Claudius Gothicus' origins are unknown - born in Illyia, Claudius was a soldier under Gallienus, eventually coming to command his cavalry. While beseigning the usurper Aureolus, Gallienus was assassinated by his officers - it is uncertain as to what extent Claudius himself played a part in the assassination. A tall, strong, man, Claudius commanded the respect of his soldiers and they in turn proclaimed him Emperor, and was accepted by the Senate.

Claudius defeated Aureolus, as well as his Alemanni allies, before moving on to trying to take back the Gallic and Palmyrene Empires. While failing in this, Claudius was succesful in defeating barbarian invaders - his defeat of the Goths near Naissus in 269 earned him the honorific 'Gothicus'. While preparing to campaign against the Vandals in Sirmium, Claudius was killed by the Plague of Cyprian in 270.

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