260s

The 260s refers to the decade spanning the years 260 to 269 in the Julian calendar, a period within the broader Crisis of the Third Century in the Roman Empire. While most commonly discussed in terms of the CE era, the notation can also appear in discussions of earlier historical decades, but the following focuses on the 260s CE.

The decade is defined by political instability, military crises, and the fragmentation of imperial authority. The central Roman state faced recurrent revolts and external pressure as it struggled to maintain control over its vast frontiers. In the West, breakaway powers formed, notably the Gallic Empire under Postumus, which controlled the western provinces from around 260 to 274. In the East, Palmyra under Odaenathus asserted autonomy and, after his assassination, the regime of Zenobia expanded Palmyrene influence deep into Syria and Egypt. The Sassanid Persian Empire to the east grew stronger and more aggressive, complicating Rome’s eastern defenses. Throughout the decade, Emperor Gallienus (co-regent with Valerian’s heirs) and other provincial authorities attempted to stabilize frontiers while contending with multiple uprisings.

Key events of the 260s include the capture of Emperor Valerian by Shapur I at the Battle of Edessa in 260, which dealt a severe blow to central Roman authority and encouraged separatist movements. By the mid-260s, Postumus established the Gallic Empire in the western provinces, and in the east Zenobia’s Palmyrene state began expanding its influence, at points extending its reach toward Egypt. Gallienus faced ongoing internal and external threats, further weakening Roman cohesion.

The 260s ended with a shift in momentum as external threats persisted and breakaway states consolidated their power. The decade laid the groundwork for Aurelian’s later efforts (early 270s) to restore imperial unity, a goal pursued through military campaigns that would reassert central authority and eventually reunify much of the empire.