--- title: The Barracks Emperors: Instability of Populist Rule author: Joshua J. Mark source: https://www.worldhistory.org/Barracks_Emperors/ format: machine-readable-alternate license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/) updated: 2026-02-10 --- # The Barracks Emperors: Instability of Populist Rule _Authored by [Joshua J. Mark](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/JPryst/)_ The "barracks emperors" is a term coined by later historians referring to the [Roman](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Roman/) emperors who were chosen and supported by the army during the period known as the [Crisis of the Third Century](https://www.worldhistory.org/Crisis_of_the_Third_Century/) (also known as the Imperial Crisis, 235-284). In 235, Emperor [Alexander Severus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Alexander_Severus/) (reign 222-235) was assassinated by his troops, who then chose their commander, [Maximinus Thrax](https://www.worldhistory.org/Maximinus_Thrax/) (reign 235-238), as ruler. Maximinus became the first of these so-called "barracks emperors," who would continue to rule [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/) right through the reign of Carinus (reign 283-285) and who characterize the period of instability in Rome during this period. The Crisis of the Third Century was resolved by Emperor [Diocletian](https://www.worldhistory.org/Diocletian/) (reign 284-305), who addressed the causes of the crisis and secured the future of Rome. The barracks emperors rose in response to a series of threats to the stability of the state, both internal and external. The Severan dynasty, of which [Alexander](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Alexander/) was the last, had begun a practice of enlarging the [Roman army](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Army/) while also increasing a soldier's pay. In order to afford this large military, [Septimius Severus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Septimius_Severus/) (reign 193-211) debased the currency by adding less precious [metal](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/metal/) to coins in order to produce more of them. This policy would be adhered to by later emperors and resulted in widespread inflation and a lack of confidence in purchasing power on the part of the citizens. In addition to the currency problems, a [plague](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/plague/) swept the land, depopulating and destabilizing rural communities, the labor force. Further, incursions by barbarian tribes across Roman borders were also upsetting the social and economic balance of the state. At the same time, the Severan Dynasty's elevation of the military (more necessary than ever to combat invasions and other external threats) placed the emperor in an almost subordinate position to his army's commanders. Emperors now felt they had to placate and court the favor of the soldiers rather than objectively govern for the good of all the citizens of Rome. The [Roman emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Emperor/) had always relied on the support of the military to some degree, but now such support became imperative. Whereas in the past an emperor came to power through a system of succession – either as the son or adopted heir of the sitting emperor – he was now chosen by the military based on his popularity with the troops, generosity toward the military, and his ability to attain immediate and discernible results. When any of these criteria were disappointed – especially the last – he was assassinated and replaced by another. This paradigm characterized all of the barracks emperors and is the major difference between them and those who ruled before and after the Crisis of the Third Century. #### Sponsorship Message [![Total War Rome II: Empire Divided](https://www.worldhistory.org/template/images/ca-empiredivided-key-art.jpg)](http://t.redshell.io/aff_c?offer_id=5742&aff_id=1014 "Total War Rome II: Empire Divided") ![tw logo](https://www.worldhistory.org/template/images/tw-logo.gif)### This article was sponsored by Total War™ Empire Divided is a new campaign pack for Total War: ROME II, focused on the Crisis of the Third Century. Can you restore the Roman Empire to its former glory or will you tear it down? Play from the 30th of November 2017. [Get the Game](http://t.redshell.io/aff_c?offer_id=5742&aff_id=1014 "Total War Rome II: Empire Divided") .sponsor.ca h3 { text-transform: none; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; font-family: "Libre Baskerville", "Palatino Linotype", "Book Antiqua", Palatino, serif; } .sponsor.ca .ca_logo { width: 100px !important; height: 46px; float: right; box-shadow: none; margin: 0; } .sponsor_message { margin-left: 280px; font-family: Karla, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 140%; } .sponsor.ca { padding: 10px 0px 25px 0px; margin: 25px 0px; border-top: 1px dotted #dadada; border-bottom: 1px dotted #dadada; } .sponsor_message .big_red_button { margin-top: 13px; } .sponsor.ca .key_art { margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; width: 260px; height: auto; float: left; } .sponsor h4 { font-weight: normal; text-transform: uppercase; color: silver; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0px; font-family: Karla,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; padding: 0; } @media (max-width: 1199px) { .sponsor.ca .key_art { float: none; width: 100%; } .sponsor.ca .sponsor_message { margin-left: 0px; } .sponsor.ca h3 { margin-top: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; } } @media (max-width: 767px) { } ### The Emperors & Their Reigns The barracks emperors were all unique individuals with their own strengths and weaknesses, triumphs and failures, but, generally speaking, they were defined by a desire for the personal benefits of power without possessing the character to wield that power effectively. Because of the uncertainty of the times and the real or perceived threat of imminent invasion on the part of the populace, the Senate, and the military, a man who showed himself a strong, courageous, and – most importantly – effective military leader would be chosen as emperor by his troops. This decision was then either supported by the [Roman Senate](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Senate/) based on the person's reputation or forced on the Senate and the people by the military. [ ![The Barracks Emperors of Rome, 235 - 284 CE](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/750x750/17389.png?v=1777712443-1777712470) The Barracks Emperors of Rome, 235 - 284 CE Simeon Netchev (CC BY-NC-ND) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/17389/the-barracks-emperors-of-rome-235---284-ce/ "The Barracks Emperors of Rome, 235 - 284 CE")Throughout the Crisis of the Third Century, there were over 20 emperors who rose quickly to power and, in many cases, were dispatched just as fast. Even a man who would have been an able and acceptable emperor in another time might be found wanting in this period, and there was no margin for error in how an emperor comported himself or led military campaigns. Any sign of weakness or ineffectuality could be considered just cause to remove an emperor and replace him with a better. The barracks emperors and their respective achievements, as well as their timely or untimely ends, were: **Maximinus Thrax** (235-238), a Thracian commander who, owing to his nationality, feared he would not be respected by the Senate or citizenry and so chose to carve out his own fame through campaigns in Germany. Although successful, these campaigns were so costly that they drained the treasury. Maximinus operated on his own whims, disregarding the pressure put on his troops or the general good of the [empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/empire/). His reign resulted in civil [war](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/War/), as the Senate elevated others who were sent to remove him. He was killed by his own commanders in an effort to end the hostilities. **[Gordian I](https://www.worldhistory.org/Gordian_Emperors/) and [Gordian II](https://www.worldhistory.org/Gordian_Emperors/)** (238, March-April) were father and son who took part in the attempt to overthrow Maximinus. [Gordian](https://www.worldhistory.org/Gordian_Emperors/) II was killed in [battle](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/battle/) fighting pro-Maximinus forces, and Gordian I committed suicide upon hearing of his son's [death](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Death/). **Balbinus and Pupienus** (238, April-July) were two emperors the Senate raised to oppose Maximinus. They were unpopular with the people, who actually pelted them with stones as they walked in the street, and were eventually assassinated by the [Praetorian Guard](https://www.worldhistory.org/Praetorian_Guard/). **[Gordian III](https://www.worldhistory.org/Gordian_Emperors/)** (238-244) co-ruled with Balbinus and Pupienus until they were assassinated and was then proclaimed emperor by the military supporters of Gordian I and Gordian II. He was only 13 years old when he came to power and was controlled by his mother and later by his father-in-[law](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/law/). His reign was considered ineffective, and he was assassinated, probably by his successor [Philip the Arab](https://www.worldhistory.org/Philip_the_Arab/). [ ![Gordian III](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/500x600/2180.jpg?v=1643162402) Gordian III Mark Cartwright (CC