Aurelian: Emperor of Rome and the Third Century Imperial Biographies

Aurelian was one of the most successful and important Roman emperors of the third century. His reign was marked by a series of military victories that restored the empire's borders and stabilized its frontiers. Aurelian was also a reformer who introduced a number of important changes to the Roman government and army.

Aurelian and the Third Century (Roman Imperial Biographies)

by Alaric Watson

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1909 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	441 pages
Paperback	:	101 pages
Item Weight	:	9.1 ounces
Dimensions	:	8.5 x 0.23 x 11 inches

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Early Life

Aurelian was born in 214 or 215 CE in Sirmium, Pannonia (modern-day Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia). His father was a cavalryman in the Roman army, and his mother was the daughter of a Roman senator. Aurelian received a traditional Roman education, and he studied military history and tactics. He also served in the Roman army, and he quickly rose through the ranks.

Military Career

Aurelian's military career began in the early 240s CE. He served in a number of campaigns under the emperors Valerian and Gallienus, and he quickly gained a reputation as a skilled and courageous commander. In 258 CE, Aurelian was appointed governor of Raetia and Noricum (modern-day Switzerland and Austria). He successfully defended his province against a series of Germanic invasions, and he was rewarded with a triumph in Rome.

In 268 CE, Aurelian was appointed commander of the Roman army in the East. He was tasked with defeating the Palmyrene Empire, which had been founded by the Roman general Odaenathus. Aurelian defeated the Palmyrenes in a series of battles, and he captured their capital city, Palmyra. He then turned his attention to the Sassanid Empire, which was based in Persia. Aurelian defeated the Sassanids in a series of battles, and he forced them to sign a peace treaty that was favorable to Rome.

Reign as Emperor

In 270 CE, Aurelian was proclaimed emperor by his troops. He was the first emperor to be born outside Italy in over a century. Aurelian's reign was marked by a series of military victories that restored the empire's borders and stabilized its frontiers. He defeated the Goths, the Vandals, and the Alamanni in a series of battles, and he extended the empire's borders to the Danube River and the Black Sea.

Aurelian was also a reformer. He introduced a number of important changes to the Roman government and army. He increased the pay of soldiers, and he reformed the system of taxation. He also strengthened the Roman army, and he created a new legion, the Legio VI Herculia.

Aurelian's reign was cut short by his assassination in 275 CE. He was killed by a group of palace guards who were angry about his strict discipline. Aurelian's death plunged the Roman Empire into a new period of civil war.

Legacy

Aurelian is considered one of the most successful and important Roman emperors of the third century. He restored the empire's borders, stabilized its frontiers, and reformed its government and army. Aurelian's reforms laid the foundation for the later recovery of the Roman Empire under Diocletian and Constantine.

Aurelian has been the subject of numerous works of art and literature. He is often depicted as a strong and courageous leader, and he is considered a hero by many Romans. Aurelian's legacy continues to inspire people today.

Aurelian and the Third Century (Roman Imperial Biographies)

by Alaric Watson

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1909 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	441 pages
Paperback	:	101 pages
Item Weight	:	9.1 ounces
Dimensions	:	8.5 x 0.23 x 11 inches

FREE