GRATIAN

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 Adrianople , he became ruler of the Eastern Empire and summoned Theodosius I to share power with him. Influenced by St. Ambrose , Gratian omitted the words pontifex maximus ("supreme priest") from his title. He was murdered opposing the usurper Magnus Maximus.