2021-08-09 Mon

Flavius Julius Valens Augustus also known as Valens was Eastern Roman Emperor reigning from 364 to 378.

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.

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.

Beginning between 365 and 368, Valentinian and Valens reformed the precious metal coins of the Roman currency, decreeing that all bullion be melted down in the central imperial treasury before minting. Such coins were inscribed ob (gold) and ps (silver). Valentinian improved tax collection and was frugal in spending.

Depicted here is a Solidus of Valens showing Valentinian and Valens on the reverse, marked: victoria augg• ("the Victory of Our Augusti"). They hold together the orb, a symbol of power.

Image Source: Wikipedia