9 AUGUST 378 CE

How the Goths inflicted a devastating defeat on the Eastern Roman Empire

01 Heading to battle

The Army of the Eastern Roman Emperor, Valens, marches north eight miles (almost 13 kilometres) from Adrianople (Edirne) along the modern Tundzha River, approaching the position of the modern village of Murtaçali. There, a vast wagon laager marks the Gothic position, its infantry drawn up inside.

02 Negotiations or playing for time?

Drawn out negotiations take place between representatives of the two commanders. The Gothic infantry begin to deploy in front of their wagon laager. The Romans, still partially strung out on the advance to Murtaçali, also begin to deploy. Their left wing of cavalry, consisting of approximately 2,500 men, is still on the road when battle commences. The negotiations suggest that the Goths are playing for time, perhaps awaiting a signal that their cavalry are in position.

03 Roman Deployment

Heavy cavalry: Scutarii, Equites Promoti, Sagittarii Horse Archers, more cavalry each of 500 men; six units of Legiones Palatinae, each 800 men strong were present, only two are named: the Lancearii and Matiarii. Approximately 12 units of Auxilia Palatina are present (each of 400 men), only one is named: the Batavi. Several of these units are foot archer units. Valens is in the centre. Five units of cavalry (500 men each) are still on the road on the Roman left.

04 Gothic Deployment

Fritigern and his 10,000 Gothic infantry. Ammianus tells us later during the battle of hordes pouring forth so additional infantry units must have been concealed within the laager. Gothic fires set as signals or to cause discomfit to the Romans. On the left of the laager, Gothic cavalry assemble (unseen by the Romans) Alatheus and Saphrax as well as a unit of Hunnic and Alan cavalry.

05 A Gothic Trick?

The terrain on the Gothic left conceals the arrival and organisation of the Gothic cavalry. The smoke may also have been intended to mask their arrival. Alternatively, the smoke may have been a signal for the cavalry to charge or their signal that they were in position. They charged all at once, and the usual explanation that they were away foraging and arrived late to the battle will not do.

06 A Skirmish Escalates

As Richomeres, the Roman commander, prepares to cross to continue negotiations with the Goths, the Scutari and Sagittarii on the Roman right engage with the Goths opposite them. The Gothic cavalry charge the Roman right flank, causing the Scutari and Sagittarii to retreat. The Roman and Gothic infantry engage all along the line.

07 The Romans are Crowded together

The Roman left wing reaches the wagons, but is hard pressed and, unsupported by cavalry, crowded together. In the centre and on the Roman right, the Goths hold firm.

10 The End is Nigh

General flight and pursuit of the Romans. Nightfall brought an end to pursuit, especially since it was a moonless night. Valens flees with his men on foot and is either killed by an enemy arrow or, wounded, is taken to a two-storey farmhouse, which is burned by pillaging goths.

09 Valens’ Refuge

Valens takes refuge with two units of the Legiones Palatinae, the Lancearii and the Matiarii. Attempts to extricate Valens in the company of other units prove useless, as they have all fled the field.

08 The Goths Pour Forth

More Gothic infantry pour forth from the wagon laager (‘barbarians pouring forth in huge hordes’), putting the entire Roman line under pressure. They eventually break and flee. Several of the Legiones Palatinae units stand and die where they were positioned. The Auxilia Palatina units (including the Batavii) break and flee, as do Valens’ guard unit, the Armigeri defensores seniors (some individuals stayed with the emperor).