Italy: Icon of Gallienus (218-268), 41st Roman emperor, from the book Icones imperatorvm romanorvm (Icons of Roman Emperors), Antwerp, c. 1645

Gallienus (218-268) was the son of Emperor Valerian, and initially served as co-emperor alongside his father in 253, dividing the Roman Empire between them. While Valerian dealt with the East, Gallienus was tasked with dealing with the Germanic tribes of the West.

After Valerian's defeat and capture at the Battle of Edessa by the Sassanid Empire in 260, Gallienus became sole emperor and had to contend with multiple uprisings and revolts by various governors declaring themselves emperor. One of the most severe revolts Gallienus faced was by General Postumus in the west, who claimed the provinces of Britain and Spain, as well as large swathes of Germania and Gaul, forming the Gallic Empire.

Gallienus was eventually murdered by his own officials in 268 while besieging Milan in a fight against yet another revolt. His inability to defeat the Gallic Empire and retake Gaul would leave him with an unfavourable reputation by historians, while his military reforms and limits on senate power would become important for future emperors.

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