The life of Quintillus
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Marcus Aurelius Claudius Quintillus
Marcus Aurelius Claudius Quintillus Augustus (as emperor) c. 212 - Sirmium, Pannonia Inferior 270 - Aquileia, Italia (aged 58) Unknown - likely suicide January 270 AD – September 270 AD (9 months) None Claudius II Aurelian |
Early Life & Reign
Marcus Aurelius Claudius Quintillus was born around the year 212 at Sirmium in the Roman province of Pannonia Inferior. By all means his family had no great reputation or standing. Instead Quintillus' break in life came from when his brother Claudius II ascended to the imperial throne in 268. During the reign of his brother he was appointed as Procurator of Sardinia, essentially making him the chief financial officer of the region.
After his brother's death Quintillus was immediately instated as his replacement. This decision was supported by the Roman Senate and most of the Roman military. The only faction who did not support Quintillus were the legions of the Danube who instead supported Aurelian. Either these legions were not aware of Quintillus' elevation to the imperial throne, or they did not approve of him.
After his brother's death Quintillus was immediately instated as his replacement. This decision was supported by the Roman Senate and most of the Roman military. The only faction who did not support Quintillus were the legions of the Danube who instead supported Aurelian. Either these legions were not aware of Quintillus' elevation to the imperial throne, or they did not approve of him.
Death & Legacy
Quintillus did not end up reigning for long, less than a year in total. Much of what he did during this time has not been recorded and even the cause of his death is unclear as there are many accounts. The Historia Augusta states Quintillus was killed by his own soldiers due to the struct military doctrines he put in place. However the Historia Augusta is not an entirely reliable source and should not be taken as truth. Other sources claim he committed suicide or died in conflict with Aurelian. The only fact agreed upon is that Quintillus died at Aquileia. After his death Aurelian succeeded him as Roman Emperor.
Trivia
- The length of Quintillus' reign varies by account. Some claim it only lasted 17 days which would make it the shortest reign of all Roman Emperors.