Gratian (usurper) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gratian |
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| Usurper of the Western Roman Empire | |||||||||
| Reign | c. October 406 – c. February 407 | ||||||||
| Predecessor | Marcus | ||||||||
| Successor | Constantine III | ||||||||
| Died | February 407 Britannia |
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Gratian (who died around February 407) was a Roman usurper in Roman Britain. A usurper is someone who takes power illegally, usually by force. Gratian claimed to be the emperor from late 406 to early 407.
Contents
Gratian's Rise to Power
After another leader named Marcus was killed, the Roman army in Britain chose Gratian as their new emperor. This happened in late 406, probably in October. Gratian was not a military general. He was a Romano-Briton, meaning he was from Britain but had Roman culture. He was also part of the wealthy city families, possibly a curialis (a local official).
It was unusual for the army to pick someone who wasn't a soldier. This might mean the army had problems they thought a civilian could fix. Perhaps they had issues with their pay. Or maybe there were disagreements between the different military commanders in Britain. These commanders included the Comes Britanniarum (Count of the Britains), the Comes Litoris Saxonici (Count of the Saxon Shore), and the Dux Britanniarum (Duke of the Britains).
Barbarian Invasion and Gratian's Rule
Gratian's time as emperor happened during a huge invasion by barbarian groups. On the last day of December 406, armies of Vandals, Alans, and Suebi crossed the frozen Rhine River into Gaul. Gaul is roughly where modern-day France is.
During 407, these invaders spread across northern Gaul. They moved towards Boulogne, an important port. The historian Zosimus wrote that the Roman troops in Britain were very worried. They feared the barbarians would cross the English Channel and invade Britain next.
Some historians, like J. B. Bury, once thought that Stilicho might have caused this invasion. Stilicho was a powerful general for Emperor Honorius. Bury thought Stilicho wanted to distract the British army because they had chosen their own emperors. However, modern historians like Thomas Burns disagree. They believe Stilicho needed the army in Gaul to fight the rebellion. The invasion actually weakened the Gallic army. This forced Stilicho to change his plans for dealing with the British rebellion.
The Army's Unrest and Gratian's Death
News of the barbarian invasion reached Britain. The Roman army there became very upset. They heard that the barbarians were getting close to Boulogne. This port was vital for sending supplies and troops to Britain.
It is believed that the army wanted to cross to Gaul to fight the barbarians. But Gratian told them to stay in Britain. The troops were unhappy with this decision. After only about four months as emperor, they killed him. This happened around the beginning of February 407. Soon after, the army chose a new leader, Constantine III.
Gratian in Stories
A writer named Geoffrey of Monmouth wrote about a similar character. This character was called Gracianus Municeps. He is likely the same person as Gratian.
Gratian is also one of the three would-be emperors in a historical novel. This book is called The Little Emperors by Alfred Duggan.
