Editing Decius (section)

==Political and monumental initiatives==
Decius' political program was focused on the restoration of the strength of the State, both militarily opposing the external threats, and restoring the public [[piety]] with a program of renovation of the [[Roman religion|state religion]].

===Reviving the censorship===
Either as a concession to the Senate, or perhaps with the idea of improving public morality, Decius endeavoured to revive the separate office and authority of the [[Roman censor|censor]]. He left the choice of candidate to the Senate, who unanimously selected [[Valerian (emperor)|Valerian]] (the future emperor). Seeing the office as difficult and potentially dangerous, Valerian declined it. The invasion of the [[Goths]] and Decius's death put an end to the abortive attempt.<ref name="EB1911">{{EB1911 |inline=1 |wstitle=Decius, Gaius Messius Quintus Trajanus |volume=7 |page=913}}</ref>

===Baths of Decius===
Decius sponsored several building projects in Rome, including the [[Baths of Decius]] (''Thermae Decianae'') on the [[Aventine Hill]]. Completed in 252, the building survived through to the 16th century. He also repaired the Colosseum, which had been damaged by lightning strikes.<ref name=Scarre169 />