Ausonio e l'elezione di Teodosio I.

Abstract

The political role of Ausonius, of other Gallic officers and Theodosius' relatives in the accession of Theodosius I are discussed. Ausonius's Gratiarum actio for his consulship and other works written in 378/9 (Precationes consulis designati and Epigramma I Schenkl) are analysed. The silence on Theodosius in the Gratiarum actio should heighten the praise of Gratianus's exploits. Gratiarum actio also asserts the role of Ausonius as a political-dynastic tutor of the young emperor. In 378/9 Ausonius was not isolated in Gallia, but he was well informed about Gratianus' comitatus in Illyricum: his informers were probably Gallic friends such as Proculus Gregorius, Siburius and Siagrius. Before the accession of Theodosius I, these Gallic officers and Eucherius, comes largitionum and Theodosius' uncle, played a role in Ausonius' appointment as consul, since Ausonius' tutorship could provide support to Gratianus' dynastic legitimacy.