CLAUDIUS II, Emperor, Known as the Goth (Marcus Aurelius Claudius Augustus). - Born in Pannonia to a humble family between 214 and 220, he distinguished himself in the army through his great valor. Thanks to the support of the military party, upon the killing of Gallienus in 268, he was acclaimed emperor. His most important military victories were that over the Alemanni near Lake Garda, and that over the Goths, who were routed near Naissus in Illyricum in 269 and which earned him the title of Gothicus; he was unable, however, to reap the fruits of his victories, because he died shortly afterward at Sirmium, struck down by the plague (270). Although under his reign the Church generally continued to enjoy tolerance, the memory remains of some martyrs put to death in those years. The numerous Passions that would suggest Christian blood shed in Rome and in Italy during the government of C. are devoid of historical value.

Bibliography3 works

BIBL.: M. Ancona, C. II e gli usurpatori, Messina 1901; L. Homo, De Claudio Gothico Romanorum imperatore, Lyon 1904; Fliche-Martin-Fruta, III (1938), p. 184.

Paolo Brezzi

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Claudius II, Emperor, Known as the Goth

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