Claudius II, Emperor, Known as the Goth (Marcus Aurelius Claudius Augustus)

CLAUDIO II, EMPEROR, called the GOTHIC (Marcus Aurelius Claudius Augustus). - Born in Pannonia of humble family between 214 and 220, he distinguished himself in the army by his great valour. Thanks to the support of the military party, after the murder of Gallienus in 268, he was acclaimed emperor. His most important military victories were that over the Alamanni near Lake Garda, and that over the Goths, who were routed near Naisso in Illyricum in 269 and which earned him the title Gothicus; he was unable, however, to reap the fruits of his victories, because he died shortly afterwards at Sirmium, struck by the plague (270). Although under his reign the Church generally continued to enjoy toleration, there remains the memory of certain martyrs put to death in those years. The numerous Passions that would suggest Christian blood shed in Rome and Italy during the government of C. are devoid of historical value.