Recommended read
The Roman Emperors
Michael Grant
Gallienus and the empire's fragmentation, the crisis of the third century.
The World During Their Reign
The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.
Liu Shan
China
223–263
Pope Dionysius
Papacy
259–268
Valerian
Rome
253–260
Sun Liang
China
252–258
Sun Hao
China
264–280
Sun Xiu
China
257–264
Cao Huan
China
260–266
Cao Mao
China
254–260
Emperor Wu of Jin
China
266–290
Ingenuus
Rome
258–260
Pope Stephen I
Papacy
254–257
Macrianus Major
Rome
260–261
Pