# Aureolus

> usurper of the Roman Empire (died 268)

**Wikidata**: [Q312910](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q312910)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aureolus)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/aureolus

## Summary
Aureolus was a Roman military leader and usurper who rebelled against Emperor Gallienus during the Crisis of the Third Century. Born around 220 CE, he is best known for his failed revolt and siege of Milan, which contributed to the political instability of the Roman Empire. His actions culminated in his assassination in 268 CE.

## Biography
- **Born**: 220 CE (exact date and place unknown)  
- **Nationality**: Roman  
- **Known for**: Usurpation of imperial authority and rebellion against Emperor Gallienus  
- **Employer(s)**: Roman Empire (as a military commander)  
- **Field(s)**: Military personnel  

## Contributions
- Led a revolt against Emperor Gallienus in 268 CE, declaring himself emperor and besieging Milan.  
- Initially served under Gallienus as a cavalry commander before turning against him.  
- His rebellion exacerbated the Crisis of the Third Century, weakening central authority.  

## FAQs
**Q: What was Aureolus' role in the Roman Empire?**  
A: He was a military commander who rebelled against Emperor Gallienus, seizing power in a bid to become emperor.  

**Q: How did Aureolus' revolt end?**  
A: His forces were defeated, and he was assassinated by his own troops in 268 CE during the siege of Milan.  

**Q: Why is Aureolus notable in Roman history?**  
A: He exemplifies the military anarchy of the 3rd century, where generals often usurped power, destabilizing the empire.  

## Why They Matter
Aureolus' revolt underscored the fragility of imperial authority during the Crisis of the Third Century, a period marked by constant civil war and external invasions. His actions, though unsuccessful, influenced the eventual downfall of Gallienus and the rise of Claudius Gothicus. Without Aureolus' rebellion, the trajectory of the empire’s leadership and military structure might have differed, as his siege of Milan diverted critical resources and attention from broader threats.

## Notable For
- Declared himself emperor during the Crisis of the Third Century.  
- Besieged Milan in 268 CE, a pivotal event in his rebellion.  
- Assassinated by his own soldiers after negotiating surrender.  
- Known by multiple aliases, including Marcus Acilius Aureolus and Manius Acilius Aureolus.  

## Body
### Early Life and Background  
Aureolus was born around 220 CE, though his exact origins remain unclear. A Roman citizen, he rose through the military ranks, becoming a prominent cavalry commander under Emperor Gallienus. His full name varies across historical records, with versions such as *Marcus Acilius Aureolus* and *Manius Acilius Aureolus* reflecting common Roman naming conventions.

### Military Career and Revolt  
Aureolus’ military career peaked during the turbulent 260s CE. Initially loyal to Gallienus, he was tasked with suppressing rebellions in the western provinces. However, in 268 CE, he turned against the emperor, declaring himself the rightful ruler of the empire. This betrayal was part of a broader pattern of usurpation during the Crisis of the Third Century, where military leaders frequently challenged central authority.  

Aureolus’ forces marched on Milan, a key imperial stronghold, and besieged the city. The siege strained Gallienus’ resources, forcing him to divert attention from external threats like the Goths. Despite initial successes, Aureolus’ position weakened as his troops grew restless.  

### Death and Legacy  
In 268 CE, Aureolus negotiated a surrender with Gallienus’ successor, Claudius Gothicus, who had recently usurped the throne. Before the terms could be finalized, Aureolus was murdered by his own soldiers—a common fate for failed usurpers. His death marked the end of his rebellion but did little to stabilize the empire, which continued to face internal strife and external pressures.  

Historically, Aureolus is remembered as a symbol of the military anarchy that plagued Rome in the 3rd century. His actions, though short-lived, highlighted the empire’s vulnerability to internal power struggles and the growing independence of regional military commanders.  

### Historical Context  
Aureolus’ revolt occurred against the backdrop of the Crisis of the Third Century (235–284 CE), a period of near-collapse for the Roman Empire. His story intersects with key figures like Gallienus and Claudius Gothicus, whose reigns were defined by constant warfare and administrative fragmentation. As a usurper, Aureolus exemplified the era’s chaotic politics, where legitimacy was often decided by military strength rather than hereditary or senatorial authority.  

### Key Aliases and Titles  
Aureolus is referenced under several names in historical records, including:  
- Marcus Acilius Aureolus  
- Manius Acilius Aureolus  
- Acilius Aureolus  
- Avreolus  
- Manlius Acilius Aureolus  

These variations reflect the fluidity of Roman naming practices and the inconsistent documentation of usurpers.  

### Impact on the Empire  
While Aureolus’ rebellion failed to secure lasting power, it contributed to the broader instability that shaped the late Roman Empire. His siege of Milan diverted critical resources, allowing external enemies like the Goths to exploit the empire’s weakened state. The aftermath of his revolt also influenced the rise of the Gallic Empire and Palmyrene Empire, breakaway states that further eroded central authority.  

In summary, Aureolus’ life and actions encapsulate the military and political turmoil of 3rd-century Rome, leaving a legacy as a cautionary figure in the study of imperial decay.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013