Gratian

Gratian, born on April eighteenth in the year three hundred fifty-nine, rose to prominence as the emperor of the Western Roman Empire from three hundred sixty-seven until three hundred eighty-three. As the eldest son of Valentinian I, he was elevated to the rank of Augustus during his childhood, inheriting the Western Empire following his father's death in three hundred seventy-five. His reign was marked by a nominal co-rule with his infant half-brother, Valentinian II, who was also acclaimed emperor shortly after their father's passing.

During his rule, Gratian undertook significant military campaigns, including a notable expedition across the Rhine where he successfully attacked the Lentienses, compelling the tribe to surrender. His tenure was further defined by the tragic death of the Eastern emperor Valens at the Battle of Adrianople, which prompted Gratian to elevate Theodosius I to the Eastern throne in three hundred seventy-nine, ensuring a continuity of leadership in the empire.

Gratian's reign was also characterized by his strong preference for Nicene Christianity over the traditional Roman religious practices. He made a bold statement by issuing the Edict of Thessalonica, declining the title of pontifex maximus, and removing the Altar of Victory from the Curia Julia in the Roman Senate. His influence extended to the city of Cularo on the Isère river, which was renamed Gratianopolis in his honor, a name that would eventually evolve into Grenoble.

However, by three hundred eighty-three, Gratian's popularity waned, particularly among his military forces. This decline culminated in a pivotal moment when his army abandoned him during a confrontation with the usurper Magnus Maximus near Lutetia, present-day Paris. In a desperate bid for survival, Gratian fled to Lugdunum, where he ultimately met his tragic end.