| Name | Gaius Vibius Afinius Gallus Veldumnianus Volusianus |
|---|---|
| Ruled as | Gaius Vibius Volusianus Augustus |
| Reign | 251 – 253 CE |
| Born | c. 230 CE |
| Died | 253 CE |
Volusianus was born in about 230 CE and was the son of Emperor Trebonian Gala, with whom he co-ruled the Roman state in the years 251-253 CE His mother was Afinia Gemina Baebiana. He allegedly had a sister, Wibia Galla.
In June 251 CE Emperor Decius died, which brought Trebonian Gallus to the throne. After taking over the government, he adopted Hostilian, which ensured himself the legitimacy of power and recognized him as a co-governor. He made his son Volusianus Caesar and Princeps Juventutis.
In the same year, 251 CE Hostilian died unexpectedly from the plague. His place on the throne alongside his father was taken by Volusianus, who was awarded the title of Augustus. They both came to rule in hard times for the Empire. In 252 CE King Shapur I of Persia launched an offensive on the eastern flank of the Roman Empire and captured the province of Syria and its capital Antioch.
As the Roman borders were invaded by the Persians from the east, there was a conflict with the Goths in the north. The governor of Upper Moesia – Marcus Emilius Emilian – did not agree to pay the annual tribute to this tribe, which he negotiated at any rate in 251 CE. Trebonian to calm the Danube border. The Goths invaded Lower Moesia but were finally defeated by Emilian’s troops.
Grateful soldiers proclaimed their leader emperor, and he immediately went to Rome. Trebonian and Volusianus at the head of the troops stepped out against the usurper. The emperor gave the order that his army should be joined by legions under the command of Publius Licinius Valerian of Germania (in fact, they never came as support).
In 253 CE Trebonian’s army encountered Emilian’s army at Interamna. Afraid of the enemy and Emilian’s decisive movements, the soldiers killed Trebonian and his son Volusianus.
