Background
He was the principal general under Claudius Gothicus and upon the death of Claudius in 270 Aurelian was proclaimed emperor by the army. His claim to the throne was subsequently recognized by the Senate. The reign of Aurelian was remarkable for many brilliant military successes: he repelled the barbarians on the Danubian frontier, quelled a revolt in Egypt, and restored Gaul to the Roman Empire. In the East he destroyed the kingdom of Palmyra in two rapid campaigns and brought Queen Zenobia to Rome as his captive. In addition to restoring the unity of the Roman Empire, Aurelian fortified Rome with a strong wall 12 miles (19.3 km) in circumference, reformed the badly depreciated imperial currency, and made the widespread military cult of the sun the state religion. Aurelian was assassinated as the result of a conspiracy at court in 275.