Soldier Emperors — Commoners at the Helm of the Empire
The year 238 AD went down in the history of ancient Rome as the “Year of the Six Emperors.” In that year, six rulers took turns on the throne of the Roman Empire. Stunned by such a rapid succession at the highest power level, the Romans did not yet know that this was only the beginning. The subsequent half-century would become the so-called “Era of Soldier Emperors.” All the emperors of this period relied solely on military strength, i.e., the loyal legions and praetorians controlling the capital. Since legionaries, and especially praetorians, preferred rulers who promised them more money, power often changed hands. Sometimes immediately, as soon as it became clear that the new emperor could not pay his supporters the promised amount.
In the Roman army of the 3rd century AD, constantly at war and consequently suffering heavy losses, including among the command staff, it was easy to make a career. All that was needed was military talent and some luck. Even a former barbarian from some distant province could become a legion commander in about twenty years, rising from the rank of a common soldier. If he was famous and beloved by the soldiers, he could, if he wished, first persuade his legion and then nearby legions to mutiny. This would be followed by a march on Rome and a battle with the forces loyal to the current emperor. If the commander won this…
