Gratian, properly Flavius Augustus Gratianus AD359-83
Roman emperor

The son of the Emperor Valentinian I, he was born in Sirinium, Pannonia, and in AD367 his father made him Augustus in Gaul. He and his half-brother Valentinian II succeeded their father on his death (375). Gaul, Spain and Britain fell to Gratian's share, but as his brother was only four years old he virtually ruled the whole Western Empire, and in 378, on the death of his uncle Valens, he suddenly became sovereign also of the Eastern Empire. Thereupon he recalled Theodosius I, the Great from Spain, and appointed him his colleague (379). He was much influenced by St Ambrose, and persecuted pagans and heretics. He was eventually overthrown by the usurper Magnus Maximus, and was murdered at Lyons.