Valentinian Dynasty
The Valentinian Dynasty was a group of emperors that ruled the Roman Empire from the year 364 until 392. In addition to this, they would rule the West Roman empire from the year 425 until 455. The rise of the Valentinian dynasty began when emperor Jovian died. Once he became emperor, Valentinian allowed his brother Valens to rule with him. Valens controlled the eastern portion of the Roman Empire, and Valentinian controlled the western half. The coins from this period show the two of them in a number of military scenes. Valentinian was born in the year 321. As a young boy, he received an excellent education, and he demonstrated a great deal of talent in the areas of art and sculpture.
He began his career in the Roman military by serving under Constantius II. He participated in a number of campaigns that took place in Mesopotamia. In addition to this, he also led a group of soldiers under the emperor Julian. Because of his faith in Christianity, he was sent into Egypt in exile by the orders of Julian. Once Julian died, he was asked to return to Rome by Jovian. The first assignment given to him by Jovian was to crush Roman troops who had decided to mutiny in Gual. Though he was successful in this task, it was not without a great deal of risk. However, Jovian rewarded him by given him command of some of his troops. After the death of Jovian, a council got together at Nicaea and chose Valentinian as the new emperor, and this was the start of what became the Valentinian dynasty.
Original Authors: Stephen Palmer
Edit Update Authors: M.A.Harris
Updated On: 14/07/2008
