Valens
Valens was a soldier who ascended to the role of Augustus of the Eastern Roman Empire in March 364 CE, appointed by his brother, Valentinian I, the Western Augustus. Despite his military background, his rise to power was largely due to his unwavering loyalty rather than any notable qualifications. Valens faced several challenges during his reign, including quelling the revolt led by Procopius and addressing the tensions with the Visigoths, who he initially granted asylum from the Huns in 376 CE. However, his administration faced criticism for harsh treatment and ineffective governance, leading to a revolt by the Goths in 378 CE. In a significant defeat near Adrianople, Valens lost much of his army and ultimately his life. His tenure reflects the broader issues within the Roman Empire, highlighting the instability of imperial authority and the increasing difficulties it faced. Valens is often viewed unfavorably by the Roman elite, who considered him uneducated and lacking in diplomatic finesse. Overall, his rule underscores the complexities and challenges of leadership in a declining empire.
Valens
Related civilization: Imperial Rome
Major role/position: Soldier, emperor
Life
An unknown career soldier, Valens (VAY-lehnz) was elevated to the position of Augustus of the Eastern Roman Empire by his brother, the Western Augustus Valentinian I, in March, 364 c.e. His only qualification was his absolute loyalty, and in short order, he had to put down the revolt of Procopius, another imperial candidate, and quiet the Visigoths. However, before he could settle the Visigoth problem, Valens was forced to turn his attention to the revolt of Theodorus in Antioch (winter of 371-372). From 372 to 378 c.e., he worked inconclusively against increasing Persian influence in the Middle East. Meanwhile, in 376 c.e., he granted the Visigoths asylum from the Huns in Roman territory south of the Danube River. Harsh treatment and poor administration caused the Goths to revolt in 378 c.e., and in a pitched battle near Adrianople, they destroyed nearly two-thirds of the Roman force and killed most of its officers, including Valens.
Influence
Valens never enjoyed the trust of the Roman elite, who regarded him as uneducated and boorish. In all, his mediocre career demonstrates the instability of the position of the Roman emperors and the mounting problems tearing down Roman rule.
Bibliography
Cameron, Averil. The Later Roman Empire: a.d. 284-430. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 1993.
Jones, A. H. M. The Later Roman Empire, 284-602. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1964. Reprint. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1986.