The History Of The Decline And Fall Of The Roman Empire

Edward Gibbon, Esq.

With notes by the Rev. H. H. Milman

Vol. 3

1782 (Written), 1845 (Revised)

Chapter XXVII: Civil Wars, Reign Of Theodosius.

Part I.

Death Of Gratian. -- Ruin Of Arianism. -- St. Ambrose. -- First Civil
War, Against Maximus. -- Character, Administration, And Penance Of
Theodosius. -- Death Of Valentinian II. -- Second Civil War, Against
Eugenius. -- Death Of Theodosius.

The fame of Gratian, before he had accomplished the twentieth year of
his age, was equal to that of the most celebrated princes. His gentle
and amiable disposition endeared him to his private friends, the
graceful affability of his manners engaged the affection of the
people: the men of letters, who enjoyed the liberality, acknowledged
the taste and eloquence, of their sovereign; his valor and dexterity
in arms were equally applauded by the soldiers; and the clergy
considered the humble piety of Gratian as the first and most useful of
his virtues. The victory of Colmar had delivered the West from a
formidable invasion; and the grateful provinces of the East ascribed
the merits of Theodosius to the author of his greatness, and of the