In 392, Arbogast, a powerful military commander known as the magister militum, orchestrated the elevation of Eugenius to the position of Western Roman Emperor. This event was deeply intertwined with the political dynamics of the time, notably the growing tension between the existing Roman authority and the military elite. Eugenius, an unexpected choice for the throne, was a man of humble origins, previously working as a school teacher, which made his rise to emperor a notable departure from the traditional lineage of Roman leadership.

Arbogast’s decision to appoint Eugenius was not merely a personal whim but a calculated move aimed at solidifying his own political power within the empire. With the Eastern Roman Empire facing increasing challenges and the Western Empire fragmenting under external pressures, the choice of Eugenius signaled a shift where military might began to overshadow senatorial power in Roman governance. Arbogast, a Frankish general, recognized the need for a puppet ruler who could be easily managed while he maintained control over the military apparatus.

The coronation of Eugenius brought significant implications for the governance of the Western Empire, illustrating how military commanders could effectively manipulate politics. However, it also set the stage for ensuing power struggles and conflicts, as Eugenius lacked the necessary nobility supports traditionally expected of a Roman Emperor. His reign would soon face the formidable challenge of Theodosius I from the Eastern Empire, as the fraying threads of unity across the Roman territories would soon unfold into more pronounced division. Additionally, the new regime would soon adopt a more tolerant approach towards Pagan practices in a context where Christian orthodoxy was rapidly becoming the state religion, leading to further cultural tensions.