History of Gratian

Gratian, often referred to as Flavius Gratianus, was a Roman Emperor who ruled from 367 to 383 AD. Born on April 18, 359, in Sirmium, Pannonia (modern-day Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia), he was the son of Valentinian I, a Roman emperor from the Valentinian dynasty, and his first wife, Marina Severa. His reign marked a pivotal period in the late Roman Empire, characterized by significant political, military, and religious transformations.

Gratian's rise to power was largely facilitated by his father Valentinian I, who was proclaimed emperor by his troops in 364 AD and ruled over the Western Roman Empire. Given the tumultuous and factional nature of Roman politics at the time, Valentinian I sought to secure his dynasty's future by elevating his young son to a position of power. Thus, Gratian was proclaimed Augustus by his father in 367 AD, at the tender age of eight, effectively making him a co-emperor of the Western Roman Empire. This early elevation underscored the dynastic nature of Roman politics during the era and reflected Valentinian's intent to provide a clear line of succession.

Gratian’s early reign was significantly influenced by his guardians and advisors, as he was still a minor at the time of his father's death in 375 AD. After Valentinian I died, Gratian assumed full control of the Western Empire. However, a faction of the Roman army, not entirely satisfied with Gratian's leadership or age, declared his younger half-brother, Valentinian II, as co-emperor. This division of power initially caused some political tension, but Gratian managed to negotiate a balance of power, with him largely controlling the western provinces, while Valentinian II, under the regency of their mother, Justina, was nominally in charge of Italy, Illyricum, and Africa.

One of Gratian’s significant political contributions was his emphasis on religious orthodoxy and his efforts to align the Empire more closely with Christianity. At a time when the Roman Empire was witnessing a dynamic religious transformation, Gratian was openly supportive of Nicene Christianity. He took several critical steps in this direction, such as refusing the traditional Roman title of Pontifex Maximus, a religious role that symbolized the emperor's duty as the chief priest of the pagan Roman religion. Moreover, he ordered the removal of the Altar of Victory from the Roman Senate house, which was a symbol of the traditional Roman religious rites, and revoked the privileges of pagan priests. These actions of Gratian were pivotal, as they accelerated the Christianization of the Roman Empire and marked a gradual decline in the traditional Roman religious practices.

Politically, Gratian's reign was also marked by several military challenges. During his rule, the Roman Empire faced increasing pressure from various Germanic tribes along its borders, particularly from the Alamanni and the Lentienses. Gratian showed considerable military aptitude during the campaign against the Alemanni in 377-378 AD. His most notable military engagement was the Battle of Argentovaria in 378 AD, where he successfully defeated the Lentienses. This victory bolstered his position as a capable military leader and strengthened the western frontiers of the Empire.

However, the Eastern Roman Empire was simultaneously dealing with its crisis. In 378 AD, Gratian's co-emperor in the East, Valens, suffered a catastrophic defeat at the Battle of Adrianople against the Goths, which resulted in Valens' death. This pivotal battle underscored the vulnerabilities of the Roman military and the growing threat from barbarian groups. In response, Gratian took the prudent decision to appoint Theodosius I as the new Eastern Roman Emperor in 379 AD, entrusting him with the task of stabilizing the Eastern front. Theodosius' appointment was significant as it marked the beginning of a competent rule in the East, which would later endeavor to reconcile the Gothic tribes within the Empire's borders.

Despite his early successes and reinforcements in the military and religious domains, Gratian’s later reign was marred by internal dissent and political instability. His favoritism towards his Alanic and Frankish bodyguard, which included the influential general Merobaudes, alienated many within the Roman aristocracy. Moreover, Gratian's apparent disinterest in the daily governance and his frequent absences from the seat of power further weakened his position.

By 383 AD, discontent had reached a boiling point, leading to the usurpation by Magnus Maximus, a Roman general stationed in Britain. Maximus declared himself emperor and advanced into Gaul. Gratian, unable to muster sufficient military support, was forced to retreat. He was subsequently betrayed and assassinated on August 25, 383 AD, near Lugdunum (modern-day Lyon, France).

Gratian's reign, while brief, was indeed significant due to the religious transformation of the empire and the military and political precedents it set. His efforts to strengthen Christianity shaped the future of the Roman Empire's religious orientation. Despite a premature and tragic end, Gratian's influence persisted, particularly through his initiatives which laid groundwork for further Christianization under his successors.