The Appointment of Flavius Valens as Co-Emperor

The Historic Appointment of Co-Emperor Valens

On November 28, 364, a significant event unfolded in the annals of Roman history: the appointment of Flavius Valens as co-emperor by his brother, Emperor Valentinian I. This event marked a strategic move in the management of the vast Roman Empire, which was under increasing pressure from external threats and internal strife. Valentinian I sought to ensure stability and efficient governance by sharing power with his brother, thereby dividing the responsibilities of ruling over the empire.

Valentinian I’s Vision for the Empire

Valentinian I recognized that the Roman Empire faced numerous challenges during his reign, including invasions from barbarian tribes and political instability. By appointing Flavius Valens as co-emperor, Valentinian aimed to create a more effective dual leadership model that could respond swiftly to crises. This appointment allowed Valens to govern the Eastern provinces, which were often at the forefront of conflicts with the Persians and various Gothic tribes.

The Role of Flavius Valens

As co-emperor, Flavius Valens held significant authority in the Eastern Roman Empire. His reign from 364 to 378 was marked by notable military actions against the Goths and the establishment of religious policies, including his staunch support for Arian Christianity, which affected the religious landscape of the empire. Valens' approach to governance was closely intertwined with that of his brother, leading to a concerted effort in securing the empire's borders.

The Outcome of the Brotherhood in Power

The collaboration between Valentinian I and Flavius Valens under this co-emperorship ultimately demonstrated the complexity of managing the Roman Empire. While their united front aimed to strengthen the empire, it also highlighted the challenges of dual leadership.

Challenges Faced by Valens

Flavius Valens faced immense challenges, particularly during his attempts to quench the growing unrest among the Goths, culminating in the disastrous Battle of Adrianople in 378. This battle ended in a devastating defeat for the Romans, which showcased the vulnerabilities within the empire's military structure during Valens' governance.

Legacy of the Co-Emperorship

The legacy of Valentinian I and Flavius Valens as co-emperors is a reflection of the dynamism and fragility of imperial rule in ancient Rome. Their reign emphasized the importance of sibling collaboration in governance while also serving as a historical lesson about the potential pitfalls of divided authority in a vast empire.

Fun Fact

Valens' Lasting Impact

Valens was notable for being the first Roman emperor to establish the Arian Church as the state church, which led to long-lasting theological disputes within Christianity that influenced future rulers and policies in the empire.

Additional Resources

Recommended Reading on Valentinian I and Flavius Valens

If you're interested in diving deeper into the life and times of these emperors, consider reading "The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire" by Edward Gibbon or "The Later Roman Empire" by A.H.M. Jones. These texts provide compelling insights into the political and military landscape of this fascinating period in Roman history.