Herennius Etruscus

Herennius Etruscus Coin

GothicInvasions250-251-en

Herennius Etruscus (full name: Quintus Herennius Etruscus Messius Decius) was a Roman Emperor who reigned in the early 3rd century. He was the eldest son of Emperor Decius and Herennia Etruscilla, and his reign was marked by short duration and tragic end, characteristic of the Crisis of the Third Century, a period of military anarchy and political instability in the Roman Empire.

Early Life

Herennius Etruscus was born in about 227 AD, into a family of senatorial rank. His father, Decius, was a distinguished general and politician who ascended to the imperial throne in 249 AD. Following his father's accession, Herennius was elevated to the rank of Caesar and later co-emperor, indicating his status as heir apparent.

Reign

In 251 AD, Herennius Etruscus was elevated to the rank of Augustus (co-emperor) alongside his father, Decius. His reign was primarily marked by the ongoing conflicts with the Goths, a Germanic tribe that posed a significant threat to the Roman borders during this period. Herennius Etruscus and his father led a campaign against the Goths in the Balkans, aiming to repel the invaders and secure the stability of the empire.

Death and Legacy

The reign of Herennius Etruscus was cut short when he was killed in the Battle of Abrittus in 251 AD, alongside his father, Decius. This battle was a significant defeat for the Roman Empire, as it marked the first time a Roman Emperor fell in battle against a foreign enemy. The death of Herennius Etruscus and Decius led to a brief period of confusion and instability, which was emblematic of the broader Crisis of the Third Century that plagued the Roman Empire.

Herennius Etruscus is often remembered more for his untimely death than for any specific achievements during his short reign. His demise at the Battle of Abrittus is seen as a symbol of the challenges and threats faced by the Roman Empire during this tumultuous period. Despite his brief tenure as emperor, Herennius Etruscus's life and reign are of interest to historians studying the Crisis of the Third Century and the decline of the Roman Empire.

See Also

• Decius
• Crisis of the Third Century
• Battle of Abrittus
• Goths