Valens , c.328-378, Roman emperor of the East (364-78). Brother and coregent of Valentinian I , Valens followed in most respects his brother's policies but, unlike him, embraced Arian Christianity (see Arianism ). An intolerant man, he sporadically persecuted orthodox Christians. At the beginning of his reign he put down the revolt of Procopius. He initiated warfare against the Visigoths under Athanaric and defeated them in 369. His attitude toward the Persian threat to Armenia was indecisive, but in 376 peace was made. He admitted the Visigoths under Fritigern into the empire. Dissatisfied... Read more