CLAUDIO II, IMPERATORE, DETTO IL GOTICO (MARCUS AURELIUS CLAUDIUS AUGUSTUS)

CLAUDIUS II, emperor, known as the Gothic (Marcus Aurelius Claudius Augustus). — Born in Pannonia to a humble family between 214 and 220, he distinguished himself in the army for his great valor. Thanks to the support of the military faction, after the assassination 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 *Gallicus*; however, he could not reap the fruits of his victories, for he died shortly thereafter at Sirmium, struck down by the plague (270). Although during his reign the Church generally continued to enjoy tolerance, the memory remains of some martyrs put to death in those years. The numerous *Passiones* that might suggest Christian blood was shed in Rome and Italy during C.’s rule are devoid of historical value.