Valentinian I

Flavius Valentinianus was a Pannonian officer chosen emperor by the army after Jovian's death. On the day of his proclamation he immediately appointed his brother Valens co-emperor for the East, a decisive act that shaped the next decade. He devoted his reign almost entirely to the defence of the Rhine and upper Danube frontiers, personally commanding campaigns against the Alamanni and building an extensive fortification network. He died of a stroke or burst blood vessel, reportedly brought on by rage while receiving an insolent embassy from the Quadi.

Valentinian I's Rhine defensive strategy, building fortifications along the entire frontier, represents the most systematic fortification effort since Hadrian's Wall. His sudden death left the West to his young son Gratian and created the opening for the disastrous events under Valens that would culminate at Adrianople three years later.

Key Events

Coinage

Valentinian I issued a large and varied coinage from western mints throughout his eleven-year reign. The RESTITVTOR REIPVBLICAE (Restorer of the State) and GLORIA ROMANORVM (emperor dragging captive) types are the most common. His solidus is well-struck and follows the Constantinian standard. His portrait, a strong, square-jawed military type, is one of the most recognisable of the period.

Related Resources

Further Reading

• Roman Imperial Coinage, Volume IX, J.W.E. Pearce
• Roman Coins and Their Values, Volume V, David R. Sear