Britannica
Sources used in this answer
Which pagan practices did Theodosius I prohibit in 391?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Theodosius I
Theodosius I, portrait on a gold coin from Mediolanum, Italy 378–383.
In February 391, as part of his efforts to enforce a more stringent religious policy against paganism, Theodosius I issued legislation that prohibited the performance of sacrifices and the visiting of temples.1
Prior to this decree, Theodosius had generally maintained a policy of tolerance toward pagans, even appointing adherents of traditional cults to high-ranking government offices. This 391 measure marked a significant shift in his administration's approach to religious affairs, moving away from the relative leniency he had practiced since 379.1