Editing Decius (section)

===The Goths enter the Balkans===
The [[barbarian]] incursions into the Empire were becoming more daring and frequent whereas the Empire was facing a serious economic crisis in Decius' time. During his brief reign, Decius engaged in important operations against the [[Goths]], who crossed the Danube to raid districts of Moesia and [[Thrace]].<ref name="EB1911"/> This is the first considerable occasion that the Goths{{snd}} who would later come to play such an important role{{snd}} appear in the historical record. The Goths under King [[Cniva]] were [[Battle of Nicopolis ad Istrum|surprised]] by the emperor while besieging [[Nikopol, Bulgaria|Nicopolis]] on the Danube; the Goths fled through the difficult terrain of the [[Balkans]], but then doubled back and surprised the Romans near [[Battle of Beroe|Beroë]] (modern [[Stara Zagora]]), sacking their camp and dispersing the Roman troops ([[Battle of Beroe]]). The Goths then moved to [[Battle of Philippopolis (250)|attack Philippopolis]] (modern [[Plovdiv]]), which fell into their hands.{{sfn|Chisholm|1911}} The governor of Thrace, [[Titus Julius Priscus]], declared himself emperor under Gothic protection in opposition to Decius but Priscus' challenge was rendered moot when he was killed soon afterwards.<ref name=Scarre169 /> Then the invaders began returning to their homeland, laden with booty and captives, among them many of senatorial rank.<ref name=Wolfram46>Wolfram 1988, p. 46</ref>