Usurpação, identidade e poder no século IV d.C.: a construção da imagem imperial de Teodósio no confronto com Máximo e Eugênio

Abstract

THE EMPEROR THEODOSIUS I (379-395), always mark presence in the studies that on account make reference the end of the Old World of its religious orthodox and for the question of the nesting of the Barbarians in the Roman Empire. The government of Theodosius, however, presents as stage of conflicts come out in diverse scopes and that, in the two last decades of century IV A.D., needed to be decided. More than what to bring solutions to these questions, Theodosius if imposed in such way that its posterior image reflected a sovereign model ideal, legitimate representative of the sacred Christian Byzantine royalty, basileia. Such sacred image has its affirmation, in special, when the emperor has to face competitors to the throne. Theodosius faced two usurpers in the half successfully occidental person of the Empire, Maximus and Eugenius, recouping these territories. It is by means of this victory that the emperor will reaffirm its power and the usurpers will have its falsified image. The usurpation configures, thus, a type of conflict that, after to be suppressed, becomes it antithesis of “the legitimate” power, allowing the perpetuity of the State. In this manner, the sharp panegyric for Pacatus Drepanius, in official ceremony, to celebrate the defeat of Maximus for Theodosius in 389 A.D., presents a composed rhetoric for ideas and symbols that not only demonstrate the opinion of the subjects regarding this sovereign, but that it also represents the Majesty who involves the proper monarchic institution of the Later Roman Empire.