Quintillus
| Quintillus | |||||
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| 43rd Emperor of the Roman Empire | |||||
| Reign | 270 (17–177 days) | ||||
| Predecessor | Claudius II | ||||
| Successor | Aurelian | ||||
| Born | c. 212 Sirmium, Pannonia Inferior (present-day Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia) |
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| Died | 270 (aged 58) Aquileia, Italia |
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| Issue | 2 sons | ||||
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| Full name | |
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| Marcus Aurelius Claudius Quintillus (from birth to accession); Marcus Aurelius Claudius Quintillus Augustus (as emperor) |
Quintillus (Latin: Marcus Aurelius Claudius Quintillus Augustus; c. 212 – April 270) was Roman Emperor for a few months in 270.
Quintillus was born at Sirmium in Pannonia Inferior. Originating from a low-born family, Quintillus came to prominence with the accession of his brother Claudius II Gothicus to the imperial throne in 268. Quintillus was possibly made Procurator of Sardinia during his brother’s reign. He was declared emperor either by the Senate or by his brother’s soldiers upon the latter's death in 270.
Eutropius reports Quintillus to have been elected by soldiers of the Roman army immediately following the death of his brother. The choice was reportedly approved by the Roman Senate. Joannes Zonaras reports him elected by the Senate itself. Records however agree that the legions which had followed Claudius in campaigning along the Danube were either unaware or disapproving of Quintillus' elevation. They instead elevated their current leader Aurelian as emperor.
The few records of Quintillus' reign are contradictory. They disagree on the length of his reign, variously reported to have lasted as few as 17 days and as many as 177 days (about six months). Records also disagree on the cause of his death. Historia Augusta reports him murdered by his own soldiers in reaction to his strict military discipline.Jerome reports him killed, presumably in conflict with Aurelian.John of Antioch and Joannes Zonaras reported Quintillus to have committed suicide by opening his veins and bleeding himself to death. John reports the suicide to have been assisted by a physician.Claudius Salmasius pointed that Dexippus recorded the death without stating causes. All records however agree in placing the death at Aquileia.
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