Eudocia

Eudocia fled back to Jerusalem, where she would live out the last eighteen years of her life.77

Caesars’ Wives Annelise Freisenbruch 2010

The marriage between Theodosius II and Eudocia took place on 7 June 421, and the bride was made Augusta in January 423, by which time the first of three children of the union had arrived: a daughter, Licinia Eudoxia.

Caesars’ Wives Annelise Freisenbruch 2010

While Eudocia forged a new life for herself, Pulcheria was plotting to get her old one back.

Caesars’ Wives Annelise Freisenbruch 2010

For Aelia Eudocia and her fellow fourth- and fifth-century female travelers, including her sister-in-law Pulcheria and granddaughter Eudocia—whose stories will round off our gallery of Roman women—Helena was the figurehead.

Caesars’ Wives Annelise Freisenbruch 2010

Pulcheria might have been expected to take a backseat in the imperial order since the marriage of her brother to Eudocia in 421.

Caesars’ Wives Annelise Freisenbruch 2010

Within two years Eudocia too had fallen victim to the poisonous palace atmosphere, accused of having committed adultery with the magister officiorum, Paulinus.

Caesars’ Wives Annelise Freisenbruch 2010

The latter was a friend of Aelia Eudocia, the wife of the fifth-century emperor Theodosius II, and inspired the empress to make the trip to the Holy Land not once, but twice.58

Caesars’ Wives Annelise Freisenbruch 2010

So Eudocia set off armed with gifts and donations for the churches in Jerusalem and elsewhere in the region, and after being met by Melania at Sidon was duly installed as a guest in the Mount of Olives monastery.

Caesars’ Wives Annelise Freisenbruch 2010

The connection between the two women was so auspicious that Melania urged Eudocia to come and stay with her in Jerusalem.74

Caesars’ Wives Annelise Freisenbruch 2010

When Eudocia made a triumphant return to Constantinople in the summer of 439 she brought with her a particularly impressive souvenir.

Caesars’ Wives Annelise Freisenbruch 2010