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Gratian the Elder (Latin: Gratianus Funarius; Gratianus Major, "Gratian the Elder") was an Illyrian soldier of the Roman Empire who flourished in the 4th century. He was the father of Roman Emperors, Valentinian I and Valens, founders of the Valentinianic Dynasty. Life Gratianus originated from the town of Cibalae (Vinkovci), in southern Pannonia Secunda (modern Croatia), possibly in the 280s.[1] During his youth, Gratianus obtained the cognomen Funarius /fju?'n?ri?s/, meaning ‘the rope-man’ because he was a rope salesman. Gratianus joined the army and rose through the ranks to become protector domesticus during the reign of Constantine the Great.[2] A protector domesticus named "...atianus" is attested at Salona (Split) during this time, leading some to think Gratianus could have been stationed there.[2] Gratianus' first independent command was as a tribunus, probably in the mobile field army of Constantine.[2] During the late 320's or early 330's he was made comes of Africa, possibly to supervise the frontier.[3] However, Gratianus was soon accused of embezzlement and was forced to retire.[4] Gratianus was recalled during the early 340s and was made comes of Britannia. He may have been recalled to command a unit of comitatenses under emperor Constans I during his campaign on the island in the winter of 342/3.[4] After his military career ended, Gratianus returned to his birthplace and lived as a private citizen with good reputation.[5] In Gratianus’ retirement, Roman Emperor Constantius II (reigned 337-360) confiscated all of his estates because of his suspected support of Roman usurper Magnentius. Gratianus was kept in high regard with fellow soldiers due to his popularity within the army; this could have contributed to the elevation of his sons and his descendants in becoming Roman Emperors. When Valens became Emperor, the Roman Senate in Constantinople decreed a brass statue of him. His son became emperor on February 26, 364. Sources ^ Lenski, Noel Emmanuel (2002). Failure of empire: Valens and the Roman state in the fourth century A.D.. University of California Press. p. 46. ISBN 978-0-520-23332-4. Retrieved 12 October 2010. ^ a b c Tomlin, R. (1973). The Emperor Valentinian I. p. 2. ^ Tomlin, R. (1973). The Emperor Valentinian I. p. 3. ^ a b Tomlin, R. (1973). The Emperor Valentinian I. p. 4. ^ Tomlin, R. (1973). The emperor Valentinian I. p. 5. Roberts, Walter E. (10 August 2010). "Valentinian I (364-375 A.D)". De Imperitoribus Romanis. Roman Emperors. Rodgers, N. (2005). The History and Conquests of Ancient Rome. Hermes House. http://www.ancientlibrary.com/smith-bio/1409.html From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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