Valentia (Roman Britain)

Valentia was a Roman province in Britain, established in the late 4th century AD. Its exact geographical location remains uncertain and is a subject of ongoing scholarly debate. Historical sources, particularly the Notitia Dignitatum, mention Valentia as one of the provinces under the control of the Dux Britanniarum (Duke of the Britains), a military commander responsible for the northern frontier.

The province was likely created as part of a larger reorganization of Roman Britain following the so-called "Barbarian Conspiracy" of 367 AD. This event saw widespread raids and unrest across the province, necessitating significant military action to restore order. Emperor Valentinian I sent Count Theodosius (father of the later Emperor Theodosius I) to Britain to quell the revolt.

The creation of Valentia is generally attributed to Theodosius’s efforts in pacifying the northern areas of Britain. It is believed to have been carved out of existing provinces, potentially from parts of Britannia Secunda or Britannia Prima, or possibly from territory newly recovered from hostile tribes beyond Hadrian's Wall.

Various theories exist regarding its location. Some scholars place Valentia in the area around modern-day Cumbria and southern Scotland, south of Hadrian's Wall, possibly acting as a buffer zone against the Picts and Scots. Others suggest a location further south, encompassing parts of northern England. Evidence to support these theories is largely circumstantial, relying on archaeological finds, historical accounts of troop movements, and interpretations of the Notitia Dignitatum.

The purpose of Valentia was probably twofold: to improve the administration of the northern frontier and to enhance its military defense. The creation of a new province with a separate administrative structure would have allowed for a more focused response to threats from beyond the frontier. The province likely had its own governor and garrison of troops.

The duration of Valentia's existence as a distinct Roman province is unknown. It is believed to have persisted into the early 5th century, until the gradual collapse of Roman authority in Britain. The withdrawal of Roman legions and the increasing pressure from barbarian incursions ultimately led to the abandonment of the province and the fragmentation of Roman control. The subsequent history of the region is marked by the rise of independent British kingdoms and the Anglo-Saxon invasions.