Editing Volusianus (section)

==History==
Volusianus was the son of [[Trebonianus Gallus]],{{sfn|Adkins|Adkins|2014|p=28}} who was named emperor in July 251 after his predecessors, Decius and [[Herennius Etruscus]], died fighting the [[Goths]] at the [[Battle of Abritus]].{{sfn|Adkins|Adkins|2014|p=28}}{{sfn|Bunson|2014|pp=255–256}}{{sfn|Salisbury|Mattingly|1924|p=16}} Elected by the troops in the field, Gallus signed a treaty, decried by contemporary historians as "shameful", which promised tribute to the Goths if they abstained from raiding.{{sfn|Kean|Frey|2012|p=355}} He subsequently made a bid for popularity by declaring [[Hostilian]], the surviving son of Decius, ''augustus'' (emperor) with him, voluntarily sharing his power with the prior imperial family. Later, still in July 251, Gallus elevated Volusianus to ''[[Caesar (title)|caesar]]'' (heir-apparent).{{sfn|Adkins|Adkins|2014|p=28}} Volusianus was wed to Hostilian's sister, of an unknown name.{{sfn|Vagi|2000|p=342}}

Hostilian died in July or August 251.{{sfn|Peachin|1990|pp=33-34}} The reason for his death is disputed:{{sfn|Salisbury|Mattingly|1924|p=16}} [[Aurelius Victor]] and the author of the ''[[Epitome de Caesaribus]]'' both say that Hostilian died of a plague, but [[Zosimus (historian)|Zosimus]] claims that Trebonianus Gallus murdered the young ''augustus'' so that Volusianus could take his place.{{sfn|Manders|2012|p=18}} Regardless of circumstances, Volusianus subsequently received the rank of ''augustus''. He was made consul in 252, alongside Trebonianus Gallus, and in 253, alongside [[Lucius Valerius Poplicola Balbinus Maximus|Valerius Maximus]].{{sfn|Cooley|2012|p=477}}{{sfn|Cooley|2012|p=498}} The same plague that killed Hostilian devastated the rest of Rome, although Trebonianus Gallus gained much popularity by ensuring that all of the plague victims were given proper burials, regardless of their social status.{{sfn|Kean|Frey|2012|p=355}} During the reign of Trebonianus Gallus and Volusianus, the [[Roman persecution of Christians|persecution of Christians]] was not as extreme as it was under Decius, although [[Pope Cornelius]] was exiled in 252{{nbsp}}AD.{{sfn|Conway|1957|p=12}} [[Novatian]] was also forced to flee Rome during this period of persecution.{{sfn|Marthaler|2003|p=464}} Trebonianus Gallus and Volusianus issued only two imperial [[rescript]]s during their reign.{{sfn|Ando|2012|p=195}}

During the shared reign of Trebonianus Gallus and Volusianus, the Roman Empire was invaded by both the Goths and the [[Sassanids]]. Both co-emperors chose to stay in Rome rather than confront the invasions themselves.{{sfn|Vagi|2000|p=342}}{{sfn|Adkins|Adkins|2014|p=28}}{{sfn|Newton|2014|p=826}}{{sfn|Truhart|2000|p=347}}{{sfn|Bird|1993|p=138}}{{sfn|Kean|Frey|2012|p=355}} The Sassanids attacked in 252, quickly overrunning [[Roman Mesopotamia|Mesopotamia]], and defeated the Romans at the [[Battle of Barbalissos]], near [[Barbalissos]] in the province of [[Euphratensis]] (modern day [[Syria]]). They advanced into Roman territory as far as [[Antioch]], which was captured in 253 after a prolonged siege.{{sfn|Kean|Frey|2012|p=355}} In 253, the Goths invaded [[Moesia Inferior]], as the new governor, [[Aemilian]], had refused to pay the tribute to them. The Goths split into two bands, with one raiding the cities of Moesia Inferior and [[Thracia]], and the other crossing into [[Asia Minor]] as far as [[Ephesus]].{{sfn|Kean|Frey|2012|p=355}}

Aemilian succeeded in repelling the Goths, slaughtering many and forcing the rest back across the [[Danube]]. The prestige of this victory was so great that Aemilian's soldiers spontaneously declared him emperor, in opposition to Trebonianus Gallus and Volusianus.{{sfn|Kean|Frey|2012|p=355}} When the news reached Rome, Gallus and Volusianus called for reinforcements from [[Valerian (emperor)|Valerian]], the future emperor, who had been strengthening the empire's defences on the [[Rhine]]. Aemilian marched to Italy at a rapid pace, arriving before Valerian could such send any assistance. The troops available to the co-emperors feared fighting the much stronger forces of Aemilian. To forestall the battle, they mutinied, killing Gallus and Volusianus at [[Terni|Interamna]], in [[Umbria]], in August 253.{{sfn|Adkins|Adkins|2014|p=28}}{{sfn|Newton|2014|p=826}}{{sfn|Truhart|2000|p=347}} The ''[[Chronography of 354]]'' says the co-emperors ruled for a total of two years, four months, and nine days.{{sfn|Bird|1993|p=138}}