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63-536: Coins from the 4th century during the reign of Valentinian I and a furnace for making clay pots were discovered in the area. A map in 1835 displays a small village with only five houses called Crângași between Bucharest , the Dâmbovița River , and Marele Voievod commune. In 1922, a part of the village was integrated in Bucharest . Between 1940 and 1960 the area was inhabited by poor people which built houses near

126-404: A vicarius , Maximinus . Subsequently, Theodosius restored the rest of Britain to the empire and rebuilt many fortifications – renaming northern Britain ' Valentia '. After his return in 369, Valentinian promoted Theodosius to magister equitum in place of Jovinus. In 372, the rebellion of Firmus broke out in the still-devastated African provinces. This rebellion was driven by the corruption of

189-833: A Roman alliance with the Burgundians did have the effect of scattering the Alemanni through fear of an imminent attack from their enemies. This event allowed the magister equitum Theodosius to attack the Alemanni through Raetia. The many prisoners he took were settled in the Po river valley in Italy, where they still resided at the time Ammianus wrote his history. Valentinian campaigned unsuccessfully for four more years to defeat Macrian, who in 372 barely escaped capture by Theodosius. Meanwhile, Valentinian continued to recruit heavily from Alemanni friendly to Rome. The Alemannic king Fraomarius

252-473: A battle, both Constantius and Vetranio appeared before the latter's army, and Vetranio agreed to abdicate. Constantius then advanced west with his reinforced army to encounter Magnentius. Magnentius marched an army of around 36,000 Gallic infantry, auxilia palatinae , Franks, and Saxons down the Via Militaris and besieged Mursa. His siege was short-lived as Constantius' army arrived and Magnentius

315-471: A bigamist. It is also possible that Socrates attempted to accuse Justina, who was an Arian , of fornication, a common aspersion against other cults. According to John Malalas , the Chronicon Paschale , and John of Nikiu , the empress Severa was banished by Valentinian I for conducting an illegal transaction, before he consorted with Justina. Barnes believes this story to be an attempt to justify

378-468: A coordinated assault on Roman Britain by Picts , Scoti , and Saxons . Valentinian founded the Valentinianic dynasty , with his sons Gratian and Valentinian II succeeding him in the western half of the empire. Valentinian was born in 321 at Cibalae (now Vinkovci , Croatia ) in southern Pannonia into a family of Illyrian-Roman origin . Valentinian and his younger brother Valens were

441-549: A hostile meeting with a Quadi deputation, who received permission for their people to leave in peace in return for supplying fresh recruits to the Roman army. The envoys insisted that the conflict was caused by the building of Roman forts in their lands. They added that individual bands of Quadi, not affiliated with the chiefs who had made the treaties, might still attack the Romans at any time. Enraged, Valentinian began yelling abuse at

504-418: A humiliating peace treaty, then started back to Constantinople. During Jovian's brief reign Valentinian was promoted to tribune of a Scutarii (elite infantry) regiment, which Hughes considered to reflect the emperor’s trust in him, and dispatched to Ancyra . Jovian died in mysterious circumstances before he reached the capital, and a meeting of civil and military officials was convened at Nicaea to choose

567-541: A man well qualified and at hand, the assembly finally agreed upon Valentinian and sent messengers to inform him in Ancyra. Valentinian accepted the acclamation on 25 or 26 February 364. As he prepared to make his accession speech, the soldiers threatened to riot, apparently uncertain of his loyalties. Valentinian reassured them that the army was his greatest priority. According to Ammianus the soldiers were astounded by Valentinian's bold demeanour and his willingness to assume

630-468: A new emperor. Salutius , who had already refused the throne after Julian's death, now did so again, first for himself and then on behalf of his son. Two other names were proposed: Aequitius , a tribune of the first Scutarii, and Januarius, a relative of Jovian's in charge of military supplies in Illyricum. Both were rejected; Aequitius as too rough and boorish, Januarius because he was too far away. As

