Gallienus in Roman Biography

Gal-li-e'nus, [Fr. Gallien, gfle-aN',] (Publius Li- Cinius Valerius,) a Roman emperor, born about 233 A.D., was a son of the emperor Valerian, who admitted him to a share in the empire in 253. Valerian having been defeated and taken prisoner by the Persians in 260 A.D., Gallienus succeeded to the throne. He made no effort to liberate his father from captivity, and disgraced himself by his cruelty and profligacy. His frontiers were invaded by barbarian armies, while Ingenuus, Aureolus, and other Roman generals revolted in different parts of the empire. After he had defeated Aureolus in battle, a conspiracy was formed against Gallienus by his own officers. During the siege of Milan, 26S a.d., "he received a mortal dart from an uncertain hand," says Gibbon, who thus describes him: "He was master of several curious but useless sciences, a ready orator, an elegant poet, a skilful gardener, an excellent cook, and a most contemptible prince." He was succeeded by Claudius II. See Gibbon, "Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire ;" Tillemont, " Histoire des Empereurs;" Eckhel, "Doctrina Nnmmorum."