Editing Gallienus (section)

== Assassination ==
Cecropius, commander of the Dalmatians, spread the word that the forces of Aureolus were leaving the city, and Gallienus left his tent without his bodyguard, only to be struck down by Cecropius.<ref>''Historia Augusta, The two Gallieni'', XIV.4–11</ref> One version has Claudius selected as emperor by the conspirators, another chosen by Gallienus on his death bed; the ''Historia Augusta'' was concerned to substantiate the descent of the [[Constantinian dynasty]] from Claudius, and this may explain its accounts, which do not involve Claudius in the murder. The other sources ([[Zosimus (historian)|Zosimus]] i.40 and [[Joannes Zonaras|Zonaras]] xii.25) report that the conspiracy was organized by Heraclianus, Claudius, and [[Aurelian]].

According to Aurelius Victor and Zonaras, on hearing the news that Gallienus was dead, the Senate in Rome ordered the execution of his family (including his brother Valerianus and son Marinianus) and their supporters, just before receiving a message from Claudius to spare their lives and deify his predecessor.<ref>J. Bray (1997), pp. 307–309. A. Watson (1999), pp. 41–42</ref> The tomb of Gallienus is thought to be located to the south of Rome, at the IXth mile of the [[Via Appia]].<ref>Samuel N. C. Lieu, Domikic Montserat (editors). ''From Constantine to Julian: Pagan and Byzantine Views: A Source History'', Routledge, {{ISBN|0-203-73029-1}}, note 38 on pp. 54–55</ref>

[[Image:Arco di Gallieno o Porta Esquilina - lato interno - Panairjdde.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Arch of Gallienus]] in Rome dedicated to, rather than built by, Gallienus.]]