February 26

On the 26th in 364, Valentinian I was proclaimed Emperor of Rome. Valentinian began his career as emperor in a decent manner; he founded schools, and provided medical attendants for the poor of Rome. However, like many of our own politicians, he had a violent and brutal temper, and was not only uncultivated, but was hostile to people who had cultivated themselves. Not exactly the kind of guy you would want to ask over for drinks, though he never once shot his best friend in the face.