BY-NC-SA) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/2180/gordian-iii/ "Gordian III")**Philip the Arab** (244-249), also known as [Julius](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Julius/) Philippus, was the Praetorian Prefect under Gordian III and took power after assassinating him. To assure a smooth succession, he made his son, [Philip II](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Philip_II/), his co-emperor and embarked on a number of successful campaigns. He concluded a peace with [Persia](https://www.worldhistory.org/Persia/) and won a number of victories over the [Goths](https://www.worldhistory.org/Goths/), after which he celebrated Rome's 1000th anniversary as a [city](https://www.worldhistory.org/city/). The provincial army commanders disliked him, however, and he was killed in battle by one of them: his successor [Decius](https://www.worldhistory.org/Decius/). Phillip II was assassinated soon after his father's death. **Decius** (249-251) was a senator and [consul](https://www.worldhistory.org/Consul/) before being appointed to a command in the Danube region, where he rose to power with the support of his troops. He inaugurated the systematic persecution of the Christian sect by requiring citizens to make sacrifices to the state gods in the presence of officials. This policy and the resultant martyrdom of many Christians did nothing but popularize the new faith. He followed Philip's policy and made his son his co-emperor, but both were killed in battle fighting the Goths under King [Cniva](https://www.worldhistory.org/Cniva/) at the [Battle of Abritus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Battle_of_Abritus/) in 251. **Hostilian** (251, June-November), the younger son of Decius, was made co-emperor by Gallus when Decius was killed in battle. He died soon after from the plague. **Gallus** (251-253) was a commander under Decius who became emperor upon his death. He also made his son, Volusianus, co-emperor; both were assassinated by their own troops, who elevated Aemilianus. **Aemilianus** (253, August-October) was a regional governor chosen by the troops who proved disappointing and so was quickly assassinated in favor of [Valerian](https://www.worldhistory.org/valerian/). **Valerian** (253-260) made his son [Gallienus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Gallienus/) co-emperor as he realized the empire was too large for one man to govern. Gallienus was responsible for the western part and Valerian for the eastern section of the realm. On campaign in the east, he was captured by the [Sassanid](https://www.worldhistory.org/Sasanian_Empire/) Persians and died as their prisoner. He was the first Roman emperor ever to be captured by the enemy, and, as he followed Decius' policy of severely persecuting [Christianity](https://www.worldhistory.org/christianity/), this was seized upon by Christians as an act of their [god](https://www.worldhistory.org/God/) and vindication of their sect. [ ![Valerian Defeated by Shapur I](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/750x750/7572.jpg?v=1770286631) Valerian Defeated by Shapur I Pierre Mertens (CC BY-NC-ND) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/7572/valerian-defeated-by-shapur-i/ "Valerian Defeated by Shapur I")**Gallienus** (253-268) was an effective ruler and military leader who managed to control the chaos of the [Roman Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Empire/) to the extent that cultural, literary, and philosophical advances developed under his reign. He also initiated a number of important changes in the military, most notably expanding the role of the cavalry. Even so, he could not escape the climate of the times and was assassinated by his own troops on campaign in a conspiracy involving the future emperor [Aurelian](https://www.worldhistory.org/Aurelian/). **[Claudius](https://www.worldhistory.org/claudius/) Gothicus** (268-270) was an officer of the cavalry under Gallienus who proved himself an able leader and administrator. He defeated the Alamanni, put down a rebellion by the would-be usurper Aureolus, and received his honorary epithet "Gothicus" following his victories over the Goths. Claudius might have gone on to greater accomplishments, but he was stricken by the plague and died. **Quintillus** (270), the brother of Claudius Gothicus, came to power briefly following the latter's death but died soon after, probably assassinated by Aurelian. **Aurelian** (270-275) was a co-commander of Gallienus' cavalry with Claudius and, when Claudius came to power, served under him. Aurelian, like Gallienus and Claudius, is one of the few Barracks Emperors who placed the good of Rome above his own personal ambition. He restored the empire by securing its borders and bringing the breakaway territories of the Gallic and Palmyrene empires back under Roman control. Still, none