Gratian the Elder (pron.: /'gre???n/; Latin: Gratianus Funarius; Gratianus Major, "Gratian the Elder") was an Illyrian soldier of the Roman Empire who flourished in the 4th century. He was the father of Roman Emperors, Valentinian I and Valens, founders of the Valentinianic Dynasty.
Life
Gratianus originated from the town of Cibalae (Vinkovci), in southern Pannonia Secunda (modern Croatia), possibly in the 280s.[1] During his youth, Gratianus obtained the cognomen Funarius (/fju?'n?ri?s/), 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.[2] A protector domesticus named "...atianus" is attested at Salona (Split) during this time, leading some to think Gratianus could have been stationed there.[2] Gratianus' first independent command was as a tribunus, probably in the mobile field army of Constantine.[2] During the late 320's or early 330's he was made comes of Africa, possibly to supervise the frontier.[3] However, Gratianus was soon accused of embezzlement and was forced to retire.[4] 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.[4] After his military career ended, Gratianus returned to his birthplace and lived as a private citizen with good reputation.[5]
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.
Hij is getrouwd met Fausta.
Zij zijn getrouwd.Bron 2
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Fausta | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gratian_the_Elder
www.ellis-pagoria.com/pedigree.php?personID=I24776&tree=ellis&display=standard&generations=4