363—He was mortally wounded in an invasion of Persia, and was succeeded by Jovian, who restored imperial favor 364—to the Christian religion. He died after one years reign and Valentinian was elected emperor by the council of ministers and generals. He divided the empire with his brother, Valens, and afterward Rome and Constantinople usually had each an emperor. Valentinian died 375—and was succeeded by his son, Gratian.
378—The Huns appeared in Europe, having wandered from the borders of China, and defeated Valens with dreadful slaughter. Valens himself was among the slain. This was the commencement of the great migrations that finally overwhelmed the Roman Empire of the west.
379—Gratian, left sole emperor, appointed Theodosius, called The Great, his colleague, who subdued the Goths, repelled the Huns, and restored order.
383—Gratian was murdered by the usurper Maximus.
388—Theodosius conquered and put Maximus to death and restored Valentinian II., brother of Gratian, to the throne of the western empire. In a few years the whole 394—empire was reunited by the death of Valentinian. Theodosius soon died, universally lamented, leaving the two empires to his sons, Honorius and Arcadius.
402—Alaric, the Goth, invaded Italy and, though defeated, endangered the safety of Rome.
408—Theodosius II. succeeded to the empire of the east.
410—Alaric again invaded Italy and sacked Rome. Alaric soon after died and his forces were persuaded, by negotiations, to leave Italy, but they permanently established themselves in Spain and Southern Gaul (France). Thus the empire began to fall to pieces.
425—Honorius died and Valentinian III. became emperor.
429—The Vandals soon conquered the Roman provinces in Africa, under their king, Genseric. They extended 440—their conquests to Sicily.