Page "Pulcheria" Paragraph 3

Once Pulcheria came of age, at fifteen, she felt, like her brother, that her family had no need for Antiochus any longer ; her brother dismissed him of his duties.

She then became her own brother ’ s regent: “ In 412 Pulcheria quarreled with Antiochus, who like Anthemius had served the dynasty faithfully for a number of years, and induced her brother to dismiss him from the duties of praepositus.

She then took personal charge of the imperial family, directing its affairs with such authority that she became known in society at large as the emperor ’ s guardian .” Immediately when Pulcheria took authority over the imperial palace, the palace took on a much more monastic tone compared to that of her mother ’ s palace.

Sozomen describes Pulcheria ’ s and her sisters ' pious ways in his Ecclesiastical History: “ They all pursue the same mode of life ; they are sedulous in their attendance in the house of prayer, and evince great charity towards strangers and the poor ... and pass their days and their nights together in singing the praises of God .” Rituals within the imperial palace also included chanting and reciting passages in the scripture, and fasting twice a week.

The sisters were known to have given up luxurious jewelry and apparel worn by most women of the imperial court of the past.

Pulcheria also took on the role of providing all the training necessary for Theodosius to become a successful emperor, once he came of age.

" Although the empire was technically to be ruled by Theodosius II when he would come of age, his older sister Pulcheria exercised such profound influence over him all his life that she must be considered the co-regent of the empire until her death in 453.

In fact it can be said without exaggeration that Pulcheria gave the identity to her brother's reign.

" Pulcheria's training of Theodosius included, "... how an Emperor must walk, and ride his horse, alone or in procession ; how he should sit upon his throne: how to wear his Imperial armor and robes ; and how to speak with dignity.

By no means must he yield to loud laughter ..." Not only did Pulcheria train her brother on the duties and customs of becoming an Emperor, but she also made sure Theodosius was trained to be a pious Christian leader.

Once Theodosius came of age to rule as sole Emperor, according to many historians, the teachings of his sister had been ignored.

“ He was by nature kind, affable, easily led ... Not only was he foolishly kind ; he was careless, and often he was to neglect his duty in the administration of his Empire .” This lack of power that Theodosius exemplified led to Pulcheria taking on a much larger role of authority and influence in the Empire.