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Aemilianus came from an extremely insignificant family, his reign was even more insignificant, and he was slain in the third month.
Thusly did 4th century AD historian Eutropius describe the life and reign of Marcus Aemilius Aemilianus (207? - 253 AD), whose rose from humble origins to rule the most powerful empire on earth, only to end up as an historical footnote. Like several other military commanders in 3rd century AD, Aemelianus (also referred to as Aemelian) advanced to Roman Emperor following the declaration of his own troops. That is not to say that Aemelian was surprised by the nomination, very likely he was angling for just that. In 251 AD, he earned the post of governor of the Moesia province, situated in the Balkans along the south of the Danube river. While serving in that role, Aemilian scored significant military successes against Gothic tribes that had invaded into several strategic Roman territories. Importantly, Aemilian’s achievements provided (at least temporary) security along the fragile Danubian frontier. In an aggressive career move, Aemilian reportedly allowed his troops to plunder a tribute originally intended to purchase the enemy’s peace. His grateful troops proclaimed him Augustus.
However, the Empire already had two rulers: co-Augusti Trebonianus Gallus and his son Volusian. The battle-savvy Aemilian acted swiftly, heading to Rome before the two incumbent Emperors could consolidate their position. In response, Gallus and Volusian gathered up the local forces at their disposal, and headed north to grapple with their former trusted general-turned-enemy of the State. The co-Augusti’s forces, realizing the risks of engaging battle-hardened Moesian legions, decided it best to execute their two rulers instead. Perhaps the murderers also sought a reward, given Aemilian’s reputation for largesse.
The Roman Senate, although they had declared Aemilian an outlaw, now had no choice but to accept him. To advertise the change in leadership, imperial and provincial coins were struck in Aemilian’s name. This coin, an antoninianus produced in Rome during 251 AD, provides an example. Typical of Aemilian’s coinage, this issue promoted the Augustus’ military prowess. The reverse depicts Virtus standing left, holding an olive branch in his right hand and a spear in left, resting his right foot on a helmet. Virtus was the Roman divinity representing related masculine concepts such as valor, strength, and courage. Encircling the scene, the epithet VIRTVS AVG reinforces the association between Virtus and the Augustus.
After only three months, Aemilian faced the threat of another would-be-Emperor, namely Valerian, who marched south into Italy with a large force from Raetia and Noricum at his command. Valerian’s ostensible intent was to support Gallus and Volusian, but he conveniently moved too late. Accepting the challenge, Aemilian mustered his forces and marched north from Rome. In an eerily familiar pattern, Aemilian fell at the hands of his own men, presumably pessimistic of their chances against their well-trained enemy’s superior numbers.
For all his efforts and aspirations, Aemilian earned but a single, deprecating sentence within Eutropius’ ten volumes relating Rome’s history. The ambitious Emperor might have been capable of his realm’s resurgence, but with such a brief tenure he never had the chance. Instead, the Empire continued its path fraught with economic woes, hostile neighbors, and devastating plague. Considering the circumstances, one wonders whether Aemelian found having Rome’s throne so pleasing a thing as wanting it.
Coin Details: ROMAN EMPIRE, Aemilian, AD 253, AR Antoninianus (21mm, 2.91 g, 6h), Rome mint, 1st emission, NGC Grade: AU, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 4/5, Obverse: Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, IMP CAES AEMILIANVS P F AVG, Reverse: Virtus standing left, holding olive branch in right hand and spear in left, resting right foot on helmet, VIRT VS AVG, References: RIC IV 22; RSC 59.