Battle of Adrianople
Near Adrianople, Eastern Roman Empire (modern-day Edirne, Turkey; exact site uncertain)
What happened
The eastern Roman emperor Valens fought Gothic forces. Fritigern led one Gothic army, and Alatheus and Saphrax led another. In 376 CE, Goths displaced by the Huns asked to settle in the Roman Empire and were allowed to cross the Danube, but dishonest Roman officials led them to revolt after many hardships. On 8 August, Fritigern sent envoys offering peace and an alliance in exchange for land in Thrace. Valens rejected the offer, did not wait for the western emperor Gratian's reinforcements, and attacked the Gothic camp of circled wagons. The Gothic cavalry, returning from foraging, joined the fight. The Romans were defeated, and Valens's final fate is unknown.
Why it matters
Result: Gothic–Alan victory. Leaders: Fritigern / Alatheus against Valens / Sebastianus. Why it matters: As part of the Gothic War of 376-382, the battle is often considered the start of the events which led to the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century. The Goths were never expelled and remained a distinct people inside the empire's frontiers.
What came next
Peace was made with the Goths in 382, under Gratian and the eastern emperor Theodosius I, on terms favourable to the Goths.
Did you know?
Fritigern's Gothic name is reconstructed as Frithugairns, meaning 'desiring peace'.
Timeline
- 376 CEGoths displaced by the Huns are allowed to settle in the Roman Empire.
- 376-378 CEAfter many hardships, the Goths revolt.
- 30 May 378 CEValens arrives in Constantinople.
- 9 August 378 CEThe Goths defeat the Roman army near Adrianople.
- 382 CEPeace is made with the Goths.