of these accomplishments was enough to protect him, and he was assassinated by his commanders who feared he planned to have them executed. [ ![Coin Depicting Roman Emperor Aurelian](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/500x600/2579.jpg?v=1763686384) Coin Depicting Roman Emperor Aurelian Wikipedia User: CNG (CC BY-SA) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/2579/coin-depicting-roman-emperor-aurelian/ "Coin Depicting Roman Emperor Aurelian")**[Tacitus](https://www.worldhistory.org/tacitus/)** (275-276) was an elderly senator selected by the Senate as emperor following Aurelian's assassination. He ruled for only nine months, during which he was engaged in constant [warfare](https://www.worldhistory.org/warfare/) before he died either of natural causes or – more likely – was assassinated. **Florianus** (276) was the brother of Tacitus and reigned for only three months before he was assassinated by his own troops in favor of Probus. **Probus** (276-282) was enthusiastically supported by his troops in the Balkan region and became emperor on the death of Florianus. His reign was marked by almost continual military campaigns, but, as he had a background in farming, he emphasized the importance of [agriculture](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Agriculture/) between engagements. This interest, according to one report, may have led to his downfall. One of his officers, Carus, became increasingly popular with the men who made him emperor while Probus was assassinated by troops who had grown tired of forced agricultural labor. **Carus** (282-283) was the prefect of the Praetorian Guard under Probus and avenged his former emperor's murder after he came to power. He made his sons, Numerian and Carinus, co-emperors and placed them in control of the west while he campaigned toward the east against the Sassanid Persians. He was reportedly killed on campaign when struck by lightning. **Numerian and Carinus** (283-285), Carus' sons, were co-emperors after their father's death. They both led military campaigns in attempts to secure the borders, and Carinus also successfully put down a revolt from within the empire. Numerian developed an eye disease and either died of natural causes or was assassinated, while Carinus was killed by his own troops in battle with his successor Diocletian. [![](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/c/p/100x100/13027.jpeg?v=1771801815)![](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/c/p/100x100/13028.jpeg?v=1603595067)![](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/c/p/100x100/13029.jpeg?v=1632054602)![](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/c/p/100x100/13030.jpeg?v=1603595558)![](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/c/p/100x100/13031.jpeg?v=1603595750)![](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/c/p/100x100/13032.jpeg?v=1632054603)](https://www.worldhistory.org/collection/102/faces-of-roman-emperors-imperial-crisis--the-barra/)Image Gallery#### [Faces of Roman Emperors: Imperial Crisis & the Barracks Emperors](https://www.worldhistory.org/collection/102/faces-of-roman-emperors-imperial-crisis--the-barra/) A series of facial reconstructions of Roman emperors during the Crisis of the Third Century (235-284 CE), including the Gordian Emperors. These so-called... Along with these barracks emperors, there were two other rulers whose actions would have a significant impact on Rome's course during the crisis: [Postumus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Postumus/) (260-269) in the west, who founded the Gallic Empire, and [Zenobia](https://www.worldhistory.org/zenobia/) (267-272) in the east, queen of the Palmyrene Empire. ### Breakaway Empires Under the reign of Gallienus, Postumus was governor of Upper and Lower Germany. When Valerian was captured by the Sassanid Persians, Gallienus was left alone to defend the empire, and this encouraged Postumus to assert his authority. Gallienus' son and heir, Saloninus, had been sent to Postumus' region for safety along with Silvanus, the prefect of the Praetorian Guard, to defend him. Postumus had already defeated marauding German tribes making incursions into his territories, but he was limited in his powers by his position; he was only a regional governor, not the emperor, and lacked the authority he felt he needed to defend his territory. Gallienus was thoroughly engaged in his own battles, and Saloninus at Cologne was unable or unwilling to commit to the level of leadership in the region that Postumus felt necessary. [ ![The Roman Empire and the Crisis of the Third Century, c. 270 CE](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/750x750/17154.png?v=1765226889-1765007839) The Roman Empire and the Crisis of the Third Century, c. 270 CE Simeon Netchev (CC