Hun Invasion and Gothic Refugee Crisis

In 376 CE, Hun migration from the Eurasian steppes displaced thousands of Goths, primarily the Thervingi, who sought refuge across the Danube River in Roman territory. Emperor Valens permitted their entry, but corruption among Roman officials led the Gothic refugees to revolt. Visigoth leaders Fritigern and Athanaric participated in subsequent conflicts. The crisis culminated in the Battle of Adrianople in 378 CE, where Gothic forces defeated the Romans and killed Emperor Valens. This event initiated the Great Migration period that contributed to the Western Roman Empire's eventual collapse.