Gainas

Gainas (Γαϊνας) was a Gothic military leader who served in the Roman army during the late 4th century AD. He rose to prominence during the reign of Emperor Theodosius I, playing a significant role in the suppression of a revolt in Phrygia.

Following Theodosius' death in 395 AD, the Roman Empire was divided between his two sons, Arcadius in the East and Honorius in the West. Gainas became a powerful figure in the Eastern Roman Empire under Arcadius, holding the position of magister militum praesentalis, effectively commander-in-chief of the Eastern Roman army.

Gainas's growing power and the presence of a large Gothic contingent within the Roman army caused increasing resentment among the Roman population in Constantinople. He exploited the rivalry between the eunuch Eutropius, Arcadius's chief advisor, and other court officials to consolidate his influence.

In 399 AD, a revolt erupted in Phrygia and Lydia led by the Gothic chieftain Tribigild. Gainas was sent to suppress the rebellion, but instead, he secretly collaborated with Tribigild, using the situation to further his own ambitions. He demanded the removal and execution of Eutropius, which Arcadius reluctantly conceded to.

Following Eutropius's death, Gainas held considerable sway over Arcadius and the Eastern Roman government. However, his actions and the increasing influence of the Goths sparked widespread anti-Gothic sentiment in Constantinople.

Later in 399 AD, a popular uprising against the Goths occurred in Constantinople. Gainas attempted to quell the unrest but was forced to withdraw with his Gothic troops. He then tried to cross the Hellespont to rejoin Tribigild, but his forces were intercepted and defeated by Roman troops under the command of Fravitta, a Goth loyal to the Roman Empire.

Gainas fled north across the Danube, seeking refuge among other Gothic tribes. However, he was killed by the Hunnic king Uldin in 400 AD, who sent his head to Arcadius as a sign of loyalty. His death marked a turning point in the relationship between the Eastern Roman Empire and its Gothic population, leading to a decline in Gothic influence within the Roman army.