693-527: A physician for each of the fourteen districts of the city. He also reissued an edict of Constantine I making infanticide a capital offence. Unfortunately Valentinian's good intentions were often frustrated by a bad choice of ministers, and "an obstinate belief in their merits despite all evidence to the contrary." Further, the benevolence of his more generous edicts was counterbalanced by remarkable cruelty and barbarism in his private affairs. He often had servants and attendants executed on trifling charges, and

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756-470: A representative of the army, and Rusticus Julianus, magister memoriae and a representative of the Gallic nobility. The conflict dissipated when Valentinian recovered and appointed his son Gratian as his co-Augustus in the west. Ammianus remarks that such an action was unprecedented. Jovinus quickly returned saying that he needed more men to take care of the situation. In 368 Valentinian appointed Theodosius as

819-474: A tripartite empire after him, the military massacred other members of Constantine's family. This massacre precipitated a re-divisioning of the empire, by which Constantine took Gaul , Hispania , and Britain , while Constans acquired Italy , Africa , Dacia , and Illyricum , and Constantius inherited Asia , Egypt , and Syria . After attempting to impose his authority over Carthage and being blocked, Constantine II attacked his brother Constans in 340, but

882-404: The magister equitum . Ammianus makes it clear that Valens was subordinate to his brother. The remainder of 364 was spent delegating administrative duties and military commands. According to the 5th century pagan historian Zosimus , who was inclined to revile the restorer of Christianity , all the ministers and officials appointed by Julian were summarily dismissed in disgrace. This assertion

945-629: The comes Romanus. Romanus took sides in the murderous disputes among the legitimate and illegitimate children of Nubel, a Moorish prince and leading Roman client in Africa. Resentment of Romanus's personal use of public funds and his failure to defend the province from desert nomads caused some of the provincials to revolt. Valentinian sent in Theodosius to restore imperial control. Over the following two years Theodosius uncovered Romanus' crimes, arrested him and his supporters, and defeated both Firmus and

1008-672: The African tribes like the Abanni and Caprarienses that supported him. In 373, hostilities erupted with the Quadi , a group of Germanic-speaking people living on the upper Danube. Like the Alamanni, the Quadi were outraged that Valentinian was building fortifications in their territory. They complained and sent deputations to the magister armorum per Illyricum Aequitius, who promised to refer

1071-454: The Alemanni while he himself made preparations to march east and help Valens. After receiving counsel from his court and deputations from the leading Gallic cities begging him to stay and protect Gaul, he decided to remain and fight the Alemanni. Valentinian advanced to Durocortorum and sent two generals, Charietto and Severianus, against the invaders. Both generals were promptly defeated and killed; Dagalaifus took their place in 366, but he

1134-530: The Alemanni, who promptly re-crossed the Rhine and plundered Moguntiacum . Valentinian succeeded in arranging the assassination of Vithicabius , an Alemannic leader, but wanted to decisively end the conflict by bringing the Alemanni under Roman hegemony. Valentinian spent the entire winter of 367 gathering a massive army for a spring offensive. He summoned the Comes Italiae Sebastianus, with

1197-592: The Christian community that his victory was due to God's aid. Following his victory at Mursa, Constantius chose not to pursue the fleeing Magnentius, instead spending the next ten months recruiting new troops and retaking towns still loyal to Magnentius. In the summer of 352, Constantius moved west into Italy, to find that Magnentius had chosen not to defend the peninsula. After waiting until September 352, he made Naeratius Cerealis praefectus urbi and moved his army to Milan for winter quarters. It would not be until

1260-618: The Emperor's presence was needed to counter an invasion of Illyricum by the Quadi and Sarmatians. In 367, events known as the Great Conspiracy threatened Roman control of Britain. Valentinian received reports that a combined force of Picts , Attacotti and Scots had attacked the province, killing the Comes litoris Saxonici Nectaridus and Dux Britanniarum Fullofaudes . At the same time, Frankish and Saxon forces were raiding

1323-723: The Great , was Roman emperor from 364 to 375. He ruled the Western half of the empire, while his brother Valens ruled the East . During his reign, he fought successfully against the Alamanni , Quadi , and Sarmatians , strengthening the border fortifications and conducting campaigns across the Rhine and Danube . His general Theodosius defeated a revolt in Africa and the Great Conspiracy ,

