When was Marcus Aurelius Claudius born?
Marcus Aurelius Claudius was born on the 10th of May in 214. Some researchers suggest a later date of 219 or 220, yet most historians adhere to the first version.
Marcus Aurelius Claudius was born on the 10th of May in 214. Some researchers suggest a later date of 219 or 220, yet most historians adhere to the first version.
The Battle of Naissus earned Claudius his surname of Gothicus meaning conqueror of the Goths. He and his cavalry commander Aurelian routed a huge Gothic army and destroyed their cavalry as a force entirely.
Claudius fell victim to the Plague of Cyprian possibly smallpox early in 270. He died after succumbing to this pestilence that ravaged the provinces of the Empire.
His brother Quintillus briefly seized power instead of Aurelian whom Claudius is thought to have named as his successor before death. The Senate immediately deified Claudius as Divus Claudius Gothicus.
Historians must use the Historia Augusta with extreme caution while supplementing it with information from other sources like Aurelius Victor or Zosimus because the collection is riddled with fabrications and obsequious praises. An obscure passage suggests he was thought to be a bastard son of Gordian II yet many doubt this theory today.