2019-08-09 Fri

Flavius Julius Valens Augustus also known as Valens was Eastern Roman Emperor reigning from 364 to 378. Today, on 9th August in the year 378, a large Roman army led by Emperor Valens is defeated by the Visigoths in the Battle of Adrianople. Valens is killed along with over half of his army. It is marked the beginning of the collapse of the Western Roman Empire.

He was the younger brother of Valentinian I, who assumed the throne upon the death of the emperor Jovian. On March 28, 364, Valentinian appointed Valens to be co-emperor. Valens was assigned to rule the Eastern part of the empire, while Valentinian took the throne in the West.

The above shown gold Solidus issued under his reign from Trier mint. The obverse of a coin depicts pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Valens right, seen from the front. The reverse of a coin represents Valentinian I and Valens seated facing on double throne, holding globe between them, Valentinian holding mappa in left hand; Victory standing with outspread wings behind and between them, vertical palm between on ground line.

Image Source: Heritage Auctions