What was the significance of the Battle of Adrianople?

The Battle of Adrianople was a significant turning point in the history of the Roman Empire, as it marked the first major defeat of the Roman army by a barbarian force. The battle was fought on August 9, 378 CE, between the Roman army under Emperor Valens and the Visigoths, a Germanic tribe led by their king, Fritigern.

The Roman army suffered a crushing defeat, with the emperor himself killed in battle. The Visigoths were able to plunder the Roman camp and acquire a significant amount of weapons and supplies. The battle marked the beginning of a period of instability and decline for the Roman Empire, as it faced further attacks from barbarian tribes and struggled to maintain its hold on its vast territories.