AEMILIAN (253).Rome.Antoninianus.

Obv : IMP AEMILIANVS PIVS FEL AVG.
Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right.

Rev : HERCVL VICTORI.
Hercules standing right, holding bow, club and lion skin.
RIC 3b.

Condition : Good very fine.

Weight : 3.81 gr
Diameter : 20 mm

Aemilian, also known as Marcus Aemilius Aemilianus, was a short-reigned Roman emperor who ruled in 253 AD. He was born in the province of Mauretania (modern-day Algeria and Morocco) and had a military background, rising through the ranks of the Roman army. His ascent to power came during a time of great instability in the Roman Empire, marked by frequent changes in leadership, invasions, and internal strife.

Aemilian's most notable achievement before becoming emperor was his victory over the Goths, who had been raiding the Roman provinces in the Balkans. This military success earned him significant support from the legions, and in the aftermath, his troops proclaimed him emperor. However, his rule was brief. After defeating Trebonianus Gallus, the reigning emperor at the time, Aemilian faced opposition from another military leader, Valerian, who also sought the imperial throne.

Aemilian's political identity was tied to his military strength and the loyalty of his troops. He positioned himself as a strong leader capable of defending the empire against external threats, but his reign was cut short by internal dissent. He was killed by his own soldiers in a mutiny after Valerian gained support and marched against him. Aemilian's death marked another instance of the chaotic nature of Roman imperial succession during the Crisis of the Third Century. Despite his brief rule, he is remembered as one of the many soldier-emperors who rose and fell during this turbulent period.