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1386-567: The Italian and Illyrian legions, to join Jovinus and Severus, the magister peditum . In the spring of 368 Valentinian, his eight-year-old son Gratian and the army crossed the Rhine and Main rivers into Alemannic territory. Initially they encountered no resistance, burning any dwellings or food stores they found along the way. Finally, Valentinian fought the Alemanni in the Battle of Solicinium ;

1449-541: The Quadi to war, along with their allies the Sarmatians. During the fall, they crossed the Danube and began ravaging the province of Pannonia Valeria . The marauders could not penetrate the fortified cities, but they heavily damaged the unprotected countryside. Two legions were sent in but failed to coordinate and were routed by the Sarmatians. Meanwhile, another group of Sarmatians invaded Moesia , but were driven back by

1512-436: The Quadi. He was accompanied by Sebastianus and Merobaudes , and spent the summer months preparing for the campaign. In the fall he crossed the Danube at Aquincum into Quadi territory. After pillaging Quadi lands without opposition, he retired to Savaria to winter quarters. Without waiting for the spring, Valentinian decided to continue campaigning and moved from Savaria to Brigetio . He arrived on 17 November 375 and had

1575-482: The Romans were victorious but suffered heavy casualties. A temporary peace was reached and Valentinian returned to Trier for the winter. During 369, Valentinian ordered new defensive works to be constructed and old structures refurbished along the length of the Rhine's west bank. Boldly, he ordered the construction of a fortress across the Rhine in the mountains near modern Heidelberg . The Alemanni sent envoys to protest, but they were dismissed. The Alemanni attacked

1638-424: The beauty of her friend Justina , [t]he emperor, treasuring this description by his wife in his own mind, considered with himself how he could espouse Justina, without repudiating Severa, as she had borne him Gratian, whom he had created Augustus a little while before. He accordingly framed a law, and caused it to be published throughout all the cities, by which any man was permitted to have two lawful wives. The law

1701-417: The bloodiest in Roman history, was a pyrrhic victory for Constantius. Following Constantine I 's death in 337 the succession was far from clear. Constantine II , Constantius II , and Constans were all Caesars overseeing particular regions of the empire , although none of them were powerful enough to claim the title of Augustus . Fueled by the belief that Constantine wished for his sons to rule

1764-426: The coastal areas of northern Gaul. Valentinian set out for Britain, sending Comes domesticorum Severus ahead of him to investigate. Severus was not able to correct the situation and returned to Gaul, meeting Valentinian at Samarobriva . Valentinian then sent Jovinus to Britain and promoted Severus to magister peditum . It was at this time that Valentinian fell ill and a battle for succession broke out between Severus,

1827-605: The confusion and cross the Rhine , attacking several important settlements and fortifications. In 355, after deposing his cousin Gallus but still feeling the crises of the empire too much for one emperor to handle, Constantius raised his cousin Julian to the rank of Caesar . With the situation in Gaul rapidly deteriorating, Julian was made at least nominal commander of one of the two main armies in Gaul, Barbatio being commander of

1890-404: The divorce of Valentinian I without accusing the emperor. The coin portraits of Valentinian and Valens are of dubious quality, showing "heavy" faces rendered with "no animation, and little consistency". A more flattering physical description of Valentinian is given by Ammianus (XXX.9.6), who praises the emperor's "strong and muscular body, his brilliant complexion, his grey eyes, with a gaze that

1953-585: The entire invading force. Valentinian meanwhile tried to persuade the Burgundians – bitter enemies of the Alemanni – to attack Macrian , a powerful Alemannic chieftain. If the Alamanni tried to flee, Valentinian would be waiting for them with his army. Negotiations with the Burgundians broke down when Valentinian, in his usual high-handed manner, refused to meet with the Burgundian envoys and personally assure them of Roman support. Nevertheless, rumors of

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2016-617: The envoys and suffered a fatal stroke. As was the custom, he was deified , becoming known as Latin: Divus Valentinianus Senior , lit.   'the Divine Valentinian the Elder';. Modern historian A.H.M. Jones writes that although Valentinian I was "less of a boor" than his chief rival for election to the imperial throne, "he was of a violent and brutal temper, and not only uncultivated himself, but hostile to cultivated persons". According to Ammianus , "he hated

