Emperor Honorius

Western Roman emperor (395-423 CE) during the sack of Rome in 410 CE. Ruled from Ravenna, safely distant from the barbarian pressure on Italy. Famous for an anecdote — perhaps apocryphal — that when told 'Rome has perished,' he replied 'But I just fed her!' thinking the messenger meant his favourite hen, also named Roma. Ineffective but long-reigning; the West fragmented around him.

• Nationality: Roman
• Roles: emperor