Imperial Brothers: Valentinian, Valens and the Disaster at Adrianople

The book "The Last Roman Emperors" by Ian Hughes explores the careers of the brother emperors, Valentinian and Valens, who ruled the Roman Empire in the late 4th century. Valentian was a strong and successful emperor who stabilized the Western Empire, while Valens is known for his mishandling of the Goths, leading to the Battle of Adrianople and Rome's worst defeat. Hughes compares their achievements and analyzes their contrasting reputations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 27 May 2022
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The latest addition to Ian Hughes' series of late Roman biographies delves into the careers of the brother emperors, Valentinian and Valens. Valentian was chosen and proclaimed emperor in AD 364, amidst the Empire's turmoil following the devastating defeat and demise of Julian the Apostate (363) and the brief reign of his assassinated successor, Jovian (364). The Empire, weakened and vulnerable to a victorious Persia in the East, as well as opportunistic Germanic tribes along the Rhine and Danube frontiers, not to mention usurpers and rebellions within, found itself in a precarious position. Recognizing the need for division of responsibility, Valentian appointed his brother as his co-emperor to rule over the eastern half of the Empire.

Valentinian embarked on a mission to stabilize the Western Empire, successfully quelling revolts in North Africa, defeating the Barbarian Conspiracy that attacked Britain in 367, and conducting successful wars against the Germanic Alemanni, Quadi, and Saxons. He is remembered by history as a strong and successful emperor. On the other hand, Valens' legacy is less favorable, and he is primarily remembered for his (mis)treatment of the Goths who sought refuge within the Empire's borders from the westward-moving Huns. Valens' mishandling of this situation led to the Battle of Adrianople in 378, where he was killed, and Rome suffered one of its most devastating defeats, often regarded as the beginning of the end for the Western Roman empire.

In his comprehensive analysis, Ian Hughes compares the achievements of both men and examines the extent to which they deserve the contrasting reputations bestowed upon them by history. The book provides a detailed account of the political, military, and cultural developments during the reign of Valentinian and Valens, shedding light on their contributions and challenges. It is a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts of late Roman history, offering a fresh perspective on these influential emperors and their legacies.

Weight: 514g
Dimension: 157 x 235 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399074490