--- title: The Barracks Emperors of Rome, 235 - 284 CE author: Simeon Netchev source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/17389/the-barracks-emperors-of-rome-235---284-ce/ format: machine-readable-alternate license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0) updated: 2025-07-29 --- # The Barracks Emperors of Rome, 235 - 284 CE _Authored by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/)_ ## Image File [![The Barracks Emperors of Rome, 235 - 284 CE](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/17389.png)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/17389.png) ## Image Caption This infographic illustrates the [Crisis of the Third Century](https://www.worldhistory.org/Crisis_of_the_Third_Century/) (235 to 284 CE), a period of chaos in the [Roman Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Empire/) marked by rapid turnover of emperors, military coups, invasions, and economic collapse. The term “Barracks Emperors” refers to the many rulers elevated by the army during this era, often reigning briefly before being overthrown or killed. The imperial throne changed hands dozens of times, revealing the instability and fragmentation of [Roman](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Roman/) authority. Following the assassination of Emperor [Severus Alexander](https://www.worldhistory.org/Alexander_Severus/) in 235 CE, the [empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/empire/) descended into crisis as military commanders seized power with little regard for dynastic continuity or senatorial legitimacy. Some of these emperors, such as [Decius](https://www.worldhistory.org/Decius/) (reign 249 to 251 CE), [Valerian](https://www.worldhistory.org/valerian/) (reign 253 to 260 CE), and [Gallienus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Gallienus/) (reign 253 to 268 CE), came from the senatorial class, while others rose from humble or provincial origins. External threats from the [Sassanid Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/Sasanian_Empire/), Germanic tribes, and internal revolts further destabilized the realm. The crisis persisted until the ascension of [Diocletian](https://www.worldhistory.org/Diocletian/) in 284 CE, whose administrative reforms and consolidation of power helped restore order and end the era of military anarchy. #### Editorial Review This human-authored image 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/). ## About the Author Simeon is a freelance visual designer and history educator, passionate about the human stories that shape the past. - [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/simeon-netchev/) ## Cite This Work ### APA Netchev, S. (2023, May 12). The Barracks Emperors of Rome, 235 - 284 CE. *World History Encyclopedia*. ### Chicago Netchev, Simeon. "The Barracks Emperors of Rome, 235 - 284 CE." *World History Encyclopedia*, May 12, 2023. . ### MLA Netchev, Simeon. "The Barracks Emperors of Rome, 235 - 284 CE." *World History Encyclopedia*, 12 May 2023, . ## License & Copyright Submitted by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/ "User Page: Simeon Netchev"), published on 12 May 2023. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0deed.en). This licence only allows others to download this content and share it with others as long as the author is credited, but they can't change the content in any way or use it commercially. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.