Postumus - Rise To Power

Rise To Power

Little is known about the early life of Postumus, but it is believed that he was a Batavian of humble origins who rose through the ranks of the army, and eventually promoted by the emperor Valerian to the position of imperial legate of Lower Germany.

By 259, Valerian was campaigning in the east against the Persians, while his son and co-emperor Gallienus was distracted with the situation on the Danubian frontier. Consequently Gallienus left his son, Saloninus, and military commanders, including Postumus, to protect the Rhine. Amid the chaos of an invasion by the Alamanni and Franks, and spurred on by news of the defeat and capture of Valerian, the army in Gaul revolted and proclaimed Postumus emperor.

The trigger was their defeat in 260 of a Juthungi army which was returning from Italy laden with prisoners, even though they had been repulsed by Gallienus at Mediolanum. Under the command of Postumus and Marcus Simplicinius Genialis, the Roman army crushed the Juthungi, and Postumus proceeded to distribute the captured spoils to the legions he commanded. Saloninus, on the advice of his praetorian prefect Silvanus (who had coordinated Roman policy in Gaul alongside Postumus), demanded the transfer of the recovered booty to his residence at Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium. Infuriated by this command, the troops proclaimed Postumus emperor and proceeded to besiege and attack Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium, trapping Saloninus and Silvanus. After breaching the walls of the city, Postumus had Silvanus and Saloninus killed, although his supporters later claimed that it was the native Gauls who were responsible for the murders. Later he erected a triumphal arch to celebrate his victory.