|
GRATIAN being now in possession of the empire, together with
Valentinian the younger, and condemning the cruel policy of his uncle
Valens towards the [orthodox] Christians, recalled those whom he
had sent into exile. He moreover enacted that persons of all sects,
without distinction, might securely assemble together in their
churches; and that only the Eunomians, Photinians, and Manichaeans
should be excluded from the churches. Being also sensible of the
languishing condition of the Roman empire, and of the growing power of
the barbarians and perceiving that the state was in need of a brave and
prudent man, he took Theodosius as his colleague in the sovereign
power. This [Theodosius] was descended from a noble family in
Spain, and had acquired so distinguished a celebrity for his prowess
in the wars, that he was universally considered worthy of imperial
dignity, even before Gratian's election of him. Having therefore
proclaimed him emperor at Sirmium a city of Illyricum in the consulate
of Ausonius and Olybrius, on the 16th of January, he divided with
him the care of managing the war against the barbarians.
|
|