The Most Controversial Anti-Pagan Edict of Gratian

Gratian started to come down hard on Roman paganism, targeting previously untouchable institutions like the priesthood of Jupiter and the Vestal Virgins. The most controversial anti-pagan edict that Gratian issued came in 382 when the emperor ordered the altar of victory removed from the Senate House. When it was removed, Rome was sacked for the first time in 800 years, and then it was sacked again. Less than 100 years later, the Rome that had been the mistress of the world for a thousand years was gone.