Valens

Valens Honorius Musei Capitolini MC494

INC-1867-r Солид. Валент II. Ок. 375—378 гг. (реверс)

Valens114cng (obverse)

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Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence (32212815186)

Valens (328 – 9 August 378) was Roman Emperor from 364 to 378. He was appointed as emperor by his brother Valentinian I, who divided the Roman Empire into two. Valens ruled the eastern part of the empire, which included the regions of the Balkans, Anatolia, Syria, Egypt, and parts of Mesopotamia. His reign is marked by the increasing pressure from the Goths and other barbarian tribes on the borders of the empire, as well as by religious conflicts within the empire, particularly the struggle between Arianism and Nicene Christianity.

Early Life

Valens was born in 328 in Cibalae (present-day Vinkovci, Croatia). Little is known about his early life before he was declared emperor. His rise to power was primarily due to his brother Valentinian I, who, upon being proclaimed emperor in 364, made Valens his co-emperor, granting him authority over the eastern provinces of the Roman Empire.

Reign

During his reign, Valens had to deal with several internal and external challenges. Internally, the empire was plagued by religious disputes. Valens was an Arian Christian and his policies favored Arians over those who adhered to the Nicene Creed, leading to tensions and conflicts within the Christian community.

Externally, the most significant threat to his reign came from the Goths. In 376, pressured by the Huns, the Goths sought refuge within the borders of the Roman Empire. Valens allowed them to settle in the empire's territories but failed to provide them with the necessary support. This negligence led to the outbreak of the Gothic War (376–382), culminating in the Battle of Adrianople on 9 August 378, where Valens was killed. This battle is often considered a critical event that led to the eventual fall of the Western Roman Empire.

Legacy

Valens' death at the Battle of Adrianople was a significant blow to the Roman Empire. It not only resulted in a considerable loss of manpower and territory but also exposed the vulnerability of the Roman military system. His reign is often overshadowed by the disastrous outcome of this battle and his decision to allow the Goths to settle within the empire's borders, which had long-term consequences for the stability of the empire.

Death

Valens died in 378 at the Battle of Adrianople, one of the most significant defeats in Roman history. His body was never recovered, and his death marked the beginning of the end for the dominance of the Roman Empire in the ancient world.

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