The Roman Emperors of the 3rd Century A.D.

Septimius Severus 193-211 from Africa, the first of the long series of "soldier emperors," i.e. who spent whole career in the field.

Caracalla 211-217 son of Septimius and Julia Domna who apparently exercised great influence. He was murdered by his own guard, Macrinus who tood over.

Elegabulus 218-222 grandson of Julia Maesa, the above Julia's sister, who brought E. to Rome where he took power and ruled briefly as the Syrian sun god. He and his mother were killed by the soldiers.

Severus Alexander 222-235 nephew and adopted son of Elegabalus who defeated the Persians but was felled by the intrigue of the following.

Maximinus Thrax 235-238 a Thracian peasant of enormous strength popular with the army. Wiped out by Gordian I in civil war in Italy.

Gordian I-III 239-244 Senate set up G1 at 79. His son G2 and he died in further civil war, after which G3, the grandson of G1, took over, fought the Persians, appointed Philip to prefect who had the soldiers kill G3.

Philip the Arab 244-249 born in Arabia he defeated the Carpi but was deposed by Decius who was the army's choice to oppose the Goths.

Decius 249-251 he and son both killed fighting the Goths on the Danubian frontier. Fostered persecution of Christians.

Trebonianus Gallus 251-253 proclaimed by Decius' army, when the Goths attacked Thrace and the Persians attacked Mesopotamia, the soldiers killed him. The great plague ravaged the empire at this time.

Valerian 253-260 hailed by troops at death of above. Persecuted Christians.

Gallienus 253-268 son of above. The period of these two is marked by near collapse of the empire -- Goths sacked freely, Sapor the Persian plundered all of Syria, while a long series of revolts ensued.

Claudius Gothicus 268-270 died of the plague in Pannonia, beloved by the Senate.

Aurelian 270-275 built Roman walls, successful general who was killed by his secretary Eros.

Tacitus 275-276 defeated Goths in 275 but was shortly thereafter murdered by his troops.

Florianus 275-276 prefect of Tacitus, he was killed by his own men who were frutstrated by the delay in attacking Probus.

Probus 276-282 fought barbarians on all fronts and quelled three rebellions before he was killed when his troops deserted to Carus.

Carus 282-283 killed by treachery while on campaign in Persia.

Numerianus 282-284 died mysteriously after which Diocletian was named Augustus

Carinus 282-285 son of Carus, defeated by Diocletian in Thrace in 285.