Reign of Gallienus

Gallienus became co-emperor with his father Valerian in 253 and ruled alone after Valerian’s capture in 260. His reign faced Persian war, Gothic invasions, the Gallic Empire, the rise of Palmyra and a succession of military challengers.

Despite later hostile traditions, Gallienus preserved the central empire through prolonged crisis and introduced military and administrative changes. He was assassinated near Milan in 268 during a campaign against the usurper Aureolus.

The later Warrior of Rome novels take place within this reign. The Last Hour centres on a conspiracy against Gallienus, while The Burning Road and Falling Sky show how imperial campaigns and regional rebellion affected Ballista and his family.