VALENTINIAN I

born 321 died Nov. 17, 375, Brigetio, Pannonia Inferior Latin in full Flavius Valentinianus Roman emperor from 364 to 375 who skillfully and successfully defended the frontiers of the Western Empire against Germanic invasions. Valentinian, the son of an army officer stationed in Pannonia (in central Europe), joined the army and served with his father in Africa. According to some sources, when Valentinian was a tribune in the forces of Julian the Apostate (emperor 360363), he was disgraced for refusal to renounce Christianity. He did serve, however, in Julian's Persian expedition of 363, and was promoted by Julian's successor, Jovian, who died soon afterward (Feb. 17, 364). Nine days later the commanders of the army proclaimed Valentinian emperor at Nicaea (modern Iznik, Tur.). On March 28 he appointed his younger brother Valens as co-ruler and assigned him to govern the East, while Valentinian retained the West. Both agreed to allow religious toleration, which, unlike Valens, Valentinian maintained throughout his reign. Displaying inexhaustible energy, Valentinian set about fortifying and defending the borders. In January 365, his generals in Gaul were defeated by the Germanic Alemanni; by October, Valentinian had set up residence in Paris from which he directed operations against the invaders. His general Jovinus defeated them three times. At Durocatalaunum (modern Chlons-sur-Marne, Fr.), the third engagement, Jovinus inflicted heavy casualties on the Alemanni, securing Gaul for years to come. Meanwhile, in 367, the Emperor moved to Ambiani (modern Amiens, Fr.) to be in closer communication with his general Theodosius (father of the later emperor Theodosius I), who was defending Britain from Saxon, Pictish, and Scottish invaders. In order to strengthen the line of succession, Valentinian proclaimed (Aug. 24, 367) his nine-year-old son, Gratian, as co-emperor. Two months later Valentinian took up residence at Trier (now in Germany). He remained there for seven years, devoting his attention to the construction of an elaborate system of fortifications on the Rhine. Then, an invasion of Pannonia by the Quadi in 375 brought Valentinian to Sirmium (modern Sremska Mitrovica, Yugos.), where he soon fell sick and died. Despite his achievements, Valentinian gained a reputation for irritability and cruelty. He frequently chose ministers of the worst character who ruthlessly oppressed the provincials.