Lets Talk Adrianople

[Robert Vermaat]

Did the Romans have the capacity to stop or even control the flow of Gothic refugees on the Danube in the lead-up to Adrianople which ancient authors like Eunapius claimed Goths imploring Romans on the other side of the Danube to let them and their families cross because the Huns were right behind them.

Actually, Valens agreed to settle the leading Tervingi groups within Thrace. This was both a shrewd move as well as strategic support for Fritigern and his faction. I tend to think this was a reward for an ally. This seems to be supported by the fact that when the Greuthungi arrived a bit later, their envoys were not even received - a slap in the face. That the deal with Fritigern went horribly wrong had nothing to do with the deal but with the greed of the local rulers, who wanted to squeeze every bit of profit available, not contemplating the results this could have. I'm reminded of modern times. :|

I'm also not so sure that the Tervingi were occupying wetlands and had to cross in a hurry. Do we even get accurate geographical details of where the crossings took place? I hear of 'Caucalanda', which seems to be further west than the delta? My guess would be that the groups with fritigern were not under pressure from the Huns, but from fellow Goths, and called upon their friends to cash in a favour? The rivals saw this and thought to make the same deal.