placidia" and records that she married "Areobindi"[182]. The Chronographia Brevis of Patriarch Nikephoros names "Placidia, Areobindi uxor" and her son "Olybrius"[183], but presumably he confuses her name with that of her mother. m AREOBINDUS, son of DALAGAIFUS & his wife ---. Theophanes records that "Areobindo Dalagaiphi filio…[consul]" led the