379 CE: Gratian's Shocking Heresy Hunt Sends Arians Running!

Here's the scoop! Emperor Gratian is on a tear, and the Arians are quaking in their sandals!

Arian Controversy: A Recap

For those of you who've been living under an aqueduct for the past few decades, here's the skinny on this whole Arian controversy. It all started with this guy, Arius, right? He's a presbyter from Alexandria and he's rocking the theological boat by saying that Jesus Christ was created by God and therefore isn't eternal.

Now, this goes against the mainstream Trinitarian belief system which holds that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are all coeternal. Talk about a face-off worthy of the gladiatorial arena!

Gratian Steps up!

Enter our boy Gratian. He's inherited the purple toga at the tender age of 16 and he's taking emperor duties seriously. He's been keen as a gladius to put a stop to the Arians, who have been thumbing their noses at the Nicene Creed and spreading what he views as heretical teachings.

With the help of his chief theological advisor Ambrose, who's got more brainpower than a Roman legion has swords, Gratian's set his sights on hunting down the Arians across the empire.

Holy Edict, Batman!

Hold onto your toga, folks - Gratian is taking no prisoners. He's just issued an edict which states that all bishops who align themselves with Arianism are to be deposed and exiled. That's right, exiled! These Arians are getting the boot faster than a disgraced gladiator.

The Arians' Great Escape

In response to Gratian's no-nonsense approach, the Arians have been seen packing up their scrolls and skedaddling. From Antioch to Athens, there's a mass exodus underway. After all, who wants to tangle with an angry emperor and risk ending up as lion chow in the Colosseum?

In conclusion, folks, it's been a wild ride here in 379 CE. Gratian's heresy hunt has certainly made this a year to remember. Every day in Rome there's a new scandal, a new controversy. But hey, that's life in the Eternal City!

Just remember to stay on the right side of the emperor. You wouldn't want to be the next person running for the hills, would you?