2079-551: The fortress while it was still under construction and destroyed it. In 370 the Saxons renewed their attacks on northern Gaul. Nannienus, the comes in charge of the troops in northern Gaul, urged Severus to come to his aid. After several modest successes, a truce was called and the Saxons handed over young men fit for duty in the Roman military, in exchange for free passage back to their homeland. The Romans ambushed them and destroyed

2142-515: The imperial authority. To further prevent a succession crisis he agreed to pick a co- Augustus , perhaps as a reassurance to civilian officials in the Eastern part of the Empire that someone with imperial authority would be present to protect their interests. Valentinian selected his brother Valens as co- Augustus at Constantinople on 28 March 364. This was done over the objections of Dagalaifus ,

2205-513: The matter to Valentinian. However, the increasingly influential minister Maximinus, now praetorian prefect of Gaul, blamed Aequitius to Valentinian for the trouble, and managed to have him promote his son Marcellianus to finish the project. The protests of Quadic leaders continued to delay the project, and to put an end to their clamor Marcellianus murdered the Quadic king Gabinius at a banquet ostensibly arranged for peaceful negotiations. This roused

2268-403: The most brilliant Latin scholar at that time, as tutor for his son Gratian, showing an appreciation for the kind of classical education which he himself had been denied. An able soldier and a conscientious administrator, he took an interest in the welfare of the humbler classes, from which his father had risen. He founded schools, and provided medical attendance for the poor of Rome by appointing

2331-535: The neighborhood which sells anything from fruits and cereals to shoes and electronics. In 2005 the Grant Shopping Center was opened on Virtuții street, near the Crângași metro station . The shopping complex hosts 50 stores, a beauty saloon, and a coffee shop. The main attraction of the area is Lacul Morii and the nearby park. During summer a swimming pool and a beach is opened in the south west part of

2394-462: The neighborhood. The Crângași Park has an outdoor stage where free plays are held during summer. There is also an artificial panel for climbing inside Grant Metal on Constructorilor boulevard. 44°27′37.16″N 26°4′14.29″E  /  44.4603222°N 26.0706361°E  / 44.4603222; 26.0706361 Valentinian I Valentinian I ( Latin : Valentinianus ; 321 – 17 November 375), sometimes called Valentinian

2457-452: The new Comes Britanniarum with instructions to return Britain to Roman rule. Meanwhile, Severus and Jovinus were to accompany the emperor on his campaign against the Alamanni. Theodosius arrived in 368 with the Batavi , Heruli , Jovii and Victores legions. Landing at Rutupiæ , he proceeded to Londinium , restoring order to southern Britain. Later, he rallied the remaining garrison which

2520-454: The other. Constantius devised a strategy where Julian and Barbatio would operate in a pincer movement against the Alamanni. However, a band of Alamanni slipped past Julian and Barbatio and attacked Lugdunum ( Lyon ). Julian sent the tribunes Valentinian and Bainobaudes to watch the road the raiders would have to return by. However, their efforts were hindered by Barbatio and his tribune Cella. The Alamanni king Chnodomarius took advantage of

2583-572: The practice of magic . In Christian affairs, he released edicts against the increasing wealth and worldliness of the clergy. One new law, issued via Pope Damasus I , prohibited the granting of bequests to clergymen, and another said that members of the sacerdotal order must discharge the public duties owed on account of their property, or else relinquish it. An account by Socrates Scholasticus , in his Historia Ecclesiastica , has led some to describe Valentinian as polygamous . The text says that, having heard his wife Marina Severa constantly praise

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2646-662: The rebellion of Nepotianus in Rome changed his intentions from joining the Constantian dynasty to supplanting it. It was during this rebellion that Magnentius promoted his brother Decentius to Caesar . Constantius' reaction was limited. Already involved in a war with the Sasanian Empire, he was in no position to deal with Magnentius or Vetranio. Following Shapur's retreat from Nisibis , Constantius marched his army to Serdica meeting Vetranio with his army. Instead of

