jan 1, 382 - Gothic War Loss of Thrace

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In 376 Fritigern, leader of the Thervingi Goths entered Rome by the Danube with the Greuthungi. They were fleeing the Huns, and requested settlement in the Empire for protection.

Emperor Valens accepted hastily without a resettlement plan as he had brought most of the army to eastern front for war with Persia.

His administrator and commader Lupicinus was ordered to keep them on river until settlement plans could be organised. The large numbers of Goths could not be fed, and Lupicinus piroritised Romans over the starving tribals.

Unable to leave, and dying, Lupicinus held a feast with Fritigern and his guard to appease him, during which he learned that some Goths had robbed and killed Roman soldiers transporting food.

Lupicinus arrested Fritigern and killed all his guard. Facing immenant revolt, Fritigern convinced Lupicinus freeing him would calm his people. Instead, Fritigern escaped with his army and defeated the pursuing Lupicinus.

The Goths eventually won, and Rome was forced to allow them to settle Thrace together as a vassal, rather than being divided or disarmed.

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