Editing Crisis of the Third Century (section)

=== Roman Empire (235–285) ===
{{legend|#EBEBEB|({{Hash-tag}}) – Usurpers / claimants}}
{{legend|#F0FFFF|(§) – Junior co-emperors}}
{{legend|#FFe4e1|(§) – Heir-apparents}}
{| class="wikitable " style="width:97%; text-align:center"
|-
! style="width:8%;" |Bust
!Coin
! style="width:20%;" |Name
! style="width:24%;" |Approximate reign
! style="width:45%;" |Notes
|-
| colspan="5" style="text-align:center" |
==== Maximinus dynasty (235–238) ====
|-
|[[File:CapitoliniMassiminoTrace2.jpg|100px]]
|[[File:Aureus of Maximinus I (obverse).jpg|100x100px]]
|'''[[Maximinus I]]''' "'''Thrax'''"<br /><small>{{Smallcaps|Gaius Julius Verus Maximinus}}</small>{{Efn|Maximinus was not a member of the [[Julia gens]], as his name may indicate. Countless new citizens adopted the names of their patrons during the early Empire, resulting in several "new Romans" bearing names such as ''Julius'', ''Flavius'', ''Septimius'', etc. The Gordians, for instance, had the names "[[Marcus Antonius]]" after the triumvir and ally of Julius Caesar.}}
|March 235 – June 238{{efn|Maximinus' official ''[[dies imperii]]'' was almost certainly 23 March. He was co-opted into the ''[[sodales|sodales Antoniniani]]'' (the cult of [[Antoninus Pius]]) in 25 March, in Rome. However, it is impossible to know exactly how much time it would have taken for news of his proclamation to travel from Mainz to Rome.{{sfn|Burgess|2014|pp=68-69}} According to contemporary papyri: Maximinus was still recognized in Egypt by '''7 April''' 238; the two Gordians are first mentioned in '''13 June''', Pupienus and Balbinus appear in documents dated to '''21 July''' and '''8 September''', while Gordian III first appears in '''21 September'''. News often took 1 month to travel from Rome to Egypt.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Rea |first=J. R. |date=1972 |title=O. Leid. 144 and the Chronology of A. D. 238 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/20180380 |journal=[[Zeitschrift für Papyrologie und Epigraphik|ZPE]] |volume=9 |pages=1–19 |issn=0084-5388}}</ref> It is impossible to determine exact dates on these events; any dates given by modern shoclars are just conjetural.}}<br /><small>(3 years and 3 months)</small>
|Born {{Circa}} 173 in [[Thracia]], hence his nickname. Proclaimed emperor by his troops during a mutiny against [[Severus Alexander|Alexander]] in [[Mogontiacum]], [[Germania Superior]]. A man of humble origins, the first commoner to become emperor, he was hated by the Senate because he never visited Rome. His heavy taxation policy made him unpopular, and the Senate declared him a [[public enemy]]. He was killed at the age of 65 in Northern Italy by the [[Legio II Parthica]] after the [[Siege of Aquileia]] against followers of [[Pupienus]] and [[Balbinus]].{{Sfnm|1a1=Kienast|1y=2017|1pp=176–179|2a1=Peachin|2y=1990|2pp=26-27|3a1=Burgess|3y=2014|3pp=68-69|4a1=Vagi|4y=2000|4pp=314-315|5a1=Adkins|5y=2019|5p=27}}
|- style="background:#e8e6e6;"
|
|
|'''''[[Magnus (usurper)|Magnus]]'''''<br /><small>{{Smallcaps|Gaius Petronius Magnus}}</small>
|<small>late 235''<br />''(in [[Germania Superior|'''Germania''']])</small>
|A patritian ex-consul; said to have been hailed emperor after Alexander's murder. Herodian suggests that he was actually incriminated.<ref name=":0">[[Herodian]] ({{Circa}} 240), [https://www.livius.org/sources/content/herodian-s-roman-history/herodian-7.1/ ''History'' 7.1.]</ref>{{sfn|Craven|2019|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=VEbCDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT305 MAGNUS]}}{{sfn|Kienast|2017|p=179}}
|- style="background:#e8e6e6;"
|
|
|''[[Quartinus|'''Titus Quartinus''']]''
|<small>late 235 / early 236</small>{{efn|He reigned six months according to the ''[[Historia Augusta]]'', but this must be an exageration.<ref>''[[Historia Augusta]]'', [https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Historia_Augusta/Tyranni_XXX*.html#32 "Thirty Tyrants"]</ref> Herodian's narrative suggest he was killed rather quickly.<ref name=":0" />}}''<br />''<small>(in [[Mesopotamia (Roman province)|'''Mesopotamia''']])</small>
|Ex-consul; reluctantly hailed by troops loyal to Alexander. He was later killed by the same man who proclaimed him emperor.<ref name=":0" />{{sfn|Craven|2019|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=VEbCDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT306 QUARTINUS]}}{{sfn|Kienast|2017|p=179}}
|-
| style="background:#FFe4e1;"|[[File:Maximus Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek IN823 (cropped).jpg|117x117px]]<br /><small>(possible)</small>
| style="background:#FFe4e1;"|[[File:Gaius Iulius Verus Maximus denarius 236 (obverse).jpg|100px]]
| style="background:#FFe4e1;"|[[Gaius Julius Verus Maximus|Maximus]]<br /><small>{{Smallcaps|Gaius Julius Verus Maximus}}</small>
| style="background:#FFe4e1;"|January/May 236 – June 238<br/><small>(''caesar'' under Maximinus I)</small>
| style="background:#FFe4e1;"|Son of Maximinus and [[Caecilia Paulina]], born {{circa}} 215; incorrectly called "Maximinus" by some sources. Lost his mother sometime before 235; Maximinus honored her with the titles of ''[[Augustus (title)|augusta]]'' and ''[[Roman imperial cult|diva]]''. Named ''[[Caesar (title)|caesar]]'' (heir) by his father at the age of 20; killed alongside him in the battlefield.{{Sfnm|1a1=Kienast|1y=2017|1p=178|2a1=Peachin|2y=1990|2p=27|3a1=Vagi|3y=2000|3pp=316-317}}
|-
| colspan="5" style="text-align:center" |
==== [[Gordian dynasty]] (238) ====
|-
|{{efn|The [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Musei_Capitolini_MC_475_(Gordiano_I) bust] in the [[Capitoline Museums]] labelled as Gordian I has no real historical basis.<ref>H. Stuart Jones (1912), [https://archive.org/details/catalogueofancie01britiala/page/207/ ''A Catalogue of the Ancient Sculptures Preserved in the Municipal Collections of Rome''], p. 207, no. 64.</ref>}}
|[[File:Gordian1cng80000719 (obverse).jpg|100px]]
|'''[[Gordian I]]''' <br /><small>{{Smallcaps|Marcus Antonius Gordianus Sempronianus Romanus "Africanus"}}</small>
| rowspan="2" |{{Circa}} April – May 238<br /><small>(22 days, '''in Africa''')</small>
| rowspan="2" |Father and son, proclaimed joint emperors during a revolt against [[Maximinus Thrax|Maximinus]]; recognized as legitimate emperor shortly after by the [[Roman Senate]]. The nearly 80-years-old Gordian I, one of the richest Romans at the time and the oldest emperor at accession, was a former [[Roman consul|consul]] and was given governorship over the [[Africa (Roman province)|African province]] shortly before the revolt. The 46-years-old Gordian II, the shortest reigning Roman emperor, was killed in [[Carthage]] fighting a pro-Maximinus army led by [[Capelianus]]; his father committed suicide right after.{{Sfnm|1a1=Kienast|1y=2017|1pp=180–181|2a1=Peachin|2y=1990|2pp=27-28|3a1=Burgess|3y=2014|3pp=69-71|4a1=Vagi|4y=2000|4pp=317-320|5a1=Adkins|5y=2019|5p=27}}
