Aureolus Roman AE (AD 268) NGC (Issued In The Name Of Postumus)

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One of the notorious ”Thirty Tyrants,“ Aureolus was an able and efficient general, commanding armies under Gallienus. He attempted to usurp his benefactor in 268, allying himself with the great Postumus. He was captured in Milan by Claudius II Gothicus, however, and put to death by the Praetorian Guard.

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Coins in images are examples only.

Aureolus was a Roman military commander during the reign of Emperor Gallienus before he attempted to usurp the Roman Empire. After turning against Gallienus, Aureolus was killed during the political turmoil that surrounded the Emperor's assassination in a conspiracy orchestrated by his senior officers. Aureolus is known as one of the Thirty Tyrants and is referenced in ancient sources including the Historia Augusta,^[1] Zonaras' epitome^[2] and Zosimus' Historia Nova.^[3]^[4]

Aurelous was born in the Roman province of Dacia, north of the Danube, and prior to his military career served as a herdsman^[5] as well as Master of the Imperial Horses ('Phronistes').^[2] His nomen is often reported as Acilius, while his praenomen is thought to be either Marcus or Manius,^[6] both of which were common praenomina within the Acilia gens. Although some historians such as John Platts, William A'Beckett and Angelo Paredi have thought the 'M' to stand for a second nomen Manlius.^[7]^[8]^[9]

It is unclear whether Aurelous came to the attention of the Emperor Gallienus after enlisting in the army, or during his service as a groom. Gallienus was known to promote talent from outside the establishment, and Aureolus was one of the New Men who replaced senators in positions of high command in the army in the course of his reign.