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— CH. 1 · BATAVIAN ORIGINS AND RISE —

Postumus

~4 min read · Ch. 1 of 6
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  • Marcus Cassianius Latinius Postumus emerged from the Batavian State, a region in modern-day Netherlands. His coinage honored deities like Hercules Magusanus and Hercules Deusoniensis. These gods were popular among the Batavians. Hercules Magusanus likely translated the Germanic deity Þunraz. Hercules Deusoniensis may refer to Deuso, a town near Batavian territory. Scholars hypothesize Postumus was born in Deuso. From these provincial origins, he rose through army ranks. He commanded Roman forces among the Celts. His precise title remains unknown. Emperor Valerian may have promoted him as imperial legate of Germania Inferior. Postumus gained favor at court. He received an honorary consulship. By 259, Valerian campaigned against Persians. Gallienus managed the Danubian frontier. The emperor left his son Saloninus and commanders like Postumus to guard the Rhine.

  • The year 260 marked a turning point for Gaul. A Juthungian army returned from Italy laden with prisoners. They had been repulsed by Gallienus at Mediolanum. Under Postumus and Marcus Simplicinius Genialis, the Roman army crushed the Juthungi. Postumus distributed captured spoils to his legions. Saloninus demanded transfer of booty to Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium. Silvanus coordinated policy alongside Postumus. The praetorian prefect advised transferring wealth to Cologne. Postimus assembled his army. He made a show of reluctantly enforcing the command. This invited troops to throw off allegiance to Gallienus. Soldiers proclaimed Postumus emperor. They besieged Colonia, trapping Saloninus and Silvanus. After breaching walls, Postumus ordered their deaths. Supporters later claimed native Gauls committed the murders. He erected a triumphal arch to celebrate victory. The revolt began when the army in Gaul rejected Gallienus's authority around mid-260.

  • Postumus established his capital in northern Gaul. Cities like Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium or Augusta Treverorum likely served as seats of power. He assumed office of consul alongside Honoratianus. He became pontifex maximus of the state. Tribunician power renewed each year starting December 10. A senate may have formed based on Council of Three Gauls. Victorinus, future Gallic emperor, led part of the Pretorian Guard. Administration rapidly became Gallicized. Chief members included Tetricus and Victorinus. Coins issued by Postumus showed better workmanship than those of Gallienus. Silver content was higher due to control of Spanish and British mines. Master minters arrived with Gallienus but worked for Postumus. His coin types celebrated peaceful themes after victories. An aureus issue featured triple portraits possibly depicting wife and sons. The 'Labours of Hercules' series honored his favorite god. Full-face portraits appeared on some gold coins instead of profile views.

  • In 262 and 263, Postumus fought successful campaigns against Franks and Alemanni. Following victory over them in 263, coin-types celebrated peace. Felicitas Augusti appeared on issues for some time. He spent four years pushing Franks out of Gaul. Later he recruited Frankish troops to fight other Franks. These units dispersed within existing Roman army formations. His principal objective remained defense of Rhine frontier. Ancient authors declared he restored past security levels. Control of mining regions proved crucial for stability. The year 265 saw triumphal commemoration of victory over Gallienus. Festivities celebrating quinquennalia continued into following year. Archaeological evidence points to general return to peace from 265 to 268. A milestone found in Vitoria-Gasteiz bears inscription naming him emperor. Such military successes secured the region for a decade.

  • For four years Gallienus stayed distracted by eastern invasions. In 265 he launched campaign to defeat Postumus. First attempt failed when Aureolus carelessly allowed escape. Aureolus faced demotion then turned against Gallienus in 267. Second campaign led by Gallienus himself seemed advantageous. While besieging city in Gaul, perhaps Augusta Treverorum, Gallienus was wounded. He forced withdrawal after injury. Zonaras cites ancient authority for these events. Gallienus occupied with crises elsewhere did not confront Postumus again. By end of 265 coin issues commemorated victory over rival. Postumus made clear priority was Gaul, not Rome. Marching against Gallienus would expose heartland to Germanic tribes. He hoped for official recognition from Gallienus. Forms and titles remained conventionally Roman. He did not revive first-century dream of independent Galliarum imperium. Power base stayed firmly within western provinces throughout conflict.

  • Year 268 brought sudden debasement of coinage. Disruption of silver production in Spanish mines likely caused trouble. Need to buy off discontented army also contributed. Aureolus rebelled and declared for Postumus. City of Mediolanum and hinterland critical if planning march on Rome. Postumus failed to support Aureolus who was defeated by Gallienus. Before summer ended, Gallienus assassinated. Claudius II captured and killed Aureolus. Sequence began ending Postumus rule in Gaul. He assumed fifth consulship the 1st of January 269. Army in Germania Superior raised Laelianus as usurper early that year. Laelianus governor declared emperor in Mogontiacum. Local garrison and surrounding troops supported him. Within months Postumus captured Mogontiacum and killed Laelianus. Soldiers wanted sack city when Postimus tried restraining them. Troops turned on him and killed him. Mutineers set up Marius common soldier as emperor. Marius held sway briefly before Victorinus overthrew him. Gallic Empire lost Hispania during turmoil.

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Common questions

Where was Marcus Cassianius Latinius Postumus born and what were his origins?

Marcus Cassianius Latinius Postumus emerged from the Batavian State, a region in modern-day Netherlands. Scholars hypothesize he was born in Deuso, a town near Batavian territory.

When did the Gallic emperor Postumus become ruler of Gaul and how did he gain power?

The revolt began when the army in Gaul rejected Gallienus's authority around mid-260. Soldiers proclaimed Postumus emperor after he besieged Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium and ordered the deaths of Saloninus and Silvanus.

What capital cities did Postumus use to govern the Gallic Empire between 260 and 269?

Postumus established his capital in northern Gaul with cities like Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium or Augusta Treverorum likely serving as seats of power. He assumed office of consul alongside Honoratianus while administration rapidly became Gallicized.

How long did Postumus rule the Gallic Empire before his death in 269?

Postumus ruled for four years starting from 260 until he was killed by mutinous troops within months of assuming his fifth consulship on the 1st of January 269. His rule ended after soldiers turned on him following the capture of Mogontiacum.

Why did Postumus refuse to march against Rome despite being a rival emperor to Gallienus?

Postumus made clear priority was Gaul, not Rome because marching against Gallienus would expose heartland to Germanic tribes. He hoped for official recognition from Gallienus while keeping his power base firmly within western provinces throughout conflict.

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All sources

39 references cited across the entry

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