|-
|
|[[File:Sestertius Gordian II-RIC 0008 (obverse).jpg|100px]]
|'''[[Gordian II]]''' <br /><small>{{Smallcaps|Marcus Antonius Gordianus Sempronianus Romanus "Africanus"}}</small>
|-
| colspan="5" |

==== Non-dynastic (238) ====
|-
|[[Image:Bust of Pupienus - Palazzo Nuovo - Musei Capitolini - Rome 2016 (2) (cropped).jpg|100px]]
|[[File:PUPIENUS-RIC IV 1-87001056 (obverse).jpg|100x100px]]
|'''[[Pupienus]]'''<br /><small>{{Smallcaps|Marcus Clodius Pupienus Maximus}}</small>
| rowspan="2" |{{Circa}} May – August 238<br /><small>(99 days)</small>
| rowspan="2" |Senior senators and former [[Roman consul|consuls]] (Pupienus was 74, Balbinus 60), elected joint emperors by the [[Roman Senate|Senate]] after the death of the Gordians and in opposition to [[Maximinus I|Maximinus]], who was on his way to Italy. Made regents of the ''caesar'' [[Gordian III|Gordian&nbsp;III]], who was given the title by popular demand. Pupienus organized military affairs, while Balbinus saw administrative matters. They soon developed a destructive rivalry, and were assassinated by the displeased [[Praetorian Guard]] only one month after Maximinus' death.{{Sfnm|1a1=Kienast|1y=2017|1pp=184–186|2a1=Peachin|2y=1990|2p=28|3a1=Burgess|3y=2014|3pp=71-72|4a1=Vagi|4y=2000|4pp=320-322|5a1=Adkins|5y=2019|5p=27}}
|-
|[[Image:Ritratto di balbino, 238 (cropped enhanced).jpg|100px]]
|[[File:Balbinus, RIC IV 10 (obverse).jpg|100x100px]]
|'''[[Balbinus]]'''<br /><small>{{Smallcaps|Decimus Caelius Calvinus Balbinus}}</small>
|-
| colspan="5" |
==== Gordian dynasty (238–244) ====
|-
|[[Image:Bust Gordianus III Louvre Ma1063 (cropped).jpg|100px]]
|[[File:Aureus of Gordian III (obverse).jpg|100x100px]]
|'''[[Gordian III]]''' <br /><small>{{Smallcaps|Marcus Antonius Gordianus "Pius"}}</small>
|{{Circa}} August 238 – February 244<br/><small>(5 years and 6 months)</small>
|Orphan grandson of [[Gordian I]], born in Rome on 20 January 222. Made ''[[Caesar (title)|caesar]]'' by the Senate in May 238, succeeded as ''augustus'' at age 13, the youngest sole emperor. Reigned under the regency of the Senate and, from 241, of the [[praetorian prefect]] [[Timesitheus]], whose daughter [[Tranquillina]] he married. Died following the [[Battle of Misiche]] against the Persians, aged 19 (some Roman sources claim he was killed by [[Philip the Arab|Philip]]).{{Sfnm|1a1=Kienast|1y=2017|1pp=187–189|2a1=Peachin|2y=1990|2p=29|3a1=Burgess|3y=2014|3pp=72-73|4a1=Vagi|4y=2000|4pp=324-326|5a1=Adkins|5y=2019|5p=27}}
|-
|style="background:#EBEBEB;" |
|style="background:#EBEBEB;"|
|style="background:#EBEBEB;"|''[[Sabinian (proconsul)|'''Sabinian''']]<br />''<small>{{Smallcaps|Marcus Asinius Sabinianus}}</small>
|style="background:#EBEBEB;" |<small>240''<br />''(in [[Africa (Roman province)|'''Africa''']])</small>
|style="background:#EBEBEB;" |Ex-consul and [[proconsul]] of Africa; killed by the governor of [[Mauretania]].{{sfn|Craven|2019|pp=[https://books.google.com/books?id=VEbCDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT328 SABINIANUS]}}{{sfn|Peachin|1990|p=30}}
|-
| colspan="5" |
==== Philip dynasty (235–238) ====
|-
| style="text-align:center;" |[[File:Philip the Arab crop (cropped).png|100px]]
|[[File:Philippus I. - Münzkabinett, Berlin - 5511369 (obverse).jpg|100x100px]]
|'''[[Philip the Arab|Philip I]]''' "'''the Arab'''"<br /><small>{{Smallcaps|Marcus Julius Philippus}}</small>
|February 244 – September 249<br/><small>(5 years and 7 months)</small>
|Born {{Circa}} 204 in [[Roman Arabia]], made [[praetorian prefect]] of Gordian III after the sudden death of Timesitheus in 243. Proclaimed emperor after the [[Battle of Misiche]], after which he made peace with the Sassanids in shameful terms. Suffered several revolt at the end of his reign, finally being killed at the [[Battle of Verona (249)|Battle of Verona]] against [[Decius]], aged 45. During his rule Rome celebrated his [[Ab urbe condita|1000th anniversary]]. Some later sources claim he was the first Christian emperor, but this is most unlikely.{{Sfnm|1a1=Kienast|1y=2017|1pp=190–193|2a1=Peachin|2y=1990|2pp=30-31|3a1=Burgess|3y=2014|3pp=72-73|4a1=Vagi|4y=2000|4pp=327-330|5a1=Adkins|5y=2019|5p=27}}
|-
| style="background:#F0FFFF;"|[[File:MSR-ra-73-h-1-DM (cropped).jpg|115x115px]]<br /><small>(possible)</small>
| style="background:#F0FFFF;"|[[File:Aureus Philippus II (obverse).jpg|90px]]
| style="background:#F0FFFF;"|[[Philip II (Roman emperor)|Philip II]] "the Younger"<br /><small>{{Smallcaps|Marcus Julius Severus Philippus}}</small>
| style="background:#F0FFFF;"|{{Circa}} July 247 – September 249<br /><small>(co-''augustus'' under Philip I)</small>
| style="background:#F0FFFF;"|Son of Philip I and [[Marcia Otacilia Severa]], born {{Circa}} 237. Proclaimed ''caesar'' in 244 and later co-''augustus'' in 247, at the age of 10. Killed as soon as news of his father's death reached Rome (although some say he was killed alongside him).{{Sfnm|1a1=Kienast|1y=2017|1pp=190–193|2a1=Peachin|2y=1990|2pp=30-31|3a1=Burgess|3y=2014|3pp=72-73|4a1=Vagi|4y=2000|4pp=327-330|5a1=Adkins|5y=2019|5p=27}}
|-
! colspan="5" |
|-
| style="text-align:center; background:#EBEBEB;" |
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |[[File:Antoninianus-Pacatianus-1001-RIC 0006cf (obverse).jpg|90px]]
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |'''''[[Pacatian]]'''''<br /><small>{{Smallcaps|Tiberius Claudius Marinus Pacatianus}}</small>
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |c. 248 / 249<br /><small>('''[[Danube]]''')</small>
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |Commander in [[Moesia]] or [[Pannonia]] and a former [[Roman consul|consul]]; defeated by [[Decius]] and killed by his own soldiers shortly after. His rule came on (or shortly after) Rome's 1000th anniversary.{{Sfnm|1a1=Kienast|1y=2017|1pp=193–194|2a1=Vagi|2y=2000|2pp=331-333}}
|- style="background:#EBEBEB;"
| style="text-align:center; background:#EBEBEB;" |
|[[File:Antoninianus-Jotapian-RIC 0002a,var (obverse).jpg|90px]]
|'''''[[Jotapian]]'''''<br /><small>{{Smallcaps|Marcus Fulvius Ru(fus) Jotapianus}}</small>
|c. 249<br /><small>('''[[Levant]]''')</small>
