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Many sources cite Manius Acilius Aureolus (died 268 AD) as one of Rome’s most potent military commanders, and that’s saying something.
As a young Dacian, the humble-born Aureolus joined the Roman Empire’s military, and his talent led to rapid promotions. Eventually, he drew the attention of Rome’s supreme commander, Augustus Gallienus. The latter commissioned a new cavalry unit, strategically stationed at Mediolanum (modern-day Milan) to allow for its rapid, flexible deployment. To serve as Master of the Horse and lead this important new unit, Gallienus turned to the talented Aureolus. Around 260 AD, the Augustus leveraged Aureolus and his new comitatus to defeat the usurper Ingenuus at the Battle of Mursa (modern day Osijek, Croatia). The following year in Thrace, Aureolus played a leadership role in the defeat of usurpers Macrianus Major and Macrianus Minor.
Aurelous was clearly on a roll, and Gallienus called on him yet again. On this occasion, the Augustus needed the help to battle a particularly pesky usurper, namely Postumus. The latter had taken usurpation to the next level, creating an imperial spin-out referred to as the Romano-Gallic Empire. During the campaign between official and rouge Empires, Gallienus sustained serious injuries, and withdrew from the battlefield to recuperate. The Augustus left Aureolus in charge, presumably confident in his star general’s ability to carry on the fight.
This time, however, Aureolus did not meet expectations. He failed to eliminate Postumus. While numerous sources cite carelessness on the part of Aureolus, it is quite possible he sympathized with his foe and/or judged Gallienus no longer fit to rule. In any case, the surprisingly poor performance resulted in Aureolus’ demotion. He lost command over his beloved cavalry unit, and Gallienus reassigned him to a lessor post. Disaffected, Aureolus deserted his new position and reestablished command over Mediolanum.
This development did not sit well with Gallienus, who decided that dealing with Aureolus’ rebellion was the Roman Empire’s highest priority. In response, Aureolus requested help from the Romano-Gallic Empire. Concurrent with that appeal, Aureolus, having control over Mediolanum’s mint, struck antoninianii such as this one.
Rather than strike coins in his own name, Aurelous honored Postumus. The obverse of this ancient coin depicts the radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust of the Romano-Gallic Emperor, along with the inscription IMP POSTVMVS AVG. The verso features Concordia, the divine representation of various related concepts such as agreement and harmony. The goddess holds a patera and a rudder, while a galley’s prow completes the advertisement for a peaceful, prosperous course for the Romano-Gallic Empire. The reverse inscription, CONCORD EQVIT, promotes concord between Aureolus’ cavalry unit and the Romano-Gallic Empire.
As it turned out, Postumus declined Aureolus’ invitation. Perhaps the shrewd Romano-Gallic Emperor was content with his current power base, and reluctant to overextend his reach. Meanwhile, Gallienus was murdered and succeeded by Claudius II Gothicus. There was no reprieve for Aureolus, however, as the newly ascended Augustus followed in his predecessor’s footsteps, doubling the effort to siege Mediolanum. Eventually, Aureolus emerged from the city and yielded, perhaps under the impression he had reached an agreement with Claudius. However, the Praetorian Guard had different designs, and Aureolus’ military career came to an end.
Coin Details: ROMANO-GALLIC EMPIRE, Aureolus, 267(?)-268 AD, Antoninianus (18mm, 2.58g, 7h), In the name of Postumus, Mediolanum (Milan) mint, 2nd officina, 3rd emission, mid 268 AD, NGC Grade: XF, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 4/5, Obverse: Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Postumus right, IMP POSTVMVS AVG, Reverse: Concordia standing left, holding patera and rudder, prow of galley to left, CONCORD EQVIT; S (in exergue), References: RIC V (Postumus) 373; Mairat 215-21; AGK (Postumus) 6b; RSC (Postumus) 19.