Page "Galla Placidia" Paragraph 5

Stilicho was the magister militum of the Western Roman Empire.

He was the only known person to hold the rank of " magister militum in praesenti " from 394 to 408 in both the Western and the Eastern Roman Empire.

He was also titled " magister equitum et peditum " (" Master of the Horse and of Foot "), placing him in charge of both the cavalry and infantry forces of the Western Roman Empire.

In 408, Arcadius died and was succeeded by his son Theodosius II, only seven years old.

Stilicho planned to proceed to Constantinople and " undertake the management of the affairs of Theodosius ", convincing Honorius not to travel to the East himself.

Shortly after, Olympius, " an officer of rank in the court-guards " attempted to convince Honorius that Stilicho was in fact conspiring to depose Theodosius II, to replace him with Eucherius.

Olympius proceeded to lead a military coup d ' état which left him in control of Honorius and his court.

Stilicho was arrested and executed on August 22, 408.

Eucherius sought refuge in Rome but was arrested there by Arsacius and Tarentius, two eunuchs following imperial command.

They executed him not long after.

Honorius appointed Tarentius imperial chamberlain, and gave the next post under him to Arsacius.

Their deaths left Placidia effectively unattached.