Postume

Marcus Cassianus Latinius Postumus or Postume is a Gallic general who was made proclaim emperor in Gaulle between 259/260 and 268/269. These dates remain vague, because the chronology of this period is difficult to establish with certainty.

Gallic of modest origin, whose birthplace Deusone was identified with Diessen in the Netherlands, it is towards 258 governor of a province de Gaulle (perhaps the Gaulle Belgium, but it is not attested), when the Rhenish Limes is the subject of a double attack: the Alamans invade the Rhétie, the Francs cross the lower Rhine. The emperor Gallien organizes defense, intervening itself in Rhétie and trustful with Postume the counter-attack on the Francs. Gallien entrusts the protection of the higher Rhine, calmer intermediate sector, with its young person wire Salonin who receives the title of César, and which is assisted of the Silvanus general.

Postume brilliantly beats the Francs, its troops enthusiastic are ready to proclaim it emperor. Gallien by precaution names his/her son Auguste, Postume reacts: it attacks Cologne, captures and carries out Salonin and Silvanus, then takes the title of emperor, into 259 or 260 (historical chronology difficult to establish).

Contrary to other usurpers, Postume does not go on Rome to make confirm its title by the Roman Sénat. On its side, Gallien is monopolized too much by Alamans, then by the usurpation of Régillien in Pannonia. A tacit agreement of non-aggression is established, with the advantage of each one: Gallien is discharged from the defense of the Rhine, Postume controls without candidate the Brittany, the Spain and the major part of Gaulle, except part of the Gaulle Narbonnese which remains faithful to Gallien.

Postume creates what one will call the Empire of Gaules, and establishes its capital in Cologne. It would be nevertheless adventurous to regard this empire as a Celtic or Gallic independence rebellion against Rome, as certain historians ventured it. Postume is Gallic, but perfectly romanized: its currencies are in conformity with the imperial coining with currencies in Latin, it create a senate, name consuls and behave like perfect a imperator. Like the other emperors, it tries to found a dynasty by giving to the title of Auguste to his Postume son the young person.

In 268 (or 269), the end of Postume testifies to the degree of insubordination which prevails in the armies of the Empire. With the beginning of the year, Lélien revolts with Mainz. Postume goes on Mainz and captive fact Lélien and carries out it. The soldiers want to pay themselves in spoils by plundering Mainz. Postume refuses to thus deliver a Roman city and a fortified town defending the Rhine. The quarrel goes up, a sedition massacres Postume, its Postume son the Young person and their personal guard.

See too

Empire of Gaules
Marius

Reference

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