Nic Fields draws on detailed knowledge of available sources and his
own visits to the battlefield to set the battle within the context of
its political situation and religious impact upon history. The Battle
of the Frigidus River, fought on 5 and 6 September 394 in what is now
Slovenia, was a crucial clash between the Eastern Roman emperor,
Theodosius (later ‘the Great’), and the usurper Eugenius, who had
seized power in the Western Empire. The battle was hard fought and
lasted two days. At the end of the first, Theodosius was on the brink
of defeat but the following day a great wind blowing against his enemy
resulted in him securing a decisive victory. Eugenius, like
Theodosius, was a Christian but, unlike Theodosius, he was tolerant of
pagans, so this wind was seen as miraculous and the victory was
attributed to God’s favour. Nic Fields’ narrative sets the battle
in the context of the political situation within the empire and the
campaigns leading up to this pivotal showdown. The armies of both
protagonists are described, the tactics and strategy of the time
discussed. Drawing on his detailed knowledge of the sources, the
latest research and his own visits to the battlefield and surrounding
terrain, the author then recounts the battle itself. Importantly he
reveals the natural phenomenon behind the ‘miracle’ that saved
Theodosius. Finally, the author analyzes and assesses the aftermath
and consequences of this significant clash, which included Eugenius’
execution and the temporary reunification of the Eastern and Western
Roman empires.
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Theodosius' Miracle
Produktdetaljer
ISBN
9781399096287
Publisert
2025
Utgiver
Casemate Publishers and Book Distributors, LLC
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Digital bok
Forfatter