Valerian

Valerian (c. 199–260 or 264), from a noble senatorial family, was a senior general under Decius and Trebonianus Gallus. In 253 Gallus summoned him against the rebel Aemilianus, but was killed before he arrived; Valerian's soldiers proclaimed him emperor. He at once made his son Gallienus co-emperor, dividing the frontier with his son.

He recovered Antioch from the Persians and in 257–258 issued edicts persecuting the Christians. After plague weakened his army at Edessa, Shapur I of Persia defeated and captured him in 260, the first Roman emperor taken prisoner. He died in Persian captivity.