Aurelian was Roman emperor from 270 to 275 CE. He was one of the so-called Barracks Emperors, chosen by the Roman army during the turbulent period known as the Crisis of the Third Century (235-284 CE). Besides victories against various invading tribes, he successfully restored the Roman Empire by bringing the breakaway territories of the Gallic Empire and Palmyra back under Roman control, which earned him the title restitutor orbis ('Restorer of the World'). In order to defend Rome, he ordered the construction of the Aurelian Walls around the city, many parts of which are remarkably well-preserved thanks to their continued use as defensive structures well into the 19th century CE.
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Definition
Timeline
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c. Sep 214 CE - c. Sep 275 CELife of Aurelian, Roman emperor.
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235 CE - 284 CEThe Crisis of the Third Century in Rome; period of the Barracks Emperors.
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c. 270 CEZenobia breaks away from Roman Empire to found Palmyrene Empire.
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Sep 270 CE - c. Sep 275 CEReign of Roman emperor Aurelian.
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271 CEAurelian defends the Roman Empire against Juthungi, Alamanni, and Marcomanni incursions.
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271 CE - 274 CETetricus I rules the Gallic Empire until defeated by Aurelian.
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272 CE - 273 CEAurelian successfully campaigns against Palmyra.
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272 CEThe Battle of Immae between the Roman forces under Aurelian and the Palmyrenes under Zenobia in which Rome triumphed.
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272 CEAurelian defeats Zenobia at the Battle of Emesa; Palmyrene Empire falls to Rome.
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273 CEZenobia is defeated by Aurelian and brought to Rome.
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274 CEAurelian defeats the forces of Tetricus I at the Battle of Chalons; Gallic Empire falls to Rome.
