GALLIENUS - THE GLUE THAT HELD THE EMPIRE TOGETHER

Gallienus, Emperor of Rome from 253 to 268, is usually viewed negatively by history due to his association with a period of chaos and disunity in the Empire. In the video, however, the SPQR Historian makes the case that he was an effective ruler who held the Empire together at a difficult time by creating a mobile army that could respond rapidly to barbarian incursions. He also diminished the likelihood of mutinies and rebellions by removing the rich senatorial class from the army.