Valerian (emperor)

Valerian (Publius Licinius Valerianus) was Roman Emperor from 253 to 260 AD. He ascended to the throne during a period of significant internal instability and external threats to the Roman Empire.

Born into a noble Roman family, Valerian had held various important positions before becoming emperor, including governor of a province and advisor to Emperor Decius. He was proclaimed emperor by his troops after the death of Emperor Aemilianus. His first act as emperor was to appoint his son, Gallienus, as co-emperor, dividing the administration of the vast empire. Valerian assumed responsibility for the eastern territories, focusing on the ongoing conflict with the Sasanian Empire of Persia, while Gallienus managed the western provinces.

Valerian's reign was largely dominated by the Persian War. The Sasanian King Shapur I had invaded Roman territories in the East, capturing important cities like Antioch. In 260 AD, Valerian personally led an army to confront Shapur I, but he was decisively defeated at the Battle of Edessa.

Following his defeat, Valerian was captured by Shapur I. The circumstances of his death are debated. Some accounts suggest he was treated cruelly and died in captivity, possibly after being used as a footstool by the Persian king. Other, less reliable, accounts claim he lived a relatively comfortable life as a hostage. Regardless of the details, Valerian's capture was a monumental humiliation for the Roman Empire, representing the only instance of a Roman Emperor being taken prisoner by an enemy.

Valerian's capture further destabilized the Roman Empire, contributing to the rise of splinter states such as the Gallic Empire in the West and the Palmyrene Empire in the East. His son, Gallienus, continued to rule as emperor and faced the difficult task of restoring stability and unity to the empire in the aftermath of his father's disastrous reign. Valerian's reign is remembered as a period of crisis and military defeat, marking a low point in Roman history.