Aurelian

Aurelian (full name Lucius Domitius Aurelianus) (c.215–75) Roman emperor (270–75). Originally a common soldier, he rose through the ranks and was elected emperor by the army. By a series of military campaigns, including the defeat of Queen Zenobia at Palmyra (272), he successfully quelled rebellions and repelled barbarian invaders; he also built new walls round Rome, and established the state worship of the Sun. He was assassinated by his own army officers.


A Dictionary of World History. Oxford University Press, 2000