|A member of Near East nobility, perhaps related to the ancient kings of [[Commagene]], claimed descent from [[Alexander the Great]]. Revolted for several months in [[Roman Syria|Syria]] and[[Cappadocia]] in response to the heavy taxation policies of [[Gaius Julius Priscus|Priscus]], Philip's brother and governor of the East. Like many, Jopatian was eventually killed by his own soldiers.{{Sfnm|1a1=Kienast|1y=2017|1pp=193–194|2a1=Vagi|2y=2000|2pp=331-333}}{{sfn|Craven|2019|pp=[https://books.google.com/books?id=VEbCDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT340 IOTAPIANUS]}}
|-
|style="text-align:center; background:#e8e6e6;" |
|style="background:#EBEBEB;" |[[File:Silbannacus-1 obvers.jpg|90px]]
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |'''''[[Silbannacus]]'''''<br /><small>{{Smallcaps|Mar(cius?) Silbannacus}}</small>
|style="background:#EBEBEB;" |c. 249 (?)<br /><small>('''Gaul?''')</small>
|style="background:#EBEBEB;" |Only known for two coins, possibly an usurper in Gaul (or perhaps Rome). According to one view, he may be related to [[Marcia Otacilia Severa]], Philip's wife.{{Sfnm|1a1=Kienast|1y=2017|1pp=193–194|2a1=Vagi|2y=2000|2pp=331-333}}{{sfn|Craven|2019|pp=[https://books.google.com/books?id=VEbCDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT338 SILBANNACUS]}}
|-
|style="text-align:center; background:#EBEBEB;" |
|style="background:#EBEBEB;" |[[File:Sponsianus Aureus (transparent) (obverse).png|90px]]
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |'''''[[Sponsianus]]'''''
|style="background:#EBEBEB;" |c. 249 (??)<br /><small>('''Balkans?''')</small>
|style="background:#EBEBEB;" |Existence disputed, only known for a few coins found in [[Transylvania]] that reuse old [[Roman Republican currency|Republican denarii]].{{Sfnm|1a1=Kienast|1y=2017|1pp=193–194|2a1=Vagi|2y=2000|2pp=331-333}}{{sfn|Craven|2019|pp=[https://books.google.com/books?id=VEbCDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT337 SPONSIANUS]}}
|-
| colspan="5" |

==== Decian dynasty (249–251) ====
|-
|[[File:Bust of Decius - Palazzo Nuovo - Musei Capitolini - Rome 2016 (3) (cropped).jpg|100px]]
|[[File:Decius RIC IV 11 (obverse).jpg|90x90px]]
|'''[[Decius]]'''<br /><small>{{Smallcaps| Gaius Messius Quintus Traianus Decius}}</small>
|{{Circa}} September 249 – June 251<br/><small>(1 year and 9 months)</small>
|Born as ''C. Messius Q. Decius Valerinus'' in [[Sirmium]], [[Pannonia Inferior]]. [[City prefect]] in Rome and former [[Roman consul|consul]], send to the Danube to fight the usurper [[Pacatian]] and secure the border. Proclaimed emperor by the Danube troops; killed [[Philip the Arab|Philip]] at the [[Battle of Verona (249)|Battle of Verona]], later recognized the Senate, which gave him the honorific "[[Trajan]]" after the beloved emperor. Killed by the Goths at the [[Battle of Abritus]], one of the worst Roman defeats in record.{{Sfnm|1a1=Kienast|1y=2017|1pp=195–198|2a1=Peachin|2y=1990|2pp=32-33|3a1=Burgess|3y=2014|3pp=74-75|4a1=Vagi|4y=2000|4pp=335-337|5a1=Adkins|5y=2019|5p=28}}
|-
| style="background:#F0FFFF;" |
| style="background:#F0FFFF;" |[[File:Sestertius Herennius Etruscus-s2749 (obverse).jpg|90px]]
| style="background:#F0FFFF;" |[[Herennius Etruscus]]<br /><small>{{Smallcaps|Quintus Herennius Etruscus Messius Decius}}</small>
| style="background:#F0FFFF;" |May/June – June 251<br/><small>(less than a month, under Decius)</small>
| style="background:#F0FFFF;" |Young son of Decius, proclaimed ''caesar'' and later ''augustus'', killed with his father.{{Sfnm|1a1=Kienast|1y=2017|1pp=195–198|2a1=Peachin|2y=1990|2pp=32-33|3a1=Burgess|3y=2014|3pp=74-75|4a1=Vagi|4y=2000|4pp=335-337|5a1=Adkins|5y=2019|5p=28}}
|-
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |'''''[[Licinian]]'''<br />''<small>{{Smallcaps|Julius Valens Licinianus}}</small>
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |c. 251
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |Biefly mentioned by [[Aurelius Victor]]; fictionalized as [[Valens (usurper)|Valens Senior]] in the ''[[Historia Augusta]]''. Defeated by the (future emperor) [[Valerian (emperor)|Valerian]].<ref>[https://www.thelatinlibrary.com/victor.caes.html ''Liber de Caesaribus'' 29.3.]</ref>{{sfn|Craven|2019|pp=[https://books.google.com/books?id=VEbCDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT351 VALENS I]}}{{sfn|Kienast|2017|p=199}}
|-
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |''[[Titus Julius Priscus|'''Priscus''']]''<br /><small>{{Smallcaps|Titus Julius Priscus}}</small>
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |c. 251
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |Governor of Macedonia, proclaimed himself emperor in [[Philippopolis (Thrace)|Philippopolis]] during a siege by Goths.{{sfn|Craven|2019|pp=[https://books.google.com/books?id=VEbCDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT350 PRISCUS]}}{{sfn|Kienast|2017|p=199}}
|-
| colspan="5" |
==== Vibian dynasty (251–253) ====
|-
| style="text-align:center;" |[[File:Bronze statue of the emperor Trebonianus Gallus MET DP138716 (cropped).jpg|100px]]
|[[File:Rare aureus of Trebonianus Gallus (obverse).jpg|90x90px]]
|'''[[Trebonianus Gallus]]'''<br /><small>{{Smallcaps|Gaius Vibius Trebonianus Gallus}}</small>
|June 251 – August 253<br/><small>(3 years and 2 months)</small>
|Senator, former consul and commander of Moesia, proclaimed emperor after the death of Decius. Suffered the propagation of the [[Plague of Cyprian|Cyprian Plague]], wich further weakened the Empire, and faced enemies in several fronts. Killed with his son during his confrontation against Aemilianus, the Danubian commander.{{Sfnm|1a1=Kienast|1y=2017|1pp=200–202|2a1=Peachin|2y=1990|2pp=35-37|3a1=Burgess|3y=2014|3pp=75-76|4a1=Vagi|4y=2000|4pp=339-342|5a1=Adkins|5y=2019|5p=28}}
|-
| scope="row" style="background:#F0FFFF;" |
| style="background:#F0FFFF;" |[[File:INC-2038-a Ауреус. Гостилиан. Ок. 251 г. (аверс).png|90px]]
| style="background:#F0FFFF;" |[[Hostilian]]<br /><small>{{Smallcaps|Gaius Valens Hostilianus Messius Quintus}}</small>
| style="background:#F0FFFF;" |c. June – c. July 251<br /><small>(1 month, under Gallus)</small>
| style="background:#F0FFFF;" |Son of Decius, proclaimed ''caesar'' and ''augustus'' by Gallus as a way to mantain legimitacy. Possibly died of plague.{{Sfnm|1a1=Kienast|1y=2017|1pp=198–199|2a1=Peachin|2y=1990|2pp=33-34|3a1=Vagi|3y=2000|3pp=337-339|4a1=Adkins|4y=2019|4p=28}}
|-
| style="background:#F0FFFF;" |[[File:Buste de Volusianus, MBA (cropped).jpg|117x117px]]<br /><small>(possible)</small>
| style="background:#F0FFFF;" |[[File:Aureus Volusianus (obverse).jpg|100px]]
| style="background:#F0FFFF;" |[[Volusianus]]<br /><small>{{Smallcaps|Gaius Vibius Afinius Gallus Veldumnianus Volusianus}}</small>
