Valentinian II
Both Theodosius and Valentinian II formally recognized Maximus in the year 384. For a time, the pagans enjoyed religious liberty once again and many distinguished pagans rose to important offices in the state. The fact that the temples continued to be cared for and that pagan festivals continued to be celebrated is indicated by a law of 386, which declared that care for the temples and festivals were the exclusive prerogative of the pagans. This law also confirms the right of the priests to perform the traditional pagan rites of the temples. In the year 387, Theodosius declared war on Maximus after Maximus had driven Valentinian II out of Italy. Maximus was defeated and executed and the anti-pagan regulations of Gratian were apparently reinstated by Valentinian II.