P. Licinius Valerianus
Emperor 253 - 260
Relatives
depicted on coins:
Mariniana - wife |
Valerian (b. 195), an ex-consul, was appointed by Gallus to campaign on the Upper
Danube. After Aemilian's revolt he invaded Italy, and when Aemilian was assassinated
Valerian and his son Gallienus were proclaimed joint emperors. Valerian went to the East,
where he suppressed the rebellion of Uranius Antoninus and restored order in Syria. His
campaigns were successful until 260, when he was besieged in Edessa with an army
devastated by plague. Valerian was captured by treachery, ending his days miserably as a
slave to Shapur I. Until then the reign had been fairly successful, but with this disaster the
empire began to disintegrate. Odenathus of Palmyra seized power in the East, and Gaul,
Spain and Britain broke away under Postumus, and there were other less successful revolts. Although an able soldier, Gallienus
lacked the leadership qualities to bring
the empire back together, and after a series of campaigns in which he won many successes,
he was overthrown by a conspiracy of his generals in March 268.
Usurpers:
Macrianus and Quietus (rare);
Regalianus and his wife Dryantilla (very rare)
|
P. Licinius Egnatius Gallienus
Emperor 253 - 268
Relatives
depicted on coins:
Salonina - wife;
Valerian II - son;
Saloninus - son |
