Valentinian III, Roman Emperor

Valentinian III, Roman emperor

obtained notoriety by issuing the edict of. A.D. 445, which contributed materially to the elevation of the papacy, for which SEE LEO I and PAPACY SEE PAPACY . He also issued laws against the Manicheans. His mother, Placidia, administered the government for him until the year 450, and afterwards he gave himself up wholly to sensual indulgences, and left the control of affairs in the hands of a eunuch. He was murdered in 455. See Smith, Dict. of Gr. and Rom. Biog.; s.v.; and Herzog, Real-Encyklop. s.v.