Valerian was a Roman emperor who ruled from AD 253 to 260, a period marked by crisis and instability in the Roman Empire. His reign, though initially promising, became infamous for his humiliating capture by the Persian Empire, an event that left a lasting mark on Roman history and the emperor's legacy.
Early Life and Rise to Power
Publius Licinius Valerianus, known simply as Valerian, was born around AD 193 into an aristocratic family. Little is known about his early life, but his rise to prominence came during the crisis of the third century, a time when the Roman Empire faced numerous external and internal challenges. By the time of his ascension to the throne, the empire was struggling with economic turmoil, barbarian invasions, and political instability.
Valerian’s career began in the military, where he achieved success as a commander. He served under Emperor Gordian III during the campaign against the Sassanid Persians, which would become one of the defining conflicts of his reign. Following the death of Emperor Trebonianus Gallus in 253, Valerian was elected emperor by the Roman Senate, sharing power with his son, Gallienus, who would serve as co-emperor.
The Sassanid Campaign and the Capture of Valerian
Valerian's reign started with the need to deal with the ongoing threat of the Sassanid Empire, which had been expanding under the leadership of King Shapur I. In AD 256, Valerian embarked on a military campaign to secure the eastern provinces of the empire and push back the Persian forces. However, the campaign took a disastrous turn.
In AD 260, Valerian faced the full force of the Sassanid military near the city of Edessa (modern-day Urfa, Turkey). The battle resulted in a crushing defeat for the Romans. The circumstances surrounding the battle are unclear, but it is certain that Valerian and his army were overwhelmed. The Romans were unable to hold their ground, and Valerian was captured by Shapur I. This event marked a rare and devastating moment in Roman history—the capture of a sitting emperor by a foreign enemy. shutdown123