| style="background:#F0FFFF;" |August 251 – August 253<br /><small>(2 years, under Gallus)</small>
| style="background:#F0FFFF;" |Son of Gallus, named ''caesar'' and then ''augustus'' on the death of Hostilian. Appears to have ruled only as subordinate to his father, as virtually nothing is known about him.{{Sfnm|1a1=Kienast|1y=2017|1pp=200–202|2a1=Peachin|2y=1990|2pp=35-37|3a1=Burgess|3y=2014|3pp=75-76|4a1=Vagi|4y=2000|4pp=339-342|5a1=Adkins|5y=2019|5p=28}}
|-
| colspan="5" style="width:10%;" |
==== Non-dynastic (253) ====
|-
|
|[[File:Aemilianus RIC IV 20 (obverse).jpg|104x104px]]
|'''[[Aemilianus]]'''<br /><small>{{Smallcaps|Marcus Aemilius Aemilianus}}</small>
|c. July – c. September 253<br/><small>(two months)</small>
|Commander in Moesia, proclaimed emperor by his troops; defeated Gallus in battle. Only ruled alone for a single month before being killed by another pretender, Valerian.{{Sfnm|1a1=Kienast|1y=2017|1pp=203–204|2a1=Peachin|2y=1990|2pp=36-37|3a1=Burgess|3y=2014|3pp=76-77|4a1=Vagi|4y=2000|4pp=346-357|5a1=Adkins|5y=2019|5p=28}}
|-
| colspan="5" |
==== Licinian dynasty (253–268) ====
|-
| style="text-align:center;" |[[File:Valerianus Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek IN3387 (cropped).jpg|133x133px]]
|[[File:Aureus of Valerian (obverse).jpg|100x100px]]
|'''[[Valerian (emperor)|Valerian]]'''<br /><small>{{Smallcaps|Publius Licinius Valerianus}}</small>
|c. September 253 – c. June 260<br/><small>(6 years and c. 9 months, '''East''')</small>
|Member of an ancient senatorial family (the [[Licinii]]) and former consul, proclaimed emperor after the death of [[Trebonianus Gallus]], recognized in Rome alongside his son Gallienus. Divided the empire in two, with himself ruling over the East while his son ruled over the West. Defeated and captured by the Persians at the [[Battle of Edessa]], an unprecedentent disaster in Roman military history.{{Sfnm|1a1=Kienast|1y=2017|1pp=205–213|2a1=Peachin|2y=1990|2pp=37-40|3a1=Burgess|3y=2014|3p=77|4a1=Vagi|4y=2000|4pp=342-357|5a1=Adkins|5y=2019|5p=28}}
|-
| style="text-align:center;" |[[File:Gallienus Louvre Ma512.jpg|150x150px]]
|[[File:Rare aureus of Gallienus (obverse).jpg|100x100px]]
|'''[[Gallienus]]'''<br /><small>{{Smallcaps|Publius Licinius Egnatius Gallienus}}</small>
| style="text-align:center;" |c. September 253 – c. September 268<br/><small>(15 years)</small>
|Son of Gallienus and [[Egnatia Mariniana]], named senior co-emperor at the age of 35, ruling over the Western provinces. Became sole emperor after his father's, having the longest reign since the start of the crisis. A persevering ruler, he faced a large number of usurpers and foreign invasions. Murdered during his confrotation against [[Aureolus]] in a conspiracy led by the [[praetorian prefect]] [[Aurelius Heraclianus|Heraclianus]], the future emperor [[Aurelian]], and [[Claudius Gothicus|Claudius II]], who succeded Gallienus.{{Sfnm|1a1=Kienast|1y=2017|1pp=205–213|2a1=Peachin|2y=1990|2pp=37-40|3a1=Burgess|3y=2014|3p=77|4a1=Vagi|4y=2000|4pp=342-357|5a1=Adkins|5y=2019|5p=28}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center; background:#FFe4e1;" |
| style="background:#FFe4e1;" |[[File:Antoninianus of Valerian II - cropped.jpg|100px]]
| style="background:#FFe4e1;" |[[Valerian II]]<br /><small>{{Smallcaps|Publius Licinius Cornelius Valerianus}}</small>
| scope="row" style="text-align:center; background:#FFe4e1;" |256–258<br/><small>(''caesar'' under Valerian and Gallienus)</small>
| style="background:#FFe4e1;" |Son and heir of Gallienus. Died in unclear circumstances, likely assasinated by his guardian [[Ingenuus]], who then claimed the imperial title.{{Sfnm|1a1=Kienast|1y=2017|1pp=205–213|2a1=Peachin|2y=1990|2pp=37-40|3a1=Burgess|3y=2014|3p=77|4a1=Vagi|4y=2000|4pp=342-357|5a1=Adkins|5y=2019|5p=28}}
|-
| style="text-align:center; background:#F0FFFF;" |[[File:Portrait of a Roman Boy Aristocrat (head).jpg|117x117px]]<br /><small>(possible)</small>
| style="background:#F0FFFF;" |[[File:Saloninus coin (transparent background).png|100px]]
| style="background:#F0FFFF;" |'''[[Saloninus]]'''<br /><small>{{Smallcaps|Publius Licinius Cornelius Saloninus Valerianus}}</small>
| scope="row" style="text-align:center; background:#F0FFFF;" |Autumn 260<br/><small>(co-''augustus'' under Gallienus)</small>
| style="background:#F0FFFF;" |Son and heir of Gallienus, named ''caesar'' in 258, proclaimed emperor by his father's troops during [[Postumus]]' siege of [[Cologne]]; killed just a few weeks later. His acclamation was not authorized by Gallienus, but had he survived it would certainly have been recognized. Posthumous coinage avoid any title, perhaps as a way to hide the crises in the family.{{Sfnm|1a1=Kienast|1y=2017|1pp=205–213|2a1=Peachin|2y=1990|2pp=37-40|3a1=Burgess|3y=2014|3p=77|4a1=Vagi|4y=2000|4pp=342-357|5a1=Adkins|5y=2019|5p=28}}
|-
! colspan="5" |
|-
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |[[File:Uranius Antoninus.jpg|102x102px]]
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |''[[Uranius Antoninus|'''Uranius Antoninus''']]<br />''<small>{{Smallcaps|Lucius Julius Aurelius Sulpicius Severus Uranius Antoninus}}</small>
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |{{Circa}} 253 / 254<br /><small>('''Syria''')</small>
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |Born as ''Sampsiceramus'', initially a priest of the cult of [[Elagabal]], likely a descendant of [[Elagabalus]]. Proclaimed emperor after successfully defending [[Emesa]] from the Persian forces of [[Shapur I]]; fate unknown.{{sfn|Vagi|2000|pp=344-345}}{{sfn|Craven|2019|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=VEbCDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT370 ANTONINUS IV]}}
|-
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |'''''[[Ingenuus]]'''''
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |{{Circa}} 260<br /><small>('''Pannonia''')</small>
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |Governor of Pannonia, proclaimed in [[Sirmium]] by the legions of [[Moesia]] after the capture of Valerian, defeated and killed and in [[Mursa]].{{sfn|PLRE|p=457}}
|-
| style="text-align:center; background:#EBEBEB;" |
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |[[File:Antoninianus of Regalianus - cropped.jpg|100px]]
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |'''''[[Regalianus]]'''<br />''<small>{{Smallcaps|P(ublius) C(assius) Regalianus}}</small>
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |{{Circa}} 260<br /><small>('''Pannonia''')</small>
