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Timelines - AD300> AD410 - 4th Century
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410- Rome sacked by the Visigothic chieftain, AIaric. 395- Death of Theodosius. Empire divided between Arcadius in the East and Honorius in the West 378- Theodosius I emperor. He is the last ruler of the whole Empire. 375- Gratian Emperor of the West. Valentinian II in the East. 364- Valentinian I Emperor in the West. Valens in the East. 363 - Jovian emperor. 360- Julian made Emperor. He promotes pagan worship 352- Constantius II defeats Magnentius. 350 - Constans killed by Magnentius. 340- Constans rules western Empire. 337- Death of Constantine. Empire divided between his three sons, Constantinus II, Constans & Constantius II. 330- Constantinople becomes the new capital of the Empire. 325- Constantine now sole emperor. 306- Constantine emperor of the West. 410- Britain is affectively no longer part of the Empire. The Emperor Honorius tells the British cities that they must look after their own defence - Rome can no longer help them. 406- Three separate usurpers took power in Britain. 401-2 - Troops withdrawn to help defend Italy. Breakdown of centralized government in Britain. 399- Peace restored in Britain. This was mainly due to the military expeditions of general Stilicho. 383 - Magnus Maximus claims himself as Emperor. He was a British Army commander who killed Gratian, but was then defeated by Emperor Theodosius, 364 & 367-8 - Large-scale barbarian raids. By Picts, Scots and Saxons. Order was restored by Count Theodosius. 364 & 367-8 - Large-scale barbarian raids. By Picts, Scots and Saxons. Order was restored by Count Theodosius. 315- Constantine wins a victory in Britain. 306- Emperor Constantius dies at York. His son, Constantine was declared Emperor when in the city. c.400 - Noviomagus and most villas declined. c.360-370 - Defences added to Noviomagus walls c.330 - Bignor Villa greatly expanded.
 
Watergate Hanger Chilgrove 2 Chilgrove 1 Chichester (Noviomagus) Lambslea Bignor Hardham Pulborough Wiggonholt Muntham Court Hassocks Bishopstone Bullock Down Pevensey Bodiam Crawley (Broadfields) Alfoldean
In the early 4th century, the villas by the coast continued to decline, but those further inland such as Bignor, often developed into large impressive country houses. At the end of the century, both the villas and the town of Chichester were in a poor state of repair.
 
Key Dates
Sussex c.330 Bignor Villa greatly expanded.
  c.360-370 Defences added to Noviomagus walls
  c.400 Noviomagus and most villas declined.
Britain: 306 Emperor Constantius dies at York. His son, Constantine was declared Emperor when in the city.
  315 Constantine wins a victory in Britain.
  364 & 367-8 Large-scale barbarian raids. By Picts, Scots and Saxons. Order was restored by Count Theodosius.
  383 Magnus Maximus claims himself as Emperor. He was a British Army commander who killed Gratian, but was then defeated by Emperor Theodosius.
  399 Peace restored in Britain. This was mainly due to the military expeditions of general Stilicho.
  401-2 Troops withdrawn to help defend Italy. Breakdown of centralized government in Britain.
  406 Three separate usurpers took power in Britain.
  410 Britain is affectively no longer part of the Empire. The Emperor Honorius tells the British cities that they must look after their own defence - Rome can no longer help them.
Rome: 306 Constantine emperor of the West.
  325 Constantine now sole emperor.
  330 Constantinople becomes the new capital of the Empire.
  337 Death of Constantine. Empire divided between his three sons, Constantinus II, Constans & Constantius II.
  340 Constans rules western Empire.
  350 Constans killed by Magnentius.
  352 Constantius II defeats Magnentius.
  360 Julian made Emperor. He promotes pagan worship
  363 Jovian emperor.
  364 Valentinian I Emperor in the West. Valens in the East.
  375 Gratian Emperor of the West. Valentinian II in the East.
  378 Theodosius I emperor. He is the last ruler of the whole Empire.
  395 Death of Theodosius. Empire divided between Arcadius in the East and Honorius in the West
  410 Rome sacked by the Visigothic chieftain, AIaric.
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