BY-NC-ND) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/17154/the-roman-empire-and-the-crisis-of-the-third-centu/ "The Roman Empire and the Crisis of the Third Century, c. 270 CE")In 260, Postumus marched on Cologne, took the city, and executed Saloninus and Silvanus; he then proclaimed himself emperor of the region. He sent messages to Gallienus explaining why he had acted as he did, professing his loyalty to Rome, and promising that he would not raise arms against the empire or encroach on any Roman territories. In spite of this, Gallienus could not afford to allow such a large segment of his empire – [Gaul](https://www.worldhistory.org/gaul/), Germania, Hispania, and [Britannia](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Britain/) – to simply leave. In 263, Gallienus drove his troops into Gaul in an attempt to dislodge Postumus but was wounded by an arrow in battle and withdrew. Postumus continued his reign and kept his promise to protect and defend Rome until he was killed by his own troops in 269, when he refused to allow them to sack one of his own [cities](https://www.worldhistory.org/city/) (modern-day Mainz), which had rebelled. A blacksmith (and possibly foot soldier in the army) named [Marius](https://www.worldhistory.org/Gaius_Marius/) (reign 269) was then proclaimed emperor by the troops but was assassinated shortly afterwards, and the Praetorian [tribune](https://www.worldhistory.org/Tribune/) Victorinus (reign 269-271) became emperor. Although Victorinus was an able military commander, his inability to keep his hands off other men's wives led to his murder by one of his commanders, and the usurper Domitianus (reign 271) took control. He was defeated in battle by Tetricus I (reign 271-274), an able administrator and military leader, and considered the only true successor to Postumus. Tetricus I made his son (also named Tetricus) co-emperor to share the responsibilities of government and run the empire more efficiently. He stabilized the region, putting down rebellions by the German tribes, but his reign was interrupted – and then ended – by Aurelian in 274 at the Battle of Chalons. Aurelian marched on the Gallic Empire after defeating and reabsorbing the Palmyrene Empire, which had formed under the queen Zenobia, wife of the late Roman governor of the region, Odaenathus. [ ![Coin Depicting Roman Emperor Tetricus](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/500x600/2578.jpg?v=1634064306) Coin Depicting Roman Emperor Tetricus Rasiel Suarez (CC BY-SA) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/2578/coin-depicting-roman-emperor-tetricus/ "Coin Depicting Roman Emperor Tetricus")When Valerian was captured in 260, and Gallienus could do nothing about it, the Roman governor of [Syria](https://www.worldhistory.org/syria/), Odaenathus, raised an army and attacked the Persians. Although he failed to free Valerian, he did push the Persian forces back from the borders of the eastern side of the Roman Empire. He further served Gallienus by helping put down a rebellion inside the empire by a would-be usurper, and for these efforts, Gallienus made him governor of the entire eastern part of the empire, which ran from Syria down through the [Levant](https://www.worldhistory.org/levant/). Odaenathus was killed on a hunting trip in 266/267, and his wife Zenobia became regent for their young son Vaballathus. Zenobia, like Postumus, was careful not to alienate her realm from Rome or antagonize the emperor but entered into negotiations with neighboring states, annexed [Egypt](https://www.worldhistory.org/egypt/), issued her own currency, and had herself and her son addressed by titles reserved only for the ruling family of Rome. She had her own court, her own seal, her own commander-in-chief, and her own army, and was empress of her own empire in everything but official title. She seems to have hoped, like Postumus, that by remaining on good terms with Rome and performing military services which only benefited the empire, she would be left alone to rule her region and her son might one day be chosen emperor. Zenobia was, in fact, left alone while the emperors of Rome were engaged in their perpetual warfare with outside threats and each other, but when Aurelian came to power, he turned his attention east as quickly as possible. At the [Battle of Immae](https://www.worldhistory.org/Battle_of_Immae/) in 272, he defeated Zenobia's forces and drove her back to Emessa, where, in a second engagement, he was again victorious. With Zenobia defeated and her Palmyrene Empire again joined to Rome, Aurelian marched west and defeated Tetricus I in 274, ending the Gallic Empire. Aurelian showed mercy to both Zenobia and Tetricus I, as well as most of the cities and towns he marched on, and after restoring the empire, set himself to the task of remedying the underlying causes of the