Gratian Named Co-Augustus by Valentinian I

At the young age of eight, Gratian was proclaimed co-Augustus by his father, Emperor Valentinian I. This significant elevation marked Gratian’s entry into the complex world of Roman politics amidst a backdrop of potential threats from external adversaries and internal challenges. The act established Gratian's status in the eyes of the Roman Empire, setting a precedent for future imperial family dynamics. This moment underscored the importance of lineage and succession in the imperial hierarchy.