Rufinus was a prominent political figure in the Eastern Roman Empire, serving as the praetorian prefect of the East. Known for his ambition and political maneuvering, he played a crucial role in the court of Emperor Arcadius. However, tensions had escalated between Rufinus and the Gothic mercenaries, particularly those under Gainas, a Gothic warlord who had substantial power and influence. On this fateful day, Gainas's forces turned against Rufinus, leading to his assassination in Constantinople.

The consequences of Rufinus’s murder were profound. His death created a power vacuum within the Eastern Roman administration, as various factions vied for influence in the aftermath. The incident underscored the precarious nature of political alliances in the empire, especially as Roman officials increasingly depended on foreign mercenaries for military support. Gainas, benefiting from the chaos, sought to solidify his position and exert more control over the Eastern Roman political landscape.

In the immediate aftermath, the assassination intensified strife within the court and among various military factions. Gainas's show of power demonstrated the shifting balance of authority away from traditional Roman governance towards a system where foreign generals wielded considerable influence. This event not only illustrated the personal rivalries that plagued the imperial court but also the growing dependence of the empire on barbarian mercenary forces, a trend that continued to shape Roman military and political strategies in subsequent years.