v28_0320 - CLAUDIUS II GOTHICUS Tétradrachme, (MB, Æ 21)

CLAUDIUS II GOTHICUS

(09/268-06-08/270)

Claude II is appointed Master of the Cavalry after the defection of Auréolus and is part of the plot which eliminates Gallien. Having promised Auréolus his life after the death of Gallienus, he nevertheless lets his troops massacre him after the surrender of Milan. Claudius II wins a brilliant victory over the Goths at Naissus, in Upper Moesia. Unfortunately, the vanquished spread the plague among the victors and Claude fell victim to it. He is deified after his death and an important restitution coinage is minted by Aurelian first in 270, then by Constantine I, who claimed to be descended from Claudius II, at the beginning of the 4th century..