Born circa 360; died 408. Roman military commander and state figure.
A Vandal, Stilicho advanced in the military and diplomatic service under Emperor Theodosius I. After the death of Theodo-sius in 395, Stilicho was appointed guardian of the young emperor Honorius and became the de facto ruler of the western part of the empire. He waged a successful struggle against the barbarians in Britain and along the Rhine and the Danube. In 402, Stilicho won victories over Alaric I at Pollenzo and Verona. In 406 he won a victory at Fiesole over the barbarian tribes headed by Ra- dagaisus. Stilicho was killed on orders of Honorius as a result of palace intrigues.