Gratian

Marble head of a Young Gratian. C. late 4th century A.D.

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Gratian Solidus

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Alemanni expansion

Gratian Trier enhanced

Gratian (Latin: Flavius Gratianus Augustus; 18 April 359 – 25 August 383) was Roman Emperor from 367 to 383. The eldest son of Valentinian I and Marina Severa, Gratian was raised to the rank of Augustus at the age of eight by his father, marking the beginning of his co-reign with Valentinian. After the death of his father in 375, Gratian inherited the Western Roman Empire, while his half-brother, Valentinian II, was declared emperor of the Eastern Empire. His reign saw the continuation of the policies of his predecessors, but it was also marked by his efforts to restore the authority of the Roman state and his promotion of Christianity over paganism.

Early Life and Accession

Gratian was born in Sirmium in Pannonia (now Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia) and was given the title of Augustus at the age of eight. His early reign was under the guardianship of his father, Valentinian I, who sought to prepare him for his future responsibilities through education and military training. Gratian's elevation to Augustus was part of Valentinian's strategy to secure the succession and stability of the empire.

Reign

Upon the death of Valentinian I in 375, Gratian became the senior emperor of the Western Roman Empire. He faced immediate challenges, including a revolt by the Alemanni and the ongoing threat from other Germanic tribes. Gratian responded by leading military campaigns to protect the borders of the empire, demonstrating both his capability as a military leader and his commitment to the responsibilities of his office.

In 378, after the disastrous Battle of Adrianople, where the Eastern Emperor Valens was killed, Gratian appointed Theodosius I as the new emperor of the East, a decision that would have lasting implications for the empire. This appointment was significant, as it helped to stabilize the empire and ensured a cooperative relationship between the eastern and western halves.

Religious Policies

Gratian's reign is particularly noted for his religious policies. He removed the Altar of Victory from the Senate's curia, a move that signaled the empire's shift away from traditional Roman paganism and towards Christianity. Gratian also refused the pagan title of Pontifex Maximus, traditionally held by Roman emperors, and promoted Christian officials to high-ranking positions within his government. These actions contributed to the increasing prominence of Christianity within the Roman Empire.

Death and Legacy

Gratian's reign came to an abrupt end in 383 when he was defeated in a rebellion led by Magnus Maximus, a general in the Roman army. Fleeing from the advancing forces of Maximus, Gratian was assassinated in Lyon on 25 August 383. His death marked the end of his efforts to strengthen the Roman state and the Christian church.

Gratian's policies and actions, particularly in the realm of religion, had a profound impact on the Roman Empire. His support for Christianity and his administrative reforms were continued by his successors, most notably Theodosius I, who would go on to make Christianity the state religion of the Roman Empire.