Aurelian

Known as Restitutor Orbis (Restorer of the World), Aurelian reunified the Roman Empire by reconquering both the breakaway Gallic Empire and the Palmyrene Empire of Zenobia. He built the massive Aurelian Walls around Rome, reformed the debased currency, and established Sol Invictus as the primary state cult.

Aurelian single-handedly reversed the fragmentation of the third century, reunifying an empire that had broken into three pieces. His currency reform and fortification of Rome set the stage for the more thorough restoration under Diocletian a decade later.

Key Events

270 AD Accession after the death of Claudius Gothicus and brief reign of Quintillus

271 AD Defeated the Juthungi and Vandals threatening Italy; began construction of the Aurelian Walls

272 AD Conquered the Palmyrene Empire; captured Queen Zenobia

274 AD Reconquered the Gallic Empire under Tetricus; empire reunified

274 AD Major currency reform; established the temple of Sol Invictus in Rome

275 AD Assassinated by officers near Byzantium while marching to Persia

Coinage

Aurelian's coinage reflects his dramatic career of reconquest and reform. His currency reform of 274 AD introduced a new, improved antoninianus marked with the XXI (or KA in Greek) mark indicating a controlled alloy. The RESTITVT ORBIS and ORIENS AVG types celebrate his reunification of the empire.

Denominations

Aureus Antoninianus (reformed, marked XXI)

Notable Types

RESTITVT ORBIS types
ORIENS AVG (Sol) types
PACATOR ORBIS types
RESTITVTOR ORIENTIS types

Common Reverses

RESTITVT ORBIS ORIENS AVG SOL INVICTVS CONCORDIA MILITVM IOVI CONSER PACATOR ORBIS VIRTVS AVG

Active Mints

Rome Milan Siscia Serdica Cyzicus Antioch Tripolis

Key Events

Coinage

Further Reading