Life
Gratianus originated from the town of Cibalae (Vinkovci), in southern Pannonia Secunda (modern Croatia), possibly in the 280s. During his youth, Gratianus obtained the cognomen Funarius (/fjuːˈnɛriəs/), 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. A protector domesticus named "...atianus" is attested at Salona (Split) during this time, leading some to think Gratianus could have been stationed there. Gratianus' first independent command was as a tribunus, probably in the mobile field army of Constantine. During the late 320's or early 330's he was made comes of Africa, possibly to supervise the frontier. However, Gratianus was soon accused of embezzlement and was forced to retire. 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. After his military career ended, Gratianus returned to his birthplace and lived as a private citizen with good reputation.
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.
Read more about this topic: Gratian The Elder
Famous quotes containing the word life:
“The true poem is not that which the public read. There is always a poem not printed on paper,... in the poet’s life. It is what he has become through his work. Not how is the idea expressed in stone, or on canvas or paper, is the question, but how far it has obtained form and expression in the life of the artist. His true work will not stand in any prince’s gallery.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“And he thought to himself...., ‘Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’”
—Bible: New Testament, Luke 12:17-20.