The Roman Emperor Aurelian, who ruled briefly from 270 C.E. to 275 C.E., was among the most successful Roman Emperors of the Third Century. During his brief reign, he threw back multiple barbarian incursions and reconquered the breakaway Gallic and Palmyrene Empires. Known for the imposing walls he built around the city of Rome - which still stand today - Aurelian was tragically assassinated in 275 C.E. while preparing to campaign against the Sasanian Empire, Rome's arch nemesis to the east.
