 The Washington Area DBA Gamers (WADBAG)
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Carrhae - Cantabrian Revolt - Teutoberger Wald - Emesa - Adrianople - Chalons - Dara Displaced by the invasions of the Huns, the Goths, led by Alavivus and Fritigern, asked to be allowed to settle in the Roman Empire. Hoping that they would become farmers and soldiers, the emperor Valens allowed them to establish themselves in the Empire as allies (foederati). However, once across the Danube in Roman territory the dishonesty of the provincial commanders led the newcomers to revolt after suffering many hardships. For the next two years there were a series of running battles with no clear victories for either side. In 378, Valens decided to take control himself and he left Antioch for Constantinople. Reconnaissance informed him that the Goths were marching to the south-west of Adrianople, about 20 kilometers away.Despite the difficult ground, Valens reached Adrianople where a camp was constructed with a ditch and a rampart. Richomer, sent by Gratian, carried a letter asking Valens to wait for the arrival of reinforcements from Gratian before engaging in battle. Valens' officers also recommended that he wait for Gratian, but Valens decided to fight without waiting, ready to claim the ultimate prize. Valens had underestimated the army of the Goths at only about 10,000 men. Sure that he would be victorious due to his supposed numerical superiority, Valens rejected all proposals. However, his estimates did not take into consideration a part of the Gothic cavalry that had gone to forage further away. Initial Deployment
In this view of the initial setup of the Adrianople scenario we can see the Goth wagon laager on the left, and the Goth warband deployed behind some wagons and in control of the hill. The Romans are in the process of deploying behind a line of skirmish cavalry, unorganized and with their heavy foot to the rear on the road. [Close-up]
This is a view of the initial setup of the scenario from behind the left flank of the Gothic army. [Close-up]
This is a close-up of the Goth wagon laager camp and their foot deployed on the hill. [Close-up]
This is a close-up of the Gothic right flank with warband fortified behind a small line of wagons (left) and Roman Cavalry and Light Horse threatening (right). [Close-up]Adrianople Results(Rome 2, Goths 5)
Battle Highlights
Jason Bostwick (right) prepares to move aggresively with his Roman mounted. Alex Bostwick (left) doesn't look too concerned from behind his wagons laager. [Close-up]
Alex Bostwick isn't waiting for the return of his foragers, he's charging down the hill! [Close-up]
Jack Sheriff (left) and Tim Hladon (right) study the initial setup. [Close-up]
Robbie Fisher receives encouragement from a friend. [Close-up]
Bolstered by his friend's sweet talk, Robbie is all fired up and ready to push the Goths right off the hill! [Close-up]
Peter "the Cleaver" Sheriff (left) watches as Robbie Fisher tries to execute his master plan - KILL Goths for the Glory of Rome! [Close-up]Last Updated: 27 July 2006 The author David Schlanger may be contacted at buckynduke@comcast.net Please do not use any pictures or text |
