Theodosius and the Ban on Paganism

The edict of 380 directs the emperor's subjects to hold the confession held by the bishops of Rome and Alexandria; a council at Constantinople a year later confirms the Nicene creed. Then come the laws against sacrifices and sanctuaries: temples are closed, their revenues confiscated, and soon the Olympic games, which had run for more than a thousand years, cease as well. The position of the Jews remains distinct — their communities are recognised in law and protected from violence, but the building of new synagogues is forbidden. After the death of Theodosius in 395 the empire is finally divided between his two sons, never to be joined again.