The marriage of Valentinian III to Licinia Eudoxia marked a key moment in the efforts to unify the Western and Eastern Roman Empires during the 5th century. Valentinian, who ascended to the throne at a young age, faced numerous challenges in stabilizing his rule amidst growing pressures from external invasions and internal dissent. By marrying Licinia Eudoxia, the daughter of Theodosius II, he aimed to establish stronger diplomatic ties with the Eastern Roman Empire, which was still under the rule of his cousin.

The grand wedding took place in Constantinople, the imperial capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, in a lavish ceremony that underscored the power of dynastic marriages as a crucial political instrument of the time. This alignment of the two branches of the House of Theodosius not only strengthened familial alliances but also showcased the importance of maintaining unity in an empire that was increasingly divided. The marriage sought to provide a semblance of stability amid the uncertainties of the age, such as the encroaching threats from Goths and other tribes.

This illustrious union was seen as a beacon of hope for cooperation between the two halves of the once-mighty Roman Empire. As Valentinian and Licinia Eudoxia settled into their roles, their partnership would influence future political maneuvers and set the stage for further interactions between the Western and Eastern segments of Roman authority. The event was not just a royal wedding; it was a calculation of power, strategic governance, and an attempt to hold sway over the complex tapestry of social and military tensions that characterized the zeitgeist of the late Roman Empire.