Stilicho's influence has declined. It is rumored…

Stilicho's influence has declined.

It is rumored that he wishes to have his son Eucherius elevated to the throne.

Reports reach him early in 408 that his army is disaffected.

Now comes news of the premature death, on May 1, of the Eastern emperor, Arcadius, and Stilicho proposes to go to Constantinople.

He may also have intended to give Alaric a senior official position and send him against the rebels in Gaul.

Before he can do so, while he is away at Ticinum at the head of a small detachment, a bloody coup against his supporters takes place at Honorius's court.

It is led by Stilicho's own creature, one Olympius, who had spread the rumor that Stilicho is preparing to put his own son on the Eastern throne; the troops kill nearly all of the officials present on August 13.