Battle of Adrianople
378 CE · Adrianople (Thrace) · World · Ancient
Valens attacked rashly without waiting for reinforcements, and the Gothic cavalry returned to camp, struck the Roman flank by surprise and encircled and annihilated the army.
Belligerents
Eastern Roman Empire
- Commanders
- Valens
- Strength
- About 15,000-20,000 legionaries
Gothic coalition
- Commanders
- Fritigern
- Strength
- About 15,000-20,000 infantry and cavalry
Background
Gothic refugees who had crossed the Danube rose in revolt because of Roman mistreatment.
Course of the battle
- Advance on the campUnderestimating the enemy, Valens closed in on the Gothic wagon laager.
- Cavalry returnsThe Gothic cavalry, away foraging, returned and assaulted the Roman flank.
- Encirclement and annihilationThe Roman army was squeezed into a mass and encircled and annihilated, and the emperor was killed in battle.
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 378 CE |
|---|---|
| Place | Adrianople (Thrace) |
| Result | Valens attacked rashly without waiting for reinforcements, and the Gothic cavalry returned to camp, struck the Roman flank by surprise and encircled and annihilated the army. |
| Winner | Gothic coalition |
| Casualties | About two-thirds of the Eastern Roman army was killed in battle, including Emperor Valens. |
| Territorial change | The Goths gained a foothold in the Balkans, and the Roman frontier defense system collapsed. |
Impact
It crippled the main army of the Eastern Roman Empire and is seen as a turning point in the decline of the Western Roman Empire.
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