the260s

The 260s was a decade in the 3rd century of the Common Era, spanning from January 1, 260, to December 31, 269. This period was marked by significant political and military events, particularly in the Roman Empire. The decade began with the reign of Emperor Gallienus, who was co-emperor with his father, Emperor Valerian. Gallienus' reign was characterized by internal strife and external threats, including invasions by the Goths and Persians.

In 260, Valerian was appointed as the emperor of the East, while Gallienus remained in the West. This division of the empire was a precursor to the later Tetrarchy system. The same year, the Sassanid Empire under Shapur I invaded the Roman Empire, leading to the Battle of Edessa, where Valerian was captured and later executed by Shapur. This event marked a significant setback for the Roman Empire, as it lost a capable military leader and faced further Persian incursions.

Gallienus' reign also saw the rise of the Gothic threat. In 267, the Goths invaded the Roman provinces of Dacia and Moesia, leading to the Battle of Naissus. The Roman forces, under the command of Emperor Claudius II, were defeated, and the Goths continued their raids into the Balkans. This period of Gothic invasions weakened the Roman Empire and contributed to its eventual decline.

The 260s also saw the rise of Aurelian, who would later become one of the most successful Roman emperors. Aurelian served as a general under Gallienus and played a crucial role in the defense of the empire against the Goths. His military campaigns and administrative reforms helped to stabilize the empire in the later part of the 3rd century.

In summary, the 260s was a decade of significant political and military events in the Roman Empire. The reign of Gallienus and the subsequent Gothic and Persian invasions marked a period of internal strife and external threats, which contributed to the empire's eventual decline. The rise of Aurelian, however, offered a glimmer of hope for the future of the Roman Empire.