Probus 276-282 AD

Spread the love

Probus

276-282 AD

Emperor Probus: A Stabilizing Force in the Crisis of the Third Century

Early Life and Rise to Power:
Marcus Aurelius Probus (c. 232–282 AD) was born in Sirmium (modern Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia), part of the Illyrian cohort of soldier-emperors who emerged during the Crisis of the Third Century. Probus adopted the profession of arms and gained rapid promotion, rising through military ranks until, by the reign of Aurelian, he had become one of the leading generals of the Empire. After Aurelian’s assassination in 275 AD, a brief power struggle ensued: Tacitus was proclaimed emperor by his troops, and following the murder of Florianus, he became the undisputed master of the Roman world.

His reign was notable not only for his considerable military successes but also for his attempt to restore the economic life of the Empire. One of the themes in his coinage was PAX (Peace). To this end, he introduced viticulture into several of the western provinces, and had he been able to carry out all his plans, the Roman State might have recovered much of its ancient power and prestige. However, in the autumn of 282 AD, he was murdered at Sirmium by a band of rebellious soldiers who were enraged at having been employed in public works instead of military duties.

Military Campaigns:
Probus faced immediate threats on multiple frontiers:

Germanic Invasions: He repelled the Franks and Alemanni in Gaul, securing the Rhine frontier, and defeated the Goths along the Danube, restoring Roman dominance in the Balkans.
Internal Revolts: Suppressed the usurper Saturninus in the East (likely Syria, 280 AD) and the rebellion of Proculus and Bonosus in Gaul.
Eastern Frontiers: Campaigned against the Blemmyes in Egypt and Vandals in Illyricum, stabilizing key regions. He planned an expedition against the Sassanid Persians but died before launching it.

Domestic Policies:
Probus prioritized economic recovery:

Agricultural Revival: Encouraged viticulture in Gaul, Spain, and the Balkans, using soldiers for land reclamation and infrastructure projects, such as draining marshes.
Urban Restoration: Rebuilt cities damaged by invasions, exemplified by his support for Lugdunum (Lyon).
Military Discipline: Enforced strict army discipline, which, while effective, bred resentment among troops unaccustomed to peacetime labor.

Assassination and Succession:
In 282 AD, Probus faced a mutiny near Sirmium while preparing for the Persian campaign. Soldiers loyal to Praetorian Prefect Carus, possibly angered by labor duties, killed him. Carus succeeded Probus, marking another abrupt transition in imperial power.

Legacy:

Probus is remembered as a capable leader who continued Aurelian’s work of restoring imperial stability. His military victories safeguarded frontiers, and his economic policies fostered recovery. However, his insistence on using soldiers for civic projects highlighted the tension between military and administrative demands. Though his reign was brief, Probus bridged the crisis period and the Diocletianic reforms, underscoring the challenges of governing an empire in transition.

Co-Emperor with Saturninius

Emperor Saturninus was not recognized as a co-emperor by Probus, yet Saturninus initially issued coinage in the name of Probus with the legend “AVGG” meaning two emperors. The historical accounts, including the Historia Augusta, where academics initially questioned its reliability under coinage, verified its veracity, and describe Saturninus as a usurper during Probus’s reign (276–282AD).

Saturninus was a general or governor in the eastern provinces who rebelled against Probus, likely around 280AD. His claim to the throne was brief and not widely acknowledged. In the end, Saturninus’s revolt was crushed, possibly by his own troops, reflecting the instability of the Crisis of the Third Century. Probus maintained sole authority until his assassination in 282 CE.