#Restitutor orbis professional#

A decade before Aurelian took power, the Empire had disintegrated into several parts. Yet, emperor Aurelian, a hardened battle commander, managed to assemble the troops, defeat and repel the invaders.Įmperor Aurelian Stabilized the Roman Frontier An illustration depicting the Roman soldiers of the Aurelian’s army, by Nikolay ZubkovĪurelian Restored the Unity of the Roman Empire Zenobia’s last look on Palmyra, Herbert G Schmalz, 1888, Art Gallery of South Australia, AdelaideĪurelian’s greatest achievement, however, was the reunification of the Roman Empire. The way to Rome was open, causing widespread panic. In 271, the Germanic invaders crossed the Po River and annihilated the imperial legions sent to stop them. Shortly after taking the purple, Aurelian had to face one of greatest threats to the Empire since the time of Hannibal Barca and his invasion of Italy. To start with, the barbarians threatened the security of the imperial frontier. In the autumn of 270, following the acclamation by the troops, the Senate recognized Aurelian as the emperor of Rome.Īurelian Had to Face the Worst Threat Since Hannibal Ludovisi Battle sarcophagus with Romans fighting the barbarians, mid-3rd century CE, Museo Nazionale, RomeĪt the time of Aurelian’s accession to the throne, Rome was in chaos. With the Empire in chaos, the choice for the next ruler fell on Aurelian, a natural warrior and a talented commander. Ironically, Aurelian’s predecessor – Claudius II Gothicus – died of the plague, the first who did not fall by the sword in a long time. No wonder most of those emperors died on the battlefield or were murdered by their troops. The third century was a chaotic period for the Roman Empire, and only a soldier-emperor could prevent the Empire’s collapse.

#Restitutor orbis professional#

Like most third-century rulers, emperor Aurelian began his career as a professional soldier. Aurelian – A Soldier Turned Emperor Bust of a Roman emperor, probably Aurelian, ca.