Flavius Valens, born in 321 CE in the Pannonian city Cibalae (Vinkovci, Croatia), was of humble origins. As a young man, Valens became a soldier; his first attested rank was protector domesticus (member of the palace guard) during the short reign of Emperor Jovian (363/364 CE). On Mar 1, 364 CE, Valentinian I (r. 364–375 CE) appointed him tribunus stabuli (stable master), which earned him a position close to the emperor. Valentinian was well aware that the empire was too large to be governed by one man; the army …