Crisis of the Third Century. It is likely that he thought his show of mercy to his enemies would dissuade future rebellions, but he never found out, as he was assassinated in 275 by his commanders. ### Diocletian's Reforms The Crisis of the Third Century and the reign of barracks emperors would continue after Aurelian until Diocletian came to power in 284. Diocletian developed the policies of the best of the barracks emperors, Gallienus and Aurelian, in reforming the military, tightening the borders of the empire, and also introducing reforms in currency and the government. His tetrarchy (rule of four) divided the operation of the government between two men who had successors already in place when they took their positions; this ensured ease of succession and prevented the rise of would-be usurpers. The time of the crisis and the barracks emperors passed into history as Diocletian went further in dividing the empire into two – the [Eastern Roman Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Empire/) and the [Western Roman Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/Western_Roman_Empire/) – as he realized the realm had grown too vast to be governed by one man or even by four. The mistake made by most of the barracks emperors was the belief that one could wield political power primarily for one's individual benefit rather than the good of one's state and fellow citizens. Consequently, they could easily be replaced when their methods or personal choices no longer suited the military or citizens. Neither of these groups had anything to lose in replacing one selfish ruler with another more to their liking. This model became so accepted that not even the best of the emperors could feel secure in their positions. Only after Diocletian's reforms would the model change and ensure the future of Rome for the next generations. #### Editorial Review This human-authored definition has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/). ## Bibliography - [Collins, R. *Early Medieval Europe, 300-1000.* Palgrave Macmillan, 1999.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/0312218869/) - [Grant, M. *Readings in the Classical Historians.* Scribner, 1993.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/0684192454/) - [Grant, M. *The Climax of Rome.* Phoenician Paper, 1997.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/0753801795/) - [Hill, D. *Ancient Rome: From the Republic to the Empire.* Parragon Books, 2012.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/1405487941/) - [Kelly, C. *The Roman Empire.* Oxford University Press, 2012.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/B01NAOGJOV/) - [Polybius. *The Rise of the Roman Empire.* Penguin Classics, 1980.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/0140443622/) ## About the Author Joshua J. Mark is World History Encyclopedia's co-founder and Content Director. He was previously a professor at Marist College (NY) where he taught history, philosophy, literature, and writing. He has traveled extensively and lived in Greece and Germany. - [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/pub/joshua-j-mark/38/614/339) ## Timeline - **235 CE - 284 CE**: The [Crisis of the Third Century](https://www.worldhistory.org/Crisis_of_the_Third_Century/) in [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/); period of the [barracks emperors](https://www.worldhistory.org/Barracks_Emperors/). - **Mar 235 CE - May 238 CE**: Reign of [Roman emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Emperor/) [Maximinus Thrax](https://www.worldhistory.org/Maximinus_Thrax/). - **18 Mar 235 CE**: Assassination of [Alexander Severus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Alexander_Severus/) and his mother, which begins crisis and period of [barracks emperors](https://www.worldhistory.org/Barracks_Emperors/). - **238 CE - 244 CE**: Reign of [Gordian III](https://www.worldhistory.org/Gordian_Emperors/) in [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/). - **22 Mar 238 CE - 12 Apr 238 CE**: Reign of [Gordian I](https://www.worldhistory.org/Gordian_Emperors/) and [Gordian II](https://www.worldhistory.org/Gordian_Emperors/) in [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/). - **Apr 238 CE - Jul 238 CE**: Reign of Balbinus and Pupienus in [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/). - **244 CE - 249 CE**: Reign of [Philip the Arab](https://www.worldhistory.org/Philip_the_Arab/) in [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/). - **249 CE - 251 CE**: Reign of [Decius](https://www.worldhistory.org/Decius/) in [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/). - **251 CE**: Reign of Hostilian in [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/). - **251 CE - 253 CE**: Reign of Gallus in [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/). - **253 