Page "Aelia Eudocia" Paragraph 4

Legend has it that when Theodosius II was 20 years old, he wanted to get married.

He talked to his sister Pulcheria, who began to search for a maiden fit for her brother, that was either " patrician or imperial blood.

" His long time childhood friend Paulinus also helped Theodosius in his search.

The Emperor's search had begun fortuitously at the same time that Athenais had arrived in Constantinople.

Pulcheria had heard about this young girl, who had only 100 coins to her name, and when she met her she was " astonished at her beauty and at the intelligence and sophistication with which she presented her grievance.

" Upon reporting back to her brother, she told him she had " found a young girl, a greek maid, very beautiful, pure and dainty, eloquent as well, the daughter of a philosopher ," and young Theodosius who was full of desire and lust fell in love instantly.