Jul 28
Emperor Theodosius II Dies After a Horse-Riding Accident
The death of Emperor Theodosius II on July 28, 450, brought an end to one of the longest reigns in the history of the Eastern Roman Empire. According to ancient sources, the emperor suffered fatal injuries after being thrown from his horse during a hunting expedition, dying a few days later from the accident.
During his 42-year reign, Theodosius II oversaw the construction of the famous Theodosian Walls of Constantinople and commissioned the Theodosian Code, a landmark compilation of Roman law. His death without an heir led to the accession of Marcian, ushering in a new era for the Eastern Roman Empire.