VAL'ENTIN'IAN ( N.'ALENTI.N1ANUS). The name of three Roman emperors of the same family. The most famous, VALENTINIAN 1. (A.D. 364-375), was the son of humble parents. and was born at Cibalis, in Pannonia, in 321. Valen tinian entered the army at an early age, and rose rapidly in rank under the emperors Con stantius and Julian, only, however, to fall more rapidly; for he was degraded by Constantius in 357, and banished by Julian in 362. Restored to favor in the following year, he distinguished himself in the East, and on the death of Jovian was unanimously chosen as his successor ( Febru ary 25, 364). A month after his accession he chose as his colleague his brother, Valens (q.v.), to whom he resigned the government of the East, reserving for himself Illyrieum, Italy, the Gauls, Britain, Spain, and Africa. During Valentin ian's reign the Alemanni repeatedly (366-368) ravaged the east, and the Saxons (370) the north east of Gaul: 111yrieum was wasted (370) by the Quadi, and Africa by the southern desert trihes, though these invasions were mostly repelled and revenged. The internal administration, on the other hand, was excellent, for the Emperor added to his ability prudence and firmness, vigilance and impartiality. Though himself a zealous Catholic, he permitted his suhleets to adopt whatever religion they chose, and strictly forbade all persecution or annoyance on account of re ligious belief. On account of the abuse of eccle
siastical influence. he excluded priests and monks from the right of succession to property; judicial proceedings were forbidden to be held in private; the extreme license of speech hitherto allowed to advocates was restrained; gratuitous medi cal attendance was provided for the poor of Rome; and schools were established throughout the Empire. The success of his administration was doubtless much owing to his fortunate choice of officers: Theodosius the Elder in Africa and Britain, .Jovinus in Gaul, and Theodosius the Younger (afterwards Emperor) in Illyricum. In private life Valentinian was above reproach, but his violent temper ultimately caused his death, for while giving audience to the deputies of the with whom he was then at war, be worked himself into such an of passion as 1.1) rupture a blood-vessel in his chest, and fell back dead into the arms of his guards (No vember 17, 37a). By Ins first wife he had one son, Gratianus (q.v.) ; and by the steeond. Justina, an other son, Valentinian, and three daughters. one of whom, Galin, became the wife of the Emperor Theodosius 1.