Those who live by the sword die by the sword. This old cliche could well have been phrased after the life and death of Aemilian. When Trebonianus Gallus's hold on power had weakened after a series of setbacks, the troops of Aemilian who were battling barbarians along the Danube, declared him Augustus and he seized the opportunity to try to depose Gallus. The plan worked just as expected and Aemilian subsequently enjoyed a brief reign. Valerian, one of the generals commissioned under Gallus, heard of the news and refused to accept the new emperor. Finding it favorable among his own troops, he was promptly declared emperor himself and headed to Rome to settle the score. Aemilian for his part answered the challenge and went with his army to confront Valerian. When it became evident that Valerian's forces were larger, however, his soldiers killed him rather than risk their own lives.
RIC 2b, Cohen 10 AR Antoninianus Obv: IMPAEMILIANVSPIVSFELAVG Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: DIANAEVICTRI Diana standing frontal, head left, holding arrow and bow. Lot sold for $125 3/18/02.
