Valentinian I
Valentinian I was a prominent Roman emperor who ruled from 364 to 375 CE, having been proclaimed emperor by army commanders. He took control of the Western Roman Empire and appointed his brother Valens as co-emperor in the Eastern regions. His reign was marked by significant military challenges, particularly from Germanic tribes on the Rhine frontier, as well as incursions by the Picts and Saxons in Britain. To address these threats, Valentinian fortified the empire's defenses and conducted preemptive military campaigns against invading tribes. A Christian leader, he practiced religious toleration and showed concern for his soldiers' welfare by providing agricultural resources to improve their economic circumstances. Valentinian also aimed to curb the influence of the senatorial class and support the lower classes within the empire. His untimely death in 375 CE was attributed to a sudden health crisis, and he is remembered as an effective military strategist and administrator, establishing a dynasty that persisted until 455 CE. Valentinian I is often regarded as one of the most significant rulers of the later Roman Empire.
Valentinian I
Related civilization: Imperial Rome
Major role/position: Emperor
Life
Valentinian I (val-uhn-TIHN-ee-uhn) served as an army officer under emperors Constantius II, Julian the Apostate, and Jovian. In 364 c.e., army commanders proclaimed him emperor; he assumed control of the Western Empire and named his brother Valens co-emperor in the East. Valentinian was quickly confronted with some major crises. From 366 to 369 c.e., he fought invading Germans on the Rhine frontier and directed military operations against invading Picts and Saxons in Britain. Valentinian also strengthened defenses on the Rhine and Danube frontiers while attempting to prevent further barbarian invasions by means of preemptive attacks on German tribes along both frontiers.
Although a Christian, Valentinian implemented a policy of religious toleration. He sought to improve the economic status of his soldiers by providing them with seeds and farm equipment, which enabled them to work as farmers in their spare time and thereby increase their income. He also attempted to check the power of the senators and great landowners while taking steps to help the empire’s lower classes. In 375 c.e., Valentinian became enraged at the insolence of a German delegation, burst a blood vessel, and died.
Influence
Valentinian was an effective military leader and administrator who established a dynasty that ruled the empire until 455 c.e. He is generally considered one of the greatest rulers of the later Roman Empire.
Bibliography
Burns, Thomas S. Barbarians Within the Gates of Rome: A Study of Roman Military Policy and the Barbarians, c. 375-425 a.d. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1994.
Marcellinus, Ammianus. The Later Roman Empire. Translated by Walter Hamilton. New York: Penguin Classics, 1986.