Latin in full Flavius Gratianus Augustus
born 359, Sirmium, Pannonia
died Aug. 25, 383, Lugdunum, Lugdunensis
Roman emperor (r. 367–83).
He originally shared the office with his father, Valentinian I (r. 364–75), and his uncle, Valens (r. 364–78). He later shared authority with his 4-year-old half brother, who was supported by the army. Following his uncle's death at the disastrous Battle of Theodosius I to share power with him. Influenced by {{link=Ambrose, Saint">St. Ambrose , Gratian omitted the words pontifex maximus ("supreme priest") from his title. He was murdered opposing the usurper Magnus Maximus.