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Postumus of Gaul
Postumus Antoninianus
Emperor of Gaul, Lower Germania, and Britannia
Gallic Emperor 260-274
Predecessor None
Successor Marius
Consort Adela
Issue
Adela the Younger - Marius - Augustus - Alexandrius - Attia
Full name
Marcus Cassianius Latinius Postumus
Nobility Augustinian Dynasty
Born circa 233
Lutetia, Gaul
Died July 274
Camulodunum, Britannia
Occupation Emperor of Gaul
Religion Hellenism


Imperator Postumus (233?-260-274) was a western Roman emperor of provincial origin. He usurped power from Gallienus around the year 260 and assumed the title and powers of emperor in the western provinces of Gaul, Germania, and Britannia. He ruled until his death from mortal battle wounds in July 274.

Biography[]

Afterwards Postumus declared himself Emperor with the support of his legion in Gaul. His power was uncontested throughout Gaul. He was also recognized as Emperor in much of Britannia. He did not campaign to control Rome, but instead wanted to reform Gaul. He officially made Lutetia the capital in 261 and went on to consolidate power throughout his new empire. He reformed the government and military, to make sure loyalty was to him. Postumus changed the color of aristocracy to blue and also used a platinum laurel wreath as his crown. A new Senate was created, however elections were held and the senators were voted into office. These positions were held for life - unless they resign or are forcefully ousted by a ⅔ vote of confidence from the other senators. He was also the first to really create the idea of an imperial family - his wife was given the title Regina (Empress) and their children were given the title Princeps.

After crushing a major revolt in 268, he went on numerous campaigns to consolidate power. He managed to put down a potential usurper, Laelianus, in 269 and would seek to make sure that his son would become the next Imperator. Postumus notably hired record keepers to record taxes, births, marriages, and elections. As per royal decree, the naming system was permanently altered (May 269) - it simply became a first name and family name.

He also notably allowed other languages and religions to flourish throughout his empire. This was supplanted by his first doctrine in 272; all adult male inhabitants throughout his empire were given citizenship with full voting rights.

His rule was soon troubled by revolters in lower Britannia in 274. He set sail and landed in June 274. His army was victorious at putting down the revolt, however he died at the Battle for Britannia in late July 274. He was succeeded by his eldest son, Marius I.

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