Saturday, December 24, 2011

Murphysboro Centuries, 4th secular


Gratian, 367-383
- son of Valentinian I, became co-Augustus at age 8, along with his 4 year old brother Valentinian II - most of his reign was political infighting to see who would control him -
appointed Theodosius to rule the East when Valens died
- was a pious Christian, greatly influenced by Ambrose of Milan - first emperor to refuse
the role of pontifex maximus (pagan 'high priest') - withdrew public funds from the support of paganism, and removed the pagan altar of Victory from the Senate house
- when Magnus Maximus revolted, his troops deserted him, jealous because of special
privileges given to German mercenaries, and he was later assassinated

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