Ancient Coins

Roman Emperor Claudius II

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Roman Emperor Claudius II

Conqueror of the Barbarian Goths

AD 268 - 270

He is often refereed to as ancient Rome's Winston Churchill! Just as Churchill saved the world from Hitler, Claudius II saved the empire from the Goths, a fierce Barbarian tribe. His armies were hopelessly outnumbered but, nevertheless, he won many brilliant victories!

Marcus Aurelius Claudius was born in Illyricum circa A.D. 214. He quickly rose to high rank in the army, ultimately serving as the Deputy Commander and Chief-Of-Staff of the army under Gallienus, during the siege of Milan, Claudius, (the Commander of the Cavalry) and Heraclianus (the Praetorian Perfect) together plotted and executed the murder of Gallienus, after which Claudius was elevated as Augustus. While the new Emperor was still in Northern Italy mopping-up after the revolt of Aureolus, the Alemanni attacked through the Brenner pass and advanced as far south as Lake Garda before Claudius intercepted them. Although the battle was a resounding victory for the Romans, Claudius was unable to pursue the beaten enemy, as yet another Gothic invasion of the Balkans required his presence. After a brief stop in Rome to pay homage to the Senate and people, Claudius led an army to the Balkans, where he soundly defeated a much larger Goth army. In the meantime, another Roman army under Julius Placidianus advanced to Grenoble in Southern Gaul, in the opening move of a campaign to suppress the Gallic Secessionist State. The force actually managed to restore communications with Spain, which now chose to recognize the authority of Claudius.

Unfortunately, this great Emperor was to reign only two years. Some of his soldiers contracted the plague from their Gothic prisoners. This triggered a mass infection that took the lives of many Romans, including their Emperor!