description Emperor Aurelian Overview
Aurelian was Roman emperor from 270 to 275 during the Crisis of the Third Century. Through military campaigns he defeated the Palmyrene Empire in the east and recovered the breakaway Gallic Empire in the west, restoring most imperial territory and earning the title Restitutor Orbis, or Restorer of the World. He also began the Aurelian Walls around Rome before being assassinated during preparations for a Persian campaign.
help Emperor Aurelian FAQ
How did Aurelian reunite the Roman Empire?
Aurelian defeated Queen Zenobia's Palmyrene forces in the east and then compelled the breakaway Gallic Empire to submit in the west. These victories restored most of the territory that had fractured during the Crisis of the Third Century.
Why did Aurelian build walls around Rome?
Germanic incursions into Italy showed that Rome could no longer rely on distant frontiers for protection. Construction of the Aurelian Walls began during his reign, enclosing a much larger area than the old Republican fortifications.
What did the title Restitutor Orbis mean for Aurelian?
Restitutor Orbis means Restorer of the World. The title celebrated Aurelian's recovery of Palmyrene and Gallic territories after years of imperial fragmentation.
Why was Emperor Aurelian assassinated?
Ancient accounts say a frightened official fabricated evidence suggesting that several officers were marked for execution. Those officers killed Aurelian in 275 while he was preparing a campaign against the Sasanian Empire.
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