Editing Valens (section)

===Religious policy===
[[File:The Mass of Saint Basil MET DP151176.jpg|thumb|The Mass of Saint Basil by [[Pierre Subleyras]], ca. 1743]]
During his reign, Valens had to confront the theological diversity that was beginning to create division in the Empire. [[Julian the Apostate|Julian]] (361–363), had tried to revive the pagan religions. His reactionary attempt took advantage of the dissensions among the different Christian factions, and a largely Pagan [[Military history of the Roman Empire|rank and file military]]. However, in spite of broad support, his actions were often viewed as excessive, and before he died in a campaign against the Persians, he was often treated with disdain. His death was considered a sign from the Christian God.

Valens was baptised by the Arian [[bishop of Constantinople]] before he set out on his first war against the [[Goths]].{{sfn |Gibbon|1932|loc= [http://www.ccel.org/g/gibbon/decline/volume1/chap25.htm Chapter 25]}} While the Nicene Christian writers of his time identified Valens with the [[Arianism|Arian]] faction and accused him of persecuting Nicene Christians, modern historians have described both Valens and [[Valentinian I]] as primarily interested in maintaining social order and have minimized their theological concerns.{{sfn|Day|Hakola|Kahlos|Tervahauta|2016|pp=28f}} Although [[Athanasius]] was impelled, under his reign, to briefly go into hiding, Valens maintained a close dependency on his brother Valentinian and treated [[Basil of Caesarea|St. Basil]] mildly, both of whom supported the Nicene position.{{sfn|Gibbon|1932|pp=861–864}} Not long after Valens died the cause of Arianism in the Roman East was to come to an end. His successor [[Theodosius I]] made Nicene Christianity the state religion of Rome and suppressed the Arians.