User:Iazyges/Hostilian

Hostilian (Gaius Valens Hostilianus Messius Quintus Augustus; 230? – November 251) was Roman emperor in 251, from July to November.

History
Hostilian was born at an unknown date, to Decius, a Roman general who later became Emperor, and Herennia Etruscilla, his wife. Decius became emperor after being sent to lead troops in the provinces of Pannonia and Moesia, where he was declared emperor by his troops in September 249, in opposition to Philip the Arab. He led his troops against Philip, their forces meeting in September 249, near Verona, Italy. In this battle, Philip was slain, after which the Roman Senate declared Decius emperor, and honored him with the name Traianus, a reference to Emperor Trajan.

Hostilian was elevated to caesar in May 251, by his father Decius. This was done after the elevation of his older brother Herennius Etruscus to augustus in the same month, making Herennius Etruscus junior emperor, with Hostilian as the designated heir of either of them. After Decius and Herennius Etruscus were killed by the Goths in an ambush in July 251, at the Battle of Abritus, Trebonianus Gallus was declared emperor. In order to placate the people, Trebonianus Gallus elevated Hostilian to augustus almost immediately, making him co-emperor. Hostilian was co-emperor until November 251, when he died, although the reason for his death is disputed. Aurelius Victor and the author of the Epitome de Caesaribus both say that Hostilian died of a plague, however Zosimus claims that he was killed off by Trebonianus Gallus. After his death, Trebonianus Gallus made Volusianus, his son, co-emperor.

Numanistics
The aurei of Hostilian fell into four types. All four types bore the bust of Hostilian on the obverse, with the reverse showing: Mars walking to the right, priestly implements, Mercury standing, and Roma seated holding Victoria.