CE**: Reign of Aemilianus in [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/). - **253 CE - 260 CE**: Reign of [Roman emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Emperor/) [Valerian](https://www.worldhistory.org/valerian/) with his son [Gallienus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Gallienus/) as co-emperor. - **253 CE - 268 CE**: Reign of [Gallienus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Gallienus/) in [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/). - **260 CE - 269 CE**: [Postumus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Postumus/) rules the "breakaway" Gallic [Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/empire/). - **268 CE - 270 CE**: Reign of [Claudius](https://www.worldhistory.org/claudius/) Gothicus in [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/). - **c. 270 CE - 272 CE**: [Zenobia](https://www.worldhistory.org/zenobia/) rules the "breakaway" Palmyrene [Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/empire/). - **Sep 270 CE - c. Sep 275 CE**: Reign of [Roman emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Emperor/) [Aurelian](https://www.worldhistory.org/Aurelian/). - **271 CE - 274 CE**: Tetricus I rules the Gallic [Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/empire/) until defeated by [Aurelian](https://www.worldhistory.org/Aurelian/). - **275 CE - 276 CE**: Reign of [Tacitus](https://www.worldhistory.org/tacitus/) in [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/). - **276 CE**: Reign of Florianus in [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/). - **276 CE - 282 CE**: Reign of Probus in [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/). - **282 CE - 283 CE**: Reign of Carus in [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/). - **283 CE - 285 CE**: Reign of Numerian and Carinus in [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/). - **284 CE - 305 CE**: Reign of [Diocletian](https://www.worldhistory.org/Diocletian/) who resolves the [Crisis of the Third Century](https://www.worldhistory.org/Crisis_of_the_Third_Century/) and eventually divides the [Roman Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Empire/) for easier management. ## Questions & Answers ### What were the barracks emperors during the Roman Empire? The barracks emperors were military commanders who became emperors during the Crisis of the Third Century. The term "barracks emperors" is a modern designation. ### What was wrong with the rule of the barracks emperors of Rome? The barracks emperors came to power through their popularity with the military and only held power as long as they remained popular. Once they were seen as weak or ineffective, they were assassinated, and someone else was chosen. ### Who was the most effective of the barracks emperors of Rome? The most effective barracks emperor of Rome was Aurelian, who conquered the Gallic Empire and Palmyrene Empire, uniting both under the Roman Empire. ### Who ended the reign of the barracks emperors of Rome? Diocletian ended the period of the barracks emperors of Rome and also resolved the Crisis of the Third Century. ## External Links - [List of Rulers of the Roman Empire | Lists of Rulers | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History | The Metropolitan Museum of Art](https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/roru/hd_roru.htm) - [Crisis of the Third Century of the Roman Empire - Roman Empire](https://roman-empire.net/rise-and-fall/crisis-of-the-third-century-of-the-roman-empire) - [BBC - History - Ancient History in depth: Third Century Crisis of the Roman Empire](https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/romans/thirdcenturycrisis_article_01.shtml) - [Cultures | Crisis of the Third Century](https://romanhistory.org/cultures/crisis-of-the-third-century) ## Cite This Work ### APA Mark, J. J. (2026, February 10). The Barracks Emperors: Instability of Populist Rule. *World History Encyclopedia*. [https://www.worldhistory.org/Barracks\_Emperors/](https://www.worldhistory.org/Barracks_Emperors/) ### Chicago Mark, Joshua J.. "The Barracks Emperors: Instability of Populist Rule." *World History Encyclopedia*, February 10, 2026. [https://www.worldhistory.org/Barracks\_Emperors/](https://www.worldhistory.org/Barracks_Emperors/). ### MLA Mark, Joshua J.. "The Barracks Emperors: Instability of Populist Rule." *World History Encyclopedia*, 10 Feb 2026, [https://www.worldhistory.org/Barracks\_Emperors/](https://www.worldhistory.org/Barracks_Emperors/). ## License & Copyright Submitted by [Joshua J. Mark](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/JPryst/ "User Page: Joshua J. Mark"), published on 10 February 2026. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/deed.en). 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