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |A native of Dacia, commander in [[Illyricum (Roman province)|Illyricum]]. Proclaimed emperor in Moesia but killed shortly after,{{sfn|PLRE||loc=|p=762}} perhaps by his own troops upon Gallienus' arrival.{{sfn|Adkins|2019|p=29}}
|-
| style="text-align:center; background:#EBEBEB;" |
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |[[File:Aureus Macrianus RIC 0003 (obverse).jpg|100px]]
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |'''''[[Macrianus Minor]]'''''<br /><small>{{Smallcaps|Titus Fulvius Junius Macrianus}}</small>
| rowspan="2" style="background:#EBEBEB;" |{{Circa}} 260 – 261<br /><small>('''in the East''')</small>
| rowspan="2" style="background:#EBEBEB;" |Sons of [[Macrianus Major]], Valerian's quartermaster general, who was proclaimed emperor by the praetorian prefect [[Balista]] but refused due to his age and health, instead proclaiming his two sons, both [[Legate (ancient Rome)|legates]], as joint emperors and [[Roman consul|consuls]]. They quickly took over most of the East (Egypt, Syria and Asia) while Gallienus fought in the West. Both Macrianus were eventually defeated at Illyricum by [[Aureolus]], while Quietus, the younger brother, was sieged by [[Odaenathus]] in [[Emesa]] with Ballista and killed.{{sfn|PLRE||loc=|p=528, 757}}{{sfn|Craven|2019|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=VEbCDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT376 MACRIANUS / QUIETUS]}}
|-
| style="text-align:center; background:#EBEBEB;" |
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |[[File:Antoninianus-Quietus-RIC 0009 (obverse).jpg|100px]]
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |'''''[[Quietus]]'''<br />''<small>{{Smallcaps|Titus Fulvius Junius Quietus}}</small>
|-
!
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |[[Valens Thessalonicus|'''''Valens''''']] "'''''Thessalonicus'''''"
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |{{Circa}} 261<br /><small>('''Achaia/Macedonia''')</small>
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |[[Proconsul]] of [[Achaia (Roman province)|Achaia]], probably gained his nickname after defending [[Thessalonica]]. Proclaimed emperor during his confrontation against [[Piso (general under Macrianus)|Piso]], one of Macrianus' generals. Valens defeated him, but was killed by his own soldiers shortly after.{{sfn|PLRE||loc=|p=929}}
|-
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |''[[Lucius Mussius Aemilianus|'''Aemilianus''' ('''II''')]]<br />''<small>{{Smallcaps|Lucius Mussius Aemilianus "Aegippius"}}</small>
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |{{Circa}} 261 – 262<br /><small>('''Egypt''')</small>
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |A distinguished officer who supported the revolt of Macrianus, claimed imperial power after their deaths, probably to avoid punishment. Defeated by [[Aurelius Theodotus]].{{sfn|PLRE|p=23}}{{sfn|Craven|2019|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=VEbCDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT378 AEMILIANUS II]}}
|-
!
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |'''''[[Memor]]'''''
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |{{Circa}} 262 (?)
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |A [[mauri]] briefly mentioned by [[Zosimus (historian)|Zosimus]] ({{Circa}} 500 AD) and [[Peter the Patrician]] ({{Circa}} 550 AD).{{sfn|PLRE||loc=|p=594}} Likely a follower of Macrianus, he may have never actually claimed imperial power.{{sfn|Craven|2019|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=VEbCDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT380 MEMOR]}}
|-
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |'''''[[Aureolus]]'''<br />''<small>{{Smallcaps|(Manius Acilius) Aeolus}}</small>
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |268<br /><small>('''Northern Italy''')</small>
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |Native of Dacia and Gallienus' right hand man. Defeated the usurpers [[Ingenuus]] (260) and [[Macrianus Minor|Macrianus]] (261), but later allied himself with [[Postumus]] against Gallienus. He proclaimed himself emperor following Gallienus' death, but was quickly killed by Claudius' troops after surrending to him.{{sfnm|1a1=PLRE|1p=138|2a1=Vagi|2y=2000|2pp=389-391}}
|-
| colspan="5" |
==== [[Gallic Empire]] (260–274) ====
The '''Gallic Empire''' was [[Secession|breakaway]] part of the Roman Empire that, unlike most usurper-ruled territories, functioned ''[[de facto]]'' as a separate state from 260 to 274. It had its own capital ([[Trier]]), a clear succession of emperors, its own [[Consul (Gallic Empire)|pair of yearly-elected consuls]], and even its own usurpers. At its hight, the Empire controlled all Western European provinces: [[Hispania]], [[Gaul]] and [[Roman Britain|Britannia]]. The term "Gallic Empire" and "Gallic Emperor" are modern conventions; its rulers continued to use the standard imperial titulature without changes.{{sfn|Vagi|2000|pp=385–397}}
|-
| colspan="2" |[[File:Golden coin of Postumus.png|120x120px]]
|'''[[Postumus]]'''<br /><small>{{Smallcaps|Marcus Cassianius Latinius Postumus}}</small>
|{{Circa}} 260 – April/August 269<br /><small>(about 9 years)</small>
|Governor of Germania under Emperor [[Gallienus]], proclaimed emperor after a military victory, after which he killed Gallienus' son [[Saloninus]] at [[Cologne]]. Established a court in [[Trier]], but made no moves against the Emperor in Rome. He was killed by his troops in the aftermath of Laelian's usurpation, as he did not allow them to sack Mainz.{{sfn|Vagi|2000|pp=385–397}}{{sfn|PLRE|p=720}}
|-
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" colspan="2" |[[File:Aureus Laelianus.jpg|123x123px]]
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |'''''[[Laelian]]'''''<br /><small>{{Smallcaps|Ulpius Cornelius Laelianus}}</small>
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |mid-269<br /><small>('''Germania''', 2 months or less)</small>
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |General under Postumus, revolted in [[Mainz]] in February or June 269, possibly in coordination with Claudius II's forces, which constantly attacked Southern Germania. He was related to the Hispanic emperor [[Trajan]] (r. 98–117), which made him earn support from that region. Laelian was quickly defeated by Postumus; [[Hispania]] switched allegiance to Claudius II shortly after.{{sfn|Vagi|2000|pp=385–397}}{{sfn|PLRE|p=492|}}
|-
| colspan="2" |[[File:Marcus Aurelius Marius - Antoninianus Trier (obverse).jpg|119x119px]]
