The Death of Theodosius

After this victory Theodosius fell ill. He divided his empire between his sons, giving the elder the sovereignty he had held himself, and the younger the throne of Europe. [a] He charged them both to hold fast to true religion. “For by it,” he said, “peace is kept, war is stopped, enemies are routed, trophies are set up, and victory is proclaimed.” After giving his sons this charge, he died, leaving behind him a fame that will never perish. [b] His successors in the empire also inherited his devotion to God.