★ Large Provincial Æ ★

Pamphylia. Side. Gallienus AD 253-268.
Bronze Æ

29 mm, 16,89 g

AY KAI ΠO ΛI ЄΓ ΓAΛΛIHNOC CЄBA, draped, cuirassed and radiate bust right / CIΔΗΤΩΝ/ ΝΕΩΚΟΡΩΝ, two Nikes standing vis-a-vis, holding basket together.

Very Fine

SNG von Aulock -; BMC -; SNG PFPS -.

Gallienus (Publius Licinius Egnatius Gallienus) was a Roman emperor who ruled from AD 253 to 268 during a turbulent period known as the Crisis of the Third Century. He was the son of Emperor Valerian and co-emperor alongside his father. After Valerian was captured by the Sassanid Persians and subsequently died in captivity, Gallienus became the sole ruler. Gallienus faced numerous challenges during his reign, including invasions by various barbarian tribes, economic troubles, and internal revolts. He is often remembered for his efforts to stabilize the Roman Empire by adopting a strategy of allowing semi-autonomous rule in certain provinces and regions. This policy, known as the "Gallienic decentralization," aimed to counter the threats posed by external invaders and internal usurpers. Despite his efforts, Gallienus struggled to maintain control over the vast Roman territories. His reign saw the emergence of several breakaway states and the rise of rival claimants to the imperial throne. He was also faced with the so-called "Thirty Tyrants," a group of usurpers who briefly controlled parts of the empire. Gallienus was an able military commander and fought to repel various barbarian incursions. He is credited with successfully defending the empire against the Alamanni, Goths, and other invaders. However, his inability to fully restore order and unity to the empire led to his assassination in AD 268. Gallienus' reign marked a pivotal period in Roman history, characterized by political and military challenges. His attempts at reform and his efforts to cope with the crisis have garnered both admiration and criticism from historians.