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Valerian

Valerian (Publius Licinius Valerianus) (vulēr'ēun) [key], d. after 260, Roman emperor (253–60). He held important posts, both civil and military, under the emperors Decius and Gallus. After the short reign of the former general Aemilianus, Valerian was proclaimed emperor. In 257 he organized a general persecution of the Christians. Although not an incapable man, he was nevertheless unsuited to rule in such a critical time, for N Italy, Greece, and Asia Minor were falling to the barbarians and to the Persians. Appointing his son, Gallienus, as coregent, Valerian undertook a campaign in the East against Shapur I of Persia, who destroyed the Roman army and took (260) the emperor prisoner. Valerian died in captivity and was succeeded by Gallienus.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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More on Roman emperor Valerian from Infoplease:

  • Shapur I - Shapur I Shapur I or Sapor I, d.272, king of Persia (241–72), son and successor of Ardashir ...
  • Sassanid - Sassanid Sassanid, Sasanid, or Sassanian, last dynasty of native rulers to reign in Persia before ...

See more Encyclopedia articles on: Ancient History, Rome: Biographies


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