Emperor Valentinian I in 375 CE commanded Roman troops in Illyria, where he tried to suppress the rebellion of the Sarmatians and the Quadi. The situation was so stalwart that both sides sought agreement.

In one of the talks, representatives of the barbarians tried to prove that the Romans started the conflict by building forts on their lands. In addition, they claimed that not all Quadi troops are obliged to stop fighting, because each band has its own leader and must conclude agreements individually.

Thus, the emissaries did not exclude further attacks on Roman forces. The arrogant and delicious behavior of the barbarians was enough to enrage Valentinian who broke out, suffered a stroke and died.