Battle of Adrianople — Rome's Military Catastrophe

378 CE · Adrianopolis (Edirne) · military

Visigothic cavalry (with allied Alans and Huns) inflicted a great defeat on the army of the Eastern Roman emperor Valens; Valens died on the battlefield.

The Roman army suffered one of its greatest defeats in a land battle. Thereafter the "foederati" (mercenary or semi-independent foreign units) became the backbone of the Roman army.

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Frequently asked questions

What was Battle of Adrianople — Rome's Military Catastrophe?
Visigothic cavalry (with allied Alans and Huns) inflicted a great defeat on the army of the Eastern Roman emperor Valens; Valens died on the battlefield.
When did Battle of Adrianople — Rome's Military Catastrophe happen?
378 CE
Where did Battle of Adrianople — Rome's Military Catastrophe take place?
Adrianopolis (Edirne)