|'''[[Marcus Aurelius Marius|Marius]]'''<br /><small>{{Smallcaps|Marcus Aurelius Marius}}</small>
|{{Circa}} 269<br /><small>(a few months, more than Laelian)</small>
|A [[blacksmith]] that was proclaimed emperor in Mainz after Laelian and Postumus' demise, but was killed shortly after. Ancient sources give him a reign of only a couple of days, but this is impossible given the amount of coinage produced during his reign.{{sfn|Vagi|2000|pp=385–397}}{{sfn|PLRE|p=562|}}
|-
| colspan="2" |[[File:Victorinus - Münzkabinett, Berlin - 5541225 (obverse).jpg|120x120px]]
|'''[[Victorinus]]'''<br /><small>{{Smallcaps|Marcus Piavonius Victorinus}}</small>
|{{Circa}} 269 – 271<br /><small>(about 3 years)</small>
|Proclaimed emperor after Marius' assassination with the support of his mother [[Victoria (Gallic Empire)|Victoria]], a wealthy noblewoman who probably contributed to the fall of Postumus. Failed to maintain Hispania and faced pro-Roman revolts in central Germania. Said to have been a womanizer, he was killed {{sfn|Vagi|2000|pp=385–397}}{{sfn|PLRE|p=965|}}
|-
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" colspan="2" |[[File:Domitianus II obverse ashmolean (edited).JPG|120x120px]]
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |[[Domitian II|'''''Domitian''' ('''II''')'']]<br /><small>{{Smallcaps|Domitianus}}</small>
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |{{Circa}} 271<br /><small>(very shortly)</small>
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |Obscure figure that briefly rebelled in Gaul, perhaps during Victorinus' reign.{{sfn|Vagi|2000|pp=385–397}}{{sfn|PLRE|p=262|}}
|-
| colspan="2" |[[File:Aureus of Tetricus, 271 (obverse).jpg|119x119px]]
|'''[[Tetricus I]]'''<br /><small>{{Smallcaps|Gaius Esuvius Tetricus}}</small>
|{{Circa}} 271 – 274<br /><small>(about 3 years)</small>
|Governor of [[Aquitania]]; proclaimed emperor at [[Bordeaux]] with the support of [[Victoria (Gallic Empire)|Victoria]], Victorinus' mother. He surrendered to [[Aurelian]] after the [[Battle of Châlons (274)|Battle of Châlons]] against his troops, although Tetricus appears to have been secretly arranged his abdication with the Emperor, who pardon him and appointed him as governor of [[Lucania]] (Southern Italy).{{sfn|Vagi|2000|pp=385–397}}{{sfn|PLRE|p=885|}}
|-
| style="background:#FFe4e1;" colspan="2" |[[File:Tetricus II. - Münzkabinett, Berlin - 5541240 (obverse).jpg|121x121px]]
| style="background:#FFe4e1;" |[[Tetricus II]]<br /><small>{{Smallcaps|Gaius Esuvius Tetricus}}</small>
| style="background:#FFe4e1;" |{{Circa}} 273 – 274<br /><small>(''caesar'' under Tetricus I)</small>
| style="background:#FFe4e1;" |Young son of Tetricus, almost nothing known except that he lived on to have a distinguished senatorial career. There is some debate on whether he was proclaimed ''augustus'' on the final weeks on the Gallic empire, as the evidence (coins) for this are rare and of disputed authenticity.{{sfn|Vagi|2000|pp=385–397}}{{sfn|PLRE|p=885|}}
|-
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" colspan="2" |
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |'''''[[Faustinus]]''''' (?)
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |274
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |Governor of [[Gallia Belgica]], rebelled against Tetricus, who was forced to ask [[Aurelian]] for help. Not known if he actually claimed the imperial title.<ref>{{cite web |last=Polfer |first=Michel |date=1999 |title=Faustinus |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120128125134/https://www.roman-emperors.org/faustinu.htm |website=De Imperatoribus Romanis}}</ref>
|-
| colspan="5" style="width:10%;" |

==== Claudian dynasty (268–270) ====
|-
|[[File:Ritratto di Claudio II il Gotico - Foto Giovanni Dall'Orto (cropped).jpg|116x116px]]<br /><small>(possible)</small>
|[[File:ClaudiusGothicusSC265569.jpg|100x100px]]
|'''[[Claudius Gothicus|Claudius II]]''' "'''Gothicus'''"<br /><small>{{Smallcaps|Marcus Aurelius Claudius}}</small>
|c. September 268 – August (?) 270<br/><small>(1 year or less)</small>
|Born on 10 May 214, claimed descent from [[Gordian II]], posthumously named a relative of [[Constantine the Great]]. Fought for [[Gallienus]] against the usurpers [[Ingenuus]], [[Postumus]] and [[Aureolus]], but then turned against him with [[Aurelian]] and had himself proclaimed emperor. Defeated the Goths at the [[Battle of Naissus]], hence his nickname, and recovered most of Hispania, thus beginning the restoration of the Empire. Died as a result of the [[Plague of Cyprian]], aged 56.{{Sfnm|1a1=Kienast|1y=2017|1p=222|2a1=Peachin|2y=1990|2pp=42-43|3a1=Burgess|3y=2014|3pp=77-78|4a1=Vagi|4y=2000|4pp=361–363|5a1=Adkins|5y=2019|5p=29}}
|-
|
|[[File:Aureus Quintillus (obverse).jpg|100px]]
|'''[[Quintillus]]'''<br /><small>{{Smallcaps|Marcus Aurelius Claudius Quintillus}}</small>
|270<br/><small>(17–77 days)</small>{{Efn|Quintillus' reign is said to have lasted 17 days ([[Jerome]], [[Eutropius (historian)|Eutropius]] and [[Zonaras]]), 77 days ([[Filocalus]]), or "a few months" ([[Zosimus (historian)|Zosimus]]). 17 days is certainly wrong, but 77 days seems like too much. One modern proposal is 27, although 66 is also possible.{{sfn|Burgess|2014|pp=78-79}} Most contemporary documents can't be dated precisely and thus the chronology has remained debated. For example, [[Arthur Stein (historian)|Arthur Stein]] dated Claudius' death to April, citing a document of Aurelian that he dated to 25 May 270.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Stein |first=Arthur |author-link=Arthur Stein (historian) |year=1924 |title=Zur Chronologie der römischen Kaiser von Decius bis Diocletian |journal=Archiv für Papyrusforschung und verwandte Gebiete |volume=7 |issue=1–2 |pages=30–51 |doi=10.1515/apf.1924.7.1-2.30 |s2cid=161464046 |language=de}}</ref> However, some scholars argue this document must be dated to 271.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Kotula |first=Tadeusz |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EZpoAAAAMAAJ |title=Aurélien et Zénobie: l'unité ou la division de l'Empire? |date=1997 |publisher=Uniwersytetu Wrocławskiego |isbn=978-83-229-1638-4 |language=fr}}</ref>}}
|Younger brother of Claudius, declared emperor after his death. Events of his reign are contradictory; died after a reign of a few weeks of either suicide or assassination.{{Sfnm|1a1=Kienast|1y=2017|1p=224|2a1=Peachin|2y=1990|2p=43|3a1=Burgess|3y=2014|3pp=78-79|4a1=Vagi|4y=2000|4pp=363–364|5a1=PLRE|5p=759}}
|-
| colspan="5" |
==== [[Palmyrene Empire]] (271–273) ====
