Emperor aurelian

Although he ruled for less than five years, Emperor Aurelian achieved great success in restoring and reuniting the fledgling Roman Empire. Although his reign lasted only five years , emperor Aurelian achieved amazing results during that short time period. He stabilized the Danube frontier, defeating the barbarians who threatened the Empire. He encircled Rome with massive ramparts that stand until today.

Most importantly, Aurelian restored the unity of the Roman Empire, defeating and incorporating breakaway states in both east and west. Besides being a battle-hardened soldier, Aurelian was also a reformer. Inspired by his many victories, Aurelian declared himself a god and laid the foundation for the autocratic emperorship of the late Empire.

Aurelian also introduced Sol Invictus in the Roman pantheon indirectly paving the way for the rise of Christianity.

Aurelian full name

Ironically, one of the most prolific and capable Roman emperors, the savior of Rome, is nowadays almost forgotten outside academic circles. On a cold autumn day of CE, in an army camp near the town of Byzantium present-day Istanbul , emperor Aurelian was planning his next move. Like many Roman leaders before him, Aurelian looked eastwards, attracted by the wealth and splendor of Persia.