Late Roman Infantryman vs Gothic Warrior

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In late summer AD 376, the Gothic tribe of the Theruingi, led by Fritigern, sought asylum from the Eastern Roman emperor Valens due to civil war and pressure from the Huns. They agreed to convert to Arian Christianity and join the Roman Army, gaining permission to cross the Danube into Thrace. However, the influx of up to 200,000 people exceeded Roman expectations, and as winter approached, local commander Lupicinus struggled with inadequate resources and troops to manage the newcomers. Poor treatment and food shortages led the Goths to lose faith in Roman promises. Meanwhile, the Greuthungi tribe, denied entry, exploited the situation and crossed the Danube as Roman garrisons were weakened. Tensions escalated when Lupicinus denied the Theruingi access to food stores in Marcianopolis, prompting skirmishes. Although Fritigern negotiated with Lupicinus to calm tensions, the warriors remained restless. Roman forces were ultimately defeated in late 376, marking the beginning of a series of defeats that culminated in the pivotal battle of Adrianople in August 378, where the Roman emperor faced the Gothic host. This illustrated book explores the combatants from both sides in the battles that determined the fate of the Western Roman Empire.