Valerian: The Weight of Tradition

Valerian ascended to the throne in 253 and many in Rome hoped that the wise elder statesman could resolve the crisis that had been eroding Roman power and civic cohesion for decades. But though Valerian and his son Gallienus would embark on ambitious reforms in their bid to save the state (including military reorganization and the persecution of Christians), the two would ultimately fall short and be counted as only the latest in a long line of imperial failures as the tragic 3rd century wore on. The shameful death of Valerian as a captive in Persia is well known, but this history documentary explores his rise to power and offers an analysis of his life and times to explain why even the most capable were unable to resolve the many issues plaguing Rome during this chaotic era. Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @tribunatespqr   Related Content: The Crisis of the Third Century -    • The Crisis of the Third Century   Forging Nations: Rome and the Invention of the "Barbarians" -    • Forging Nations: Rome and the Invention of...   The Collapse of Legitimacy and Rome's 3rd Century Crisis -   • The Collapse of Legitimacy and Rome's 3rd ...   Aemilian and the Triumph of History -    • Aemilian and the Triumph of History   Support us on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/tribunate... Ancient Sources Historia Augusta - The Two Valerians New History - Zosimus Epitome De Caesaribus - Aurelius Victor Modern Sources Imperial Triumph: The Roman World from Hadrian to Constantine - Michael Kulikowski The Roman Empire in Crisis, 248–260: When the Gods Abandoned Rome - Paul N. Pearson The Roman Empire at Bay - David S. Potter Imperial Rome AD 193 to 284: The Critical Century - Clifford Ando The Fate of Rome - Kyle Harper Branding and design by Kate Hillstead: katehillstead.com Host sculpture portraits by Daisydewdles: instagram.com/daisydewdles #spqr #history #ancienthistory #rome