Valentinian I

Valentiniano Primo

INC-1867-r Солид. Валент II. Ок. 375—378 гг. (реверс)

Colosso-de-barletta

INC-3035-r Солид. Валентиниан I. Ок. 367—375 гг. (реверс)

Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence (32212815186)

INC-3035-a Солид. Валентиниан I. Ок. 367—375 гг. (аверс)

Valentinian I (321 – 17 November 375), also known as Valentinian the Great, was a Roman Emperor who reigned from 364 to 375. He was the first emperor of the Valentinianic Dynasty, which ruled the Western Roman Empire until 392 and the Eastern Roman Empire until 378. Valentinian's reign is marked by his efforts to maintain the stability and integrity of the Roman Empire in the face of external threats, particularly from the Germanic tribes and the Sassanian Empire.

Early Life

Valentinian was born in 321 in Cibalae (now Vinkovci, Croatia). Little is known about his early life before his military career. He rose through the ranks of the army during the reigns of Constantine the Great and his sons. His competence and loyalty to the empire's cause earned him the trust and respect of his superiors.

Rise to Power

In 364, following the death of Emperor Jovian, Valentinian was proclaimed emperor by the army in Nicaea. Recognizing the challenges of ruling the vast Roman Empire alone, he appointed his brother Valens as co-emperor, assigning him the Eastern Empire while Valentinian retained control of the West. This division of the empire was strategic, allowing each emperor to focus on the threats and issues specific to their regions.

Reign

Valentinian's reign was characterized by his vigorous defense policies. He fortified the Rhine and Danube frontiers, repelling invasions by the Alamanni, Saxons, and other Germanic tribes. He also conducted successful campaigns in Africa and Britannia, reinforcing Roman authority and securing the borders.

In the East, Valentinian managed diplomatic relations with the Sassanian Empire, maintaining peace through a combination of diplomacy and military readiness. His reign saw the construction of numerous fortifications along the empire's frontiers, a testament to his focus on defense and security.

Valentinian was also known for his legislative reforms, which aimed at improving the administration of the empire and the welfare of its citizens. He enacted laws to protect the peasantry from the abuses of the wealthy and powerful, reformed taxation to be more equitable, and took measures to curb corruption among officials.

Religious Policies

Valentinian was a Christian, but he adopted a policy of religious tolerance, allowing freedom of worship for all religions within the empire. This approach helped maintain peace and stability in a diverse and multi-religious empire.

Death and Legacy

Valentinian died on 17 November 375, reportedly of a burst blood vessel while angrily dealing with envoys of the Quadi, a Germanic tribe. His death led to a period of instability, as his sons, Valentinian II and Gratian, were still young and inexperienced. Despite this, Valentinian is remembered as one of the last strong emperors who actively sought to preserve the Roman Empire in the face of increasing external pressures.

His legacy includes not only the fortifications and reforms he implemented but also the dynasty he founded, which would continue to play a significant role in Roman politics for the next few decades.

See Also

• Valens
• Valentinian II
• Gratian
• Western Roman Empire
• Eastern Roman Empire