The History of Rome

The podcast explores the Battle of Adrianople in 378 AD, a disastrous battle where the Romans were defeated by the Goths, resulting in the death of Emperor Valens and significant loss of life. The chapter also discusses the Gothic Revolt, the clash between the Western Expeditionary Force and the Goths, and the challenges faced by the Roman Empire in the aftermath of the battle.

Explore the consequences of Valentinian's death and the power struggle that emerged. Discuss the proclamation of the youngest Valentinian as co-ruler and the arrival of the Huns. Learn about the origins and characteristics of the Huns and their interactions with the Goths. Witness the deteriorating situation as the Goths seek Roman protection and unrest erupts.

Valens grapples with Gothic and Persian threats. Gothic-Roman relationship evolves into adversaries. Valens crosses Danube. Reconstruction efforts and negotiations. Tense meeting with Quaddai ambassadors. Challenges faced by Roman Empire during Valentinian's reign.

Mismanagement in the Western Roman Empire in the late 360s and early 370s AD led to armed conflicts, including protests from the Allaman I tribe and an invasion by Theodosius. The Roman response to Fermis' revolt and the Quatai conflict, as well as Emperor Valentinian's challenges with the Alamanae tribe and negotiations for peace, are also discussed.

The podcast discusses the barbarian invasion of Britannia during the decline of Roman administration. It explores the actions of Theodosius in restoring peace to the troubled province and the retaliatory battle against the Alamanae. The aftermath of the battle sets the stage for future conflicts, while also revising Valentinian's early career.

After Valentinian and Valens became emperors, Julian the Apostate's cousin took over Constantinople. The podcast explores the division of the empire into east and west, Valentinian's dilemma between an army invasion and his cousin's takeover, Sassanid aggression, and Procopius' successful coup in Constantinople.

Jovian extracted the Roman legions from the east at a heavy price. He then ruled the Empire for eight months before suddenly dying on his way to Constantinople in early 364.

The podcast discusses Emperor Julian's invasion of Sassanid Persia, his preparations and strategy, and his tragic death in battle. It highlights his multifaceted reforms and ambitions, as well as the challenges he faced. The chapter also explores the short reigns of Emperor Julian and Emperor Eligobolis, their ambitious reforms, and their inability to fully realize their goals.

Julian the Apostate tries to suppress Christianity and make significant reforms as Emperor. He struggles to reintroduce a republican style of government and promote paganism. His efforts to counter Christianity and create a unified pagan religion lead to controversy and upcoming war with Persia.

After establishing himself in the west, Julian rebels against Constantius II. He leads a successful invasion in winter and secures submission of German chiefs. Tensions arise over taxation policies. Julian defeats the Franks and faces challenges with his troops. Tensions escalate with Constantius and a mutiny seems imminent.