NOVAE DURING THE REIGN OF VALENTINIAN I AND VALENS (364–378)

The period of Valentinian I and, later, Gratian in the West, and of Valens in the East, ended with the disastrous Battle of Adrianople in 378. However, fourteen years preceding the battle were a period of well-documented investment along the frontiers of the Empire. The results of the building initiatives undertaken by Valentinian in the West are particularly well attested, especially in the Pannonian provinces. The archaeological evidence for construction activity along the frontier of the eastern European provinces ruled by Valens appears considerably more modest, most likely due to the less advanced state of research along this section of the Danube. Nevertheless, the available data allow us to conclude that building works were also carried out along this part of the river. Novae was one of the most important bases along this section of the frontier. The military continued to play a vital role in Novae during the years 364–378, and imperial authorities placed significant emphasis on ensuring the proper supply of frontier troops. The state of research at Novae is among the most advanced along the Lower Danube. Therefore, it may serve as a point of reference for other forts located along this stretch of the frontier, providing valuable insights into the character and scope of the works under-taken during the reigns of Valentinian and Valens. Certain indications of construction activity have been found in various parts of the site, and their analysis suggests that the focus of these works was primarily on maintaining the existing structures within the walls of the fortress.