v34_0697 - TRAJAN DECIUS Sesterce, (GB, Æ 31)

TRAJAN DECIUS

(07/249-06/251)

Decius was born in 201 in Lower Pannonia. After a brilliant career which opened the doors of the Senate to him, he was governor of Lower Moesia under the reign of Alexander Severus. At the end of the reign of Philip, winner on the Danube of barbarian hordes, he was proclaimed august despite his refusal. He writes it to Philippe who does not believe him and marches against him. Philip and his son are killed in battle near Verona. Decius joins to his name that, prestigious, of Trajan. After a stint in Rome, Decius travels to the Danubian Limes. Deserted, the limes allowed the Goths to filter through, ravaging the Danubian provinces, where the Emperor originated. He fails to stem the invasion. From 250, a new plague ravages the Empire. The plague decimated population and herds and further weakened the limes. He began a persecution against Christians in 250 (Polyeucte, Corneille). The following year, he went to the limes, defeated the Goths, but his son was killed. He himself finds death while wanting to avenge him. He is the first emperor to fall in battle against the Barbarians.