Fritigern: a Christian prior to 376?

[Robert Vermaat]

I thought this subject was significantly important.

Just read the tread for the first time.
I think you may have a point but as a hiostorian I'm cautious. Sources of this period are notorious where dates are concerned, and some ignore events that others (and we) find extremely interesting. Fact is, we can't be sure what the contact of fritigern with the empire was about. Was it military aid? Was it Christianity? Both perhaps? We can't be sure. My guess is therefore, you may well be right. Valans may have seen Fritigern as a pawn which he could use, to split up and weaken, or perhaps even to dominate a threat across the border. Diplomacy was part of the Roman strategy, so I wouldn't be surprised.