2709-534: The river. In the early 60s, communist style apartment blocks were built in the area, initially known as the Constructorilor housing estate. It later continued in the mid to late 1980s with 8 to 10 storey apartment blocks. Due to the rise of the Dâmbovița River, the area was frequently flooded. The problem was solved in 1986 when Lacul Morii was built. Piața Crângași is a flea market in the center of

2772-525: The situation and attacked the Romans, inflicting heavy losses. Barbatio complained to Constantius and the debacle was blamed on Valentinian and Bainobaudes, who were cashiered from the army. With his career in ruins, Valentinian returned to his new family estate in Sirmium . Two years later his first wife Marina Severa gave birth to a son, Gratian . During the sole reign of the polytheist Julian, Valentinian's actions and location become uncertain, but he

2835-466: The son of Theodosius, Dux Moesiae and later emperor Theodosius . Valentinian did not receive news of these crises until late 374. The following spring he set out from Trier and arrived at Carnuntum , which was deserted. There he was met by Sarmatian envoys who begged forgiveness for their actions. Valentinian replied that he would investigate what had happened and act accordingly. Valentinian ignored Marcellianus’ treacherous actions and decided to punish

2898-436: The sons of Gratianus (nicknamed Funarius), a military officer renowned for his wrestling skills. Gratianus was promoted to comes Africae in the late 320s or early 330s, and the young Valentinian accompanied his father to Africa. However, Gratianus was soon accused of embezzlement and retired. Valentinian joined the army in the late 330s and later probably acquired the position of protector domesticus . Gratianus

2961-522: The summer of 353 that Constantius would move his army further west to confront Magnentius at the Battle of Mons Seleucus . Numerous contemporary writers considered the loss of Roman lives at Mursa a disaster for the Roman Empire. Crawford states the barbarian contingents took the lion's share of the casualties, and yet the losses suffered at Mursa, according to Eutropius , could have won triumphs from foreign wars and brought peace. Zosimus called

3024-455: The two emperors met in Pannonia and fought the Battle of Mursa Major , which ended in a costly victory for Constantius. Two years later Magnentius killed himself after another defeat at the Battle of Mons Seleucus , leaving Constantius sole ruler of the empire. It was around this time that Constantius confiscated Gratianus' property, for supposedly showing hospitality to Magnentius when he

3087-458: The well-dressed and educated and wealthy and well-born". Clearly, Valentinian had his enemies in Rome who wanted to defame him by describing him as an illiterate brute. This was not a complete picture: Ammianus concedes that Valentinian had some spontaneous oratorical skill, and also says that in his spare time the emperor was "an elegant painter and modeller [i.e., sculptor], and an inventor of new kinds of [weapons]" (XXX.9.4). He appointed Ausonius,

3150-425: The west, resulting in the murder of Constans. Magnentius quickly marched his army into Italy, appointing Fabius Titanius as praefectus urbi consolidating his influence over Rome. By the time Magnentius' army arrived at the Julian passes, Vetranio , Constans' lieutenant in Illyricum, had been declared Augustus by his troops. Magnentius initially attempted a political dialogue with Constantius and Vetranio, but

3213-585: Was also ineffective. Late in the campaigning season Dagalaifus was replaced by Jovinus , a general from the court of Valentinian. After several victories along the Meuse river, Jovinus fought and won a pitched battle with the Alemanni near Chalôn. After his victory he pushed the Alemanni out of Gaul and was awarded the consulate the following year for his efforts. In early 367, crises in Britain and northern Gaul postponed Valentinian's punitive expedition against

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3276-526: Was always sidelong and stern, his fine stature, and his regular features". Battle of Mursa Major 350–353 Late period The Battle of Mursa was fought on 28 September 351 between the eastern Roman armies led by the Emperor Constantius II and the western forces supporting the usurper Magnentius . It took place at Mursa, near the Via Militaris in the province of Pannonia (modern Osijek , Croatia). The battle, one of

