PROBO, MARCO AURELIO (M. Aurelius Probus), ROMAN EMPEROR. - B. at Sirmio on 19 Aug. 232, d. there in Sept. 282. He made a rapid and brilliant career in the army and was showered with honours by the emperors.
In 276, after the death of Tacito, he was elected emperor by the legions of Asia, and after the death of his rival Floriano he was recognized by the soldiers of Tracia, and also by the Senate. He immediately endeavoured to repel the barbarians and, through victorious campaigns from 277 to 279, defeated the Galli, Lici, Franchi, Burgundi, Vandali, Sarmati, Goti, and Isaurici. In 280 he had to fight against the usurpers Saturnino in Egitto and Procolo and Bonoso in Gallia. Having returned to Roma, he initiated extensive public works, rebuilding the cities devastated by war and encouraging the development of agriculture. His chief aim was to defeat the Persiani; while preparing the expedition, he was killed at Sirmio by a military conspiracy. Under his rule Christians were not officially persecuted.