CHAPTER II

THE EMPEROR GRATIAN RECALS THE ORTHODOX BISHOPS, AND EXPELS THE HERETICS FROM THE CHURCHES. HE TAKES THEODOSIUS AS HIS IMPERIAL COLLEAGUE

GRATIAN being now in possession of the empire, together with Valentinian junior, 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 oratories; the Eunomians, Photinians, and Manichæans only were excluded from the churches. Being also sensible of the languishing condition of the Roman empire, and of the growing power of the barbarians; perceiving too that the state was in need of a brave and prudent man, he created Theodosius his colleague in the sovereign power. This person 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 that honour, 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 divides with him the care of managing the war against the barbarians.