Illyrian Emperors

Illyrian emperors called the series of Roman emperors who ruled the Roman Empire between 268 and 285. This name comes from the geographical origin of most emperors who compose it.

They are indeed mostly from (7 of 9 Emperors ) of Illyria , a region whose boundaries are some problems. Let us remember that roughly corresponds to the territories between the middle Danube and Adriatic Sea.

This area was later Romanized. She was renowned for its excellent soldiers, brave but crude. Illyria (as defined geographically) stationed in fact the most powerful Roman armies, responsible for ensuring the Danube (about 12 legions on the Danube, 130 000 men). This explains the continuing importance of the Illyrians, and more specifically Pannonians in the history of the Empire - many emperors to be born.

The rise of Illyrian soldiers is a consequence of the measures of the emperor Gallienus (260-268) who opened the access of senior military commanders to the officers the most capable, when he was previously reserved for members of the order Senate.

From the highest ranks, and proclaimed by their troops, are cited among the emperors Claudius the Goth (268-270), Aurelian (270-275) Probus (276-282).

Despite the short duration of this period, it is important for several reasons. Firstly it is the Illyrians who put an end to dsordes of Anarchy military who since the death of Alexander Severus , multiplied emperors and usurpers. The second characteristic of these emperors is their origin: they are all experienced soldiers. This stems from the nature of the position of emperor. An evolution has occurred since August. The emperor is no longer a magistrate but a true warlord. We expect him to lead the army where the barbarians threatening. Therefore disturbances, invasions, the throne will no longer be detained by the military career, making the purple imperial judiciary but not the highest military post in the career of arms. And it is precisely under the Illyrian emperors that this trait is dominant, especially in Aurelian defeated during his reign the empire of Gaul and the Kingdom of Palmyra, both entered into secession.

List of Illyrian emperors

• Claudius the Goth , who reigned from 268 to 270 , a native of Pannonia inferior (that is to say the Illyrian region)
• Quintillus , who ruled from August 270 to October 270 , a native of Moesia (Illyrian region)
• Aurelian , who reigned from 270 to 275 , a native of Pannonia (Illyrian region)
• Marcus Claudius Tacitus , who reigned from 275 to 276 , a native of Umbria
• Florien , who ruled from August 276 to September 276 , originating perhaps the Umbria also
• Probus , who ruled from 276 to 282 , a native of Pannonia (Illyrian region)
• Carus , who reigned from 282 to 283 , probably originating from Dalmatia (region Illyrian)
• Numerian , who reigned from 283 to 284 , son of the former ( Carus )
• Carin , who reigned from 284 to 285 , son of Carus

Timeline

• Ancient Rome portal

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