Valens

AncientEmperorRoman Empire328 — 378

Eastern Roman emperor killed at the disastrous Battle of Adrianople.

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Quick Facts

Born

328

Died

378

Country

Roman Empire

Era

Ancient

Occupation

Emperor

Score Overview

Military (10%)20

Political (20%)42

Influence (20%)53

Legacy (20%)42

Leadership (15%)66

Strategy (15%)45

Total Score46.2

Valens — Complete Timeline

368 AD

Construction of the Aqueduct of ValensCultural

Valens completed the Aqueduct of Valens in Constantinople, a major infrastructure project that supplied water to the city. The aqueduct remained in use for centuries and is a lasting monument of his reign.

InfrastructureConstantinoplePublic Works

constructive

376 AD

Gothic WarWar◆ Major

Valens allowed the Goths to cross the Danube into Roman territory to escape the Huns. Mismanagement and corruption by Roman officials led to a Gothic revolt, escalating into a full-scale war that culminated in the Battle of Adrianople.

Gothic WarMigrationBarbarian Invasions

Impact: regionaldestructive

378 AD

Battle of AdrianopleWar

Valens led the Eastern Roman army against the Gothic rebels near Adrianople. The Roman forces were routed, and Valens was killed in the battle. This defeat was a major disaster for the Roman Empire, leading to the permanent settlement of Goths within imperial borders.

Gothic WarMilitary DisasterBarbarian Invasions

Impact: globaltragic