Ancient Coin Stories

Aurelian marries Ulpia Severina.

Aurelian is born in Sirmium in the province of Pannonia. His full name is Lucius Domitius Aurelianus.

Aurelian joins the army.

Aurelian plays a key role in the assassination of Emperor Gallienus and supports Claudius Gothicus, who becomes the new emperor.

Claudius Gothicus and Aurelian march against the Alamanni and defeat them at the Battle of Lake Benacus.

Emperor Claudius Gothicus dies of the plague. Aurelian is declared emperor by the army, succeeding Claudius’s brother, Quintillus, who was briefly recognized as emperor but soon dies, possibly by suicide.

Aurelian begins his campaign against the Juthungi, a Germanic tribe that had invaded Italy. He defeats them decisively, securing the northern frontier of the empire.

Aurelian faces a Gothic invasion and defeats them at the Battle of Placentia and the Battle of Pavia. He begins fortifying the city of Rome, initiating the construction of the Aurelian Walls to protect against future invasions.

Aurelian marches east to confront the rebellious Palmyrene Empire, ruled by Queen Zenobia. He successfully defeats Zenobia’s forces and reclaims the eastern provinces for Rome.

Queen Zenobia of Palmyra briefly controls Egypt, including Alexandria, during her revolt against Rome, but Emperor Aurelian recaptures the city later that year.

Aurelian captures Zenobia and her son, Vaballathus, ending the Palmyrene Empire’s challenge to Roman authority. Zenobia is brought to Rome as a prisoner.

Aurelian suppresses a rebellion in Egypt led by a usurper named Firmus.

Aurelian turns his attention to the Gallic Empire, a breakaway state in the western provinces. He defeats Tetricus I, the last Gallic emperor, at the Battle of Châlons. This victory reunifies the Roman Empire under Aurelian’s rule.

Aurelian institutes the festival of Dies Natalis Solis Invicti (Birthday of the Unconquered Sun), promoting the worship of Sol Invictus as a unifying religious figure across the empire.

Aurelian prepares for a major campaign against the Sassanid Empire in the East. However, during preparations, he is assassinated by members of his own staff, misled by a false rumor that he intended to execute them.