The '''Palmyrene Empire''' was a short-lived [[breakaway state]] centered around the city of [[Palmyra]]. It encompassed the [[Roman province|Roman provinces]] of [[Syria Palaestina]], [[Arabia Petraea]], and [[Egypt (Roman province)|Egypt]], as well as large parts of [[Anatolia|Asia Minor]]. Chaos consumed the East following the capture of [[Valerian (emperor)|Valerian]] and the revolts of [[Macrianus Major|Macrianus]], but the territories were eventually pacified by [[Odaenathus]], who was named ''[[Dux]] Romanorum'' ("leader of the Romans") and ''[[Corrector]] totius orientis'' (essentially "governor of all the East") by [[Gallienus]], effectively turning the territory into an semi-independent entity. Odaenathus was proclaimed "[[King of Kings]]" (''rex regum''), but remained loyal to the Emperor. He was murdered by his son [[Hairan]] in 267, who was in turn killed by his cousin [[Maeonius]]. The throne went to Odaenathus' young son Vaballathus, who reigned under the regency of her mother Zenobia.{{sfn|Vagi|2000|pp=398–400}}
|-
| colspan="2" |[[File:Vaballathus coin (transparent background).png|120x120px]]
|'''[[Vaballathus]]'''<br /><small>{{Smallcaps|Lucius Julius Aurelius Septimius Vaballathus Athenodorus}}</small>{{Efn|"Vaballathus" is the Latinized form of his [[Palmyrene Aramaic]] name, ''Wahballāt'', "Gift of [[Allāt]]". As the Arabian goddess Allāt [[interpretatio graeca|came to be identified]] with [[Athena]], he used ''Athenodorus'' as the Greek form of his name.<ref>{{cite book |last=Butcher |first=Kevin |title=Roman Syria and the Near East |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YJPn3-rRjC0C |year=2003 |publisher=Getty Publications |isbn=978-0-89236-715-3|p=284}}</ref>}}
| rowspan="2" |{{circa}} March – June 272{{efn|Egyptian documents stopped recognizing Aurelian between 17 April (last mention as co-ruler of Zenobia) and 24 June (first mention as sole ruler). Zenobia and her son may have adopted the imperial titles shortly before this, but it's not certain.{{sfn|Watson|2004|pp=68–69, 223, 240}}}}<br /><small>(about 3 months)</small>
|Young son of [[Zenobia]] and [[Odaenathus]], succeeded his father as ''dux'', ''corrector'' and ''rex'' of Palmyra with the addition of the titles ''[[Roman consul|consul]]'' and ''[[imperator]]'', although all real power was held by Zenobia. He was given the imperial title (''[[Augustus (title)|augustus]]'') by his mother in 272.{{sfnm|1a1=Vagi|1y=2000|1pp=398-403|2a1=PLRE|2p=122}}
|-
| colspan="2" |[[File:Antoninianus of Zenobia (obverse).png|122x122px]]
|'''[[Zenobia]]'''
|A remarkable and cultured stateswoman; wife of Odaenathus and mother of Vaballathus, ''de facto'' ruler of the East since 267, conquered Egypt in late 271, assumed the title of ''[[Augustus (title)|augusta]]'' in early 272. She first attempted to rule as a co-equal to Aurelian, with no results. She was spared, however, and was allowed to retire with his son, later marrying a senator.{{sfnm|1a1=Vagi|1y=2000|1pp=398-403|2a1=PLRE|2pp=990-991}}
|-
| colspan="2" |
|'''[[Septimius Antiochus|Antiochus]]'''
|273<br /><small>(very briefly)</small>
|Son of Zenobia, perhaps still a child. Proclaimed emperor during a revolt against the restored Roman rule in Palmyra. The rebellion was crushed, but he was spared.{{sfn|PLRE|p=71}}
|-
| colspan="5" |

==== Non dynastic (270–282) ====
|-
|[[File:5305 - Brescia - S. Giulia - Ritratto di Claudio II il Gotico - Foto Giovanni Dall'Orto, 25 Giu 2011 (cropped).jpg|120x120px]]<br /><small>(possible)</small>
|[[File:INC-1859-a Ауреус Аврелиан ок. 270-275 гг. (аверс).png|100x100px]]
|'''[[Aurelian]]''' "'''Restitutor'''"<br /><small>{{Smallcaps|Lucius Domitius Aurelianus}}</small>
|August (?) 270 – November (?) 275<br/><small>(5 years and a few months)</small>
|Born on 9 September 214, proclaimed emperor in opposition to Quintillus. Named "restorer of the World" (''restitutor orbis'') after his unprecedented series of military victories. Reconquered the territories of the [[Palmyrene Empire|Palmyrene]] and [[Gallic Empire]]; built the [[Aurelian Walls]] in Rome and reformed the falling economy. Murdered by his secretary Eros, aged 61, while preparing for a campaign against Persia, as response for Aurelian's strict character.{{Sfnm|1a1=Kienast|1y=2017|1p=225–227|2a1=Peachin|2y=1990|2p=43–44|3a1=Burgess|3y=2014|3pp=79-80|4a1=Vagi|4y=2000|4pp=364–368|5a1=PLRE|5pp=129-130}}
|-
|style="background:#EBEBEB;" |
!
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |''[[Septimius (usurper)|'''Septimius''']]''
|style="background:#EBEBEB;" |c. 271
|style="background:#EBEBEB;" |Rebelled in Dalmatia; killed by his own men. Briefly mentioned by [[Zosimus (historian)|Zosimus]] and [[Aurelius Victor|Victor]].{{Sfn|PLRE||p=821}}
|-
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |'''''[[Urbanus (usurper)|Urbanus]]''''' (?)
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |unknown
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |Nothing known, only briefly mentioned by Zosimus.{{Sfn|PLRE||p=982}}
|-
|[[File:P1150181 Louvre empereur Tacite Ma1018 rwk (cropped enhanced).jpg|100px]]
|[[File:Rare aureus of Tacitus (obverse).jpg|101x101px]]
|'''[[Tacitus (emperor)|Tacitus]]'''<br /><small>{{Smallcaps|Marcus Claudius Tacitus}}</small>
|c. December 275 – c. June 276<br/><small>(c. 6 months)</small>
|A former Illyriam soldier, proclaimed emperor by the army (and not the Senate, as claimed by the ''Historia Augusta'', who also claims he was a distinguished 75-years-old senator) after a brief interregnum.{{Efn|Older scholarship claimed that there was as six-month interregnum in which [[Ulpia Severina]], Aurelian's wife, and the Senate ruled the Empire, but this is now rejected as part of the many false narratives in the ''[[Historia Augusta]]''.{{sfn|Vagi|2000|pp=369}}}} Died of either illness or murder while campaigning in [[Cappadocia]].{{Sfnm|1a1=Kienast|1y=2017|1pp=241–242|2a1=Peachin|2y=1990|2p=43–44|3a1=Burgess|3y=2014|3pp=80-81|4a1=Vagi|4y=2000|4pp=370–371|5a1=PLRE|5p=873}}
|-
|
|[[File:Aureus of Florianus (obverse).jpg|100px]]
|'''[[Florianus]]'''<br /><small>{{Smallcaps|Marcus Annius Florianus}}</small>
|c. June – September 276<br/><small>(80–88 days)</small>
|Maternal half-brother of Tacitus, proclaimed himself emperor after his death but killed shortly after. Said to have done "nothing worth remembering" according to [[Eutropius (historian)|Eutropius]]. He was killed by his own soldiers while fighting Probus.{{Sfnm|1a1=Kienast|1y=2017|1p=243|2a1=Peachin|2y=1990|2pp=43–44|3a1=Burgess|3y=2014|3pp=81-82|4a1=Vagi|4y=2000|4pp=371–372|5a1=PLRE|5p=367}}
|-
