Stilicho was of noble origin, a semibarbarus, with a Vandal father (Oros. Adv. pag. 7.38.1) and a Roman mother (Jer. Ep. 123.16). He entered the élite corps of protectores and in circa 383 CE became tribunus praetorianus militaris. As such he probably participated in the diplomatic mission to Persian court in 383/384 CE (Claud. Stil.1.51–58). When returned in 384 CE, he married Serena, Theodosius I’ niece (Claud. Stil. 1.69–83; L. Ser. 179f.; Olymp. Frag. 2M), and was promoted comes stabulisacri (L. Ser. 190–193). Presumably he then r…