Eudocia (daughter of Valentinian III) facts for kids
Eudocia (born around 439, died between 466 and 474) was an important princess in the ancient Roman Empire. She was the oldest daughter of Valentinian III, who was the Western Roman Emperor. Her mother was Licinia Eudoxia. This made Eudocia a granddaughter of two other emperors: Theodosius II from the Eastern Roman Empire and Constantius III from the Western Roman Empire. She was also related to the famous empress Galla Placidia.
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Eudocia's Life Story
In the middle 440s, when Eudocia was about five years old, she was promised in marriage to Huneric. He was the son of Gaiseric, the powerful king of the Vandal Kingdom. At that time, Huneric was living in Italy as a hostage. This engagement was meant to help the Roman Empire and the Vandals have better relations. However, they did not marry right away because Eudocia was too young.
A Princess in Trouble
In 455, Eudocia's father, Emperor Valentinian III, was killed. The new emperor, Petronius Maximus, forced Eudocia's mother to marry him. He also made Eudocia marry his own son, Palladius.
Because of this, the Vandals invaded Italy. Many historians say Eudocia's mother asked them to come. The Vandals captured Eudocia, her mother, and her younger sister, Placidia.
Life in Africa and Marriage
Eudocia, her mother, and her sister were held captive for seven years. After this time, Eudocia's mother and sister were sent to Constantinople. Eudocia, however, stayed in Africa.
Around the year 460, Eudocia married Huneric, the Vandal prince she had been promised to as a child. They had a son named Hilderic. Hilderic later became the king of the Vandals, ruling from 523 to 530.
Moving to Jerusalem
Some time after her son Hilderic was born, Eudocia moved to Jerusalem. She left Africa because she had different religious beliefs than her husband, Huneric. He followed a Christian belief called Arianism, which was different from her own. Eudocia died in Jerusalem. She was buried in the tomb of her grandmother, Aelia Eudocia.
See also
In Spanish: Eudocia (hija de Valentiniano III) para niños