|[[File:Probus Musei Capitolini MC493 (cropped enhanced).jpg|100px]]
|[[File:INC-2020-a Ауреус. Проб. Ок. 276—282 гг. (аверс).png|100x100px]]
|'''[[Probus (emperor)|Probus]]'''<br /><small>{{Smallcaps|Marcus Aurelius Probus}}</small>
|c. June 276 – c. September 282<br/><small>(c. 6 years and 3 months)</small>
|Born on 19 August 232, proclaimed emperor by the eastern legions in opposition to Florianus. Spent his reign fighting in both West and East, winning several victories, but exhausting his army. He was killed, aged 60, during the revolt of [[Carus]].{{Sfnm|1a1=Kienast|1y=2017|1pp=244–245|2a1=Peachin|2y=1990|2p=47|3a1=Burgess|3y=2014|3p=82|4a1=Vagi|4y=2000|4pp=372–375|5a1=PLRE|5p=736}}
|-
! colspan="5" |
|-
|style="text-align:center; background:#EBEBEB;" |
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |[[File:Bonosus (cropped1to1 trasparent).jpg|80x80px]]
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |[[Bonosus (usurper)|'''''Bonosus''''']]
| rowspan="2" style="background:#EBEBEB;" |280<br /><small>('''Germany''')</small>
| rowspan="2" style="background:#EBEBEB;" |Commanders in Germany, proclaimed emperors at [[Cologne]] (alternatively, they were proclaimed separately, but soon joined forces). Bonosus committed suicide after facing Probus' army, while Proculus was either killed in battle or executed soon after.{{sfn|Craven|2019|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=VEbCDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT414 Bonosus / Proculus / Saturninus II]}}{{sfn|Vagi|p=376-375|2000}}
|-
|style="text-align:center; background:#EBEBEB;" |
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |[[File:Proculus Antoninian (obverse).jpg|80px]]
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |''[[Proculus|'''Procolus''']]''
|-
|style="text-align:center; background:#EBEBEB;" |
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |[[File:Saturninus Coin Obverse.jpg|80px]]
| style="background:#EBEBEB;" |'''''[[Julius Saturninus|Saturninus]]'''''<br /><small>{{Smallcaps|Gaius Julius Sallustius Saturninus Fortunatianus}}</small>
|style="background:#EBEBEB;" |c. 281<br /><small>('''Egypt''')</small>
|style="background:#EBEBEB;" |A former [[Roman consul|consul]] native of Africa and commander in the East, revolted in [[Antioch]]. Hoped to gain recognition by Probus, with no results. He was killed by his own soldiers near [[Apamea, Syria|Apamea]] in the ensuing confrontation.{{sfn|Vagi|p=376-375|2000}}{{sfn|PLRE|p=370, 808|}}{{sfn|Craven|2019|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=VEbCDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT414 Bonosus / Proculus / Saturninus II]}}
|-
| colspan="5" style="width:10%;" |
==== Caran dynastic (282–285) ====
|-
| style="text-align:center;" |
|[[File:Carusinc2955obverse.png|100px]]
|'''[[Carus]]'''<br /><small>{{Smallcaps|Marcus Aurelius Carus}}</small>
|c. September 282 – c. July 283<br/><small>(c. 10 months)</small>
|Praetorian prefect under Probus, proclaimed emperor in [[Raetia]]/[[Noricum]], seized power upon Probus' murder. Launched a successful campaign against the Persians, but died before finishing it, likely killed by his praetorian prefect [[Aper (praetorian prefect)|Aper]].{{Sfnm|1a1=Kienast|1y=2017|1pp=248–249|2a1=Peachin|2y=1990|2p=49|3a1=Burgess|3y=2014|3pp=82-83|4a1=Vagi|4y=2000|4pp=377-378|5a1=PLRE|5p=183}}
|-
| style="text-align:center;" |[[File:Montemartini - Carino cropped (cropped).JPG|100px]]
|[[File:Aureus of Carinus as Caesar (obverse).jpg|99x99px]]
|'''[[Carinus]]'''<br /><small>{{Smallcaps|Marcus Aurelius Carinus}}</small>
|Spring 283 – July 285<br /><small>(2 years, '''West''')</small>
|Son of Carus, appointed joint emperor shortly before his death. Succeeded jointly with Numerian, with himself ruling over the Western provinces, where he won several victories. Defeated and killed by [[Diocletian]] at the [[Battle of the Margus]]. He was villainized by ancient historians as part of pro-Diocletianic propaganda, although some of the criticisms may have been legit.{{Sfnm|1a1=Kienast|1y=2017|1pp=250–251|2a1=Peachin|2y=1990|2p=49|3a1=Burgess|3y=2014|3p=83|4a1=Vagi|4y=2000|4pp=378-380|5a1=PLRE|5p=181}}
|-
| style="text-align:center;" |
|[[File:Aureus of Numerian (obverse).jpg|100px]]
|'''[[Numerian]]'''<br /><small>{{Smallcaps|Marcus Aurelius Numerianus}}</small>
|c. July 283 – November 284<br /><small>(1 year and 3/4 months, '''East''')</small>
|Younger son of Carus, spent most of his reign traveling back to the West after the successful Persian campaign. Possibly assasinated by [[Aper (praetorian prefect)|Aper]], like his father.{{Sfnm|1a1=Kienast|1y=2017|1p=252|2a1=Peachin|2y=1990|2pp=49–50|3a1=Burgess|3y=2014|3p=83|4a1=Vagi|4y=2000|4pp=377-378|5a1=PLRE|5p=634}}
|-
! colspan="5" |
|-
|style="background:#EBEBEB;" |[[File:Head of Diocletian, Getty Museum (cropped).jpg|145x145px]]
|style="background:#EBEBEB;" |[[File:Aureus of Diocletian, AD 284 (obverse).jpg|98x98px]]
|style="background:#EBEBEB;" |'''''[[Diocletian]]'''''<br /><small>{{Smallcaps|Gaius Valerius Diocletianus}}</small>
|style="background:#EBEBEB;" |20 November 284 – July 285<br /><small>(as an usurper in the '''East''')</small>
|style="background:#EBEBEB;" |Born as ''Diocles'' on 22 December 242 (or 243) in Dalmatia, said to have been the son of a scribe or a [[freedman]] (former slave). Proclaimed emperor in [[Nicomedia]] after the death of Numerian. His first act was to execute [[Aper (praetorian prefect)|Aper]], and then marched West to face Carinus. Reunited the Roman Empire after the [[Battle of the Margus]].{{Sfnm|1a1=Kienast|1y=2017|1pp=257–258|2a1=Vagi|2y=2000|2pp=377-378|3a1=PLRE|3pp=253-254}}
|-
|style="background:#EBEBEB;" |
|style="background:#EBEBEB;" |[[File:INC-1821-a Ауреус Юлиан I ок. 284-285 гг. (аверс).png|98x98px]]
|style="background:#EBEBEB;" |'''''[[Julian of Pannonia|Julian]]'''''<br /><small>{{Smallcaps|Marcus Aurelius Sabinus Julianus}}</small>
|style="background:#EBEBEB;" |{{Circa}} November 284 – {{Circa}} February 285<br /><small>('''[[Pannonia]]''', 3 months or less)</small>
|style="background:#EBEBEB;" |Governor of [[Venice]], revolted in north-eastern Italy after the death of [[Numerian]], but was quickly defeated near [[Verona]] by Carinus, who used Julian's soldiers to fight the approaching Diocletian.{{sfn|Vagi|p=383-384|2000}} Sometimes treated as two emperors, one '''Marcus Aurelius Julianus''', in Pannonia, and another '''Sabinius Julianus''', in Italy.{{Sfn|Craven|2019|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=VEbCDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT419 JULIANUS II]}}
|}