3339-485: Was ambushed and killed near Aquileia in northern Italy. Constans took possession of the provinces of the west, and ruled for ten years over two-thirds of the Roman world. In the meantime, Constantius was engaged in a difficult war against the Persians under Shapur II in the east. In 350, the mismanagement of Constans had alienated his generals and civilian officials and Magnentius had himself proclaimed Augustus of

3402-484: Was forced to retreat. Magnentius formed up his army on the open plain north-west of Mursa, near the Drava River . Once his army was deployed, Constantius sent his praetorian prefect, Flavius Philippus , with a peace offer. Constantius himself was not present at the battle; he heard of his army's victory from the bishop of Mursa while visiting the tomb of a Christian martyr. Whereupon, Constantius informed those of

3465-743: Was given the Prefecture of Oriens , governed by prefect Salutius . Valentinian gained control of Italy , Gaul , and Illyricum . Valens resided in Constantinople , while Valentinian's court was situated in Milan ( Mediolanum ). In 365 the Alemanni crossed the Rhine and invaded Gaul. Simultaneously, Procopius began his revolt against Valens in the east. According to Ammianus, Valentinian received news of both crises on 1 November while on his way to Paris . He initially sent Dagalaifus to fight

3528-484: Was given the rank of tribune and sent to Britain in 372–373 with an army of reinforcements, and the noblemen Bitheridius and Hortarius became commanders in Valentinian's army, although Hortarius was soon executed for conspiring with Macrian. The campaigns against hostile Alemanni were hampered by troubles first in Africa, and later on the Danube river. In 374 Valentinian was forced to make peace with Macrian because

3591-421: Was in Pannonia. Despite his father's fall from favour, Valentinian does not seem to have been adversely affected at this time, making it unlikely he ever fought for the usurper. It is known that Valentinian was in the region during the conflict, but what involvement he had in the war, if any, is unknown. The conflict between Magnentius and Constantius had allowed the Alamanni and Franks to take advantage of

3654-584: Was later recalled during the early 340s and was made comes Britanniae . After holding this post, he retired to the family estate in Cibalae. In 350, Constans I was assassinated by agents of the usurper Magnentius , a commander who proclaimed himself emperor in Gaul . Constantius II , older brother of Constans and emperor in the East, promptly set forth towards Magnentius with a large army. The following year

3717-537: Was likely exiled, or perhaps simply sent to command a remote outpost. The sources give contradictory accounts of what happened, with some versions saying that he refused to make pagan sacrifices and voluntarily chose to leave, and others saying he was merely dismissed for his Christianity. At the news of Julian's death on a campaign against the Sassanids, the army hastily declared Jovian the new emperor. He extricated his soldiers from Persian territory by agreeing to

3780-403: Was originally stationed in Britain; it was apparent the units had lost their cohesiveness when Fullofaudes and Nectaridus had been defeated. Theodosius sent for Civilis to be installed as the new vicarius of the diocese and Dulcitius as an additional general. In 369, Theodosius set about reconquering the areas north of Londinium, putting down the revolt of Valentinus , the brother-in-law of

3843-407: Was promulgated and he married Justina, by whom he had Valentinian the younger . This story is known only from Socrates, and there is no trace of any edict by any emperor allowing polygamy. Valentinian I and Severa may have divorced, a course permitted by Roman law (see marriage in ancient Rome ). However, since divorce was not acknowledged by Christians, Socrates contemptuously describes him as

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3906-481: Was qualified by modern authorities. It is certain that some reshuffling of commands occurred along with the division of the provinces, but the changes were strictly based on merit. The Sophists and philosophers who had proliferated in the court of the Julian, drawing large salaries for delusive services, were cashiered. Valentinian retained the services of Dagalaifus and promoted Aequitius to Comes Illyricum . Valens

3969-514: Was reportedly accustomed to feed his victims to two bears, known as Mica Aurea (golden flake), and Innocence , whose iron cage was transported wherever the emperor went. At length Innocence , when she was considered to have faithfully discharged her office, was released with Valentinian's good wishes into her native wilds. Valentinian was a Christian but permitted liberal religious freedom to all his subjects, proscribing only some forms of rituals such as particular types of sacrifices, and banning

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