bpv_548998 - TRAJAN DECIUS Tétradrachme syro-phénicien

Trajan Decius

(07/249-06/251) Caius Messius Quintus Traianus Decius

Decius was born in 201 in Lower Pannonia. After a brilliant career that opened the doors of the Senate, he was governor of Lower Moesia under the reign of Alexander Severus. At the end of the reign of Philip, winner of the Danube barbarian hordes, it is proclaimed august despite his refusal. He wrote to Philip, who does not believe and work against him. Philip and his son are killed in the battle that took place near Verona. Decius attached to his name this prestigious, Trajan. After a stint in Rome, Decius went on the Danube limes who deserted leaked Goths ravaging the Danubian provinces which the Emperor was born. It fails to stem the invasion. From 250, a new plague ravaging the Empire, the plague that decimated population and herds and further weakens the limes. He began a persecution against Christians in 250 (Polyeuctes, Corneille). The following year, he focuses on the limes, beats the Goths, but his son is killed. He finds himself wanting to avenge death. He is the first emperor to fall in battle against the Barbarians.