Valentinian I (Latin: Valentinianus; 321 – 17 November 375), sometimes known as Valentinian the Great, was Roman emperor from 364 to 375. He is the second-last emperor to govern the empire as a whole, albeit he only did so from February 26th to March 28th of 364, after which he appointed Valens to rule over the Eastern half the empire, while he remained in control of the West. During his reign, he fought successfully against the Alamanni, Quadi, and Sarmatians, strengthening the border fortifications and conducting campaigns across the Rhine and Danube. Also, his general Theodosius the Elder defeated a revolt in Africa and the Great Conspiracy (a coordinated assault on Roman Britain by Picts, Scoti, and Saxons).
Valentinian I is proclaimed Roman Emperor
Valentinian I (Latin: Valentinianus; 321 – 17 November 375), sometimes known as Valentinian the Great, was Roman emperor from 364 to 375.
Historical Significance
Valentinian I (Latin: Valentinianus; 321 – 17 November 375), sometimes known as Valentinian the Great, was Roman emperor from 364 to 375.
Events Before
Athanasius returns to Alexandria
Athanasius returns to Alexandria
Emperor Julianus of Constantinople's "School Edict" prohibit Christian teachers from using pagan literature, which was s
Emperor Julianus of Constantinople's "School Edict" prohibit Christian teachers from using pagan literature, which was standard text for classical education at the time
Roman Emperor Julian moves from Antioch with an army of 90,000 to attack the Sassanid Empire in a campaign that leads to
Roman Emperor Julian moves from Antioch with an army of 90,000 to attack the Sassanid Empire in a campaign that leads to his death
Roman Emperor Julian is killed during retreat from the Sassanid Empire. General Jovian is proclaimed Emperor by troops o
Roman Emperor Julian is killed during retreat from the Sassanid Empire. General Jovian is proclaimed Emperor by troops on the battlefield.
Roman Emperor Julian defeats the Sassanid army in the Battle of Ctesiphon, under the walls of the Sassanid capital, but
Roman Emperor Julian defeats the Sassanid army in the Battle of Ctesiphon, under the walls of the Sassanid capital, but is unable to take the city
Events After
Co-emperors and brothers Valentinian I and Valens are made consuls to signify their new reign, and shortly after, they d
Co-emperors and brothers Valentinian I and Valens are made consuls to signify their new reign, and shortly after, they divide the empire into East and West
An earthquake on Crete followed by a tsunami around the Eastern Mediterranean allegedly destroys Alexandria
An earthquake on Crete followed by a tsunami around the Eastern Mediterranean allegedly destroys Alexandria
Roman usurper Procopius bribes two legions passing by Constantinople and proclaims himself Roman emperor
Roman usurper Procopius bribes two legions passing by Constantinople and proclaims himself Roman emperor
The Alemanni cross the frozen Rhine River in large numbers and invade the Gallic provinces
The Alemanni cross the frozen Rhine River in large numbers and invade the Gallic provinces
Liberius ends his reign as Catholic Pope
Pope Damasus I (305 – 11 December 384), also known as Damasus of Rome, was the bishop of Rome from October 366 to his death in 384.
More from the 360s
The Alemanni cross the frozen Rhine River in large numbers and invade the Gallic provinces
The Alemanni cross the frozen Rhine River in large numbers and invade the Gallic provinces
Co-emperors and brothers Valentinian I and Valens are made consuls to signify their new reign, and shortly after, they d
Co-emperors and brothers Valentinian I and Valens are made consuls to signify their new reign, and shortly after, they divide the empire into East and West
Roman Emperor Julian moves from Antioch with an army of 90,000 to attack the Sassanid Empire in a campaign that leads to
Roman Emperor Julian moves from Antioch with an army of 90,000 to attack the Sassanid Empire in a campaign that leads to his death
Roman Emperor Valentinian I appoints his brother Flavius Valens co-emperor
Valentinian I (Latin: Valentinianus; 321 – 17 November 375), sometimes known as Valentinian the Great, was Roman emperor from 364 to 375.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on February 26, 364?
- Valentinian I (Latin: Valentinianus; 321 – 17 November 375), sometimes known as Valentinian the Great, was Roman emperor from 364 to 375. He is the second-last emperor to govern the empire as a whole, albeit he only did so from February 26th to March 28th of 364, after which he appointed Valens to rule over the Eastern half the empire, while he remained in control of the West. During his reign, he fought successfully against the Alamanni, Quadi, and Sarmatians, strengthening the border fortifications and conducting campaigns across the Rhine and Danube.
- Why is Valentinian I is proclaimed Roman Emperor significant?
- Valentinian I (Latin: Valentinianus; 321 – 17 November 375), sometimes known as Valentinian the Great, was Roman emperor from 364 to 375.