Vabalathus with Aurelian AD 270-272 Billon Antoninianus Antioch

Vabalathus with Aurelian AD 270-272 Billon Antoninianus

Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Vabalathus right/ Radiate and cuirassed bust Aurelian right

Antioch

RCV11718, 20mm, 3.31g

Aurelian was born in Moesia and was of humble birth. He chose a military career where he proved himself to be a brilliant cavalry commanded. He achieved high rank under Gallienus. Under Claudius he distinguished himself during the war against the Goths.
When Claudius died in AD 270 initially he did not oppose the succession of Quintillus however when his own troops proclaimed him as emperor he quickly moved against Quintillus whose support melted away. After Quintillus committed suicide Aurelian emerged as emperor unopposed. Aurelian wished to see the empire reunited disposing of the separatist factions in both Gaul and Palmyra. This had achieved by AD 274 when his campaigns were celebrated by a magnificent triumph which was held in Rome.
Aurelian started building a new defensive wall around Rome part of which survive to the present day.
His final ambition was to conquer the Persian empire of the Sasanids. Whilst leading his army east in AD 275 Aurelian was murdered by some of his own officers who believed that they were to be executed. The story was believed to have been invented by Eros who was secretary to Aurelian and who was himself under investigation.
The coinage of Aurelian saw a considerable improvement in the quality of the billon coinage.