man worthy of responsibility for the future safety of the empire. In several of the Claudian poems celebrating Theodosius' victories, Stilicho's participation and contribution to the campaign were highlighted. This helped him gain popularity in the empire. The last emperor of a united Rome appointed Stilicho guardian of his son Honorius, with the rank of comes et magister utriusque militiae praesentalis (supreme commander), shortly before his death in 395.

At the time of Theodosius' death,