Gothic War: Romans Destroyed at Adrianople!

August 9, 378 - Eastern Roman forces are beaten at the Battle of Adrianople. After two years of skirmishing, Emperor Valens of the Eastern Roman Empire elected to assemble an army to deal with the Goths who had been causing trouble within the empire. Learning that a force of Goths was moving towards Adrianople, he moved north and established a base in the city. After declining peace overtures from the Goths, Valens departed the city on the morning of August 9 to strike at the enemy. Marching for around seven hours, the Romans finally located the Goth's camp. Misled into believing he had numerical superiority due to the absence of the Gothic cavalry, Valens formed his men for battle and attacked their wagon circle. Despite some success early in the fighting, the tide turned when the Gothic cavalry arrived on the field. Sweeping away their Roman counterparts, the Gothic horsemen attacked the Romans flanks. Under pressure from three sides, the Roman army crumbled and fled the field. Approximately two-thirds of the Roman army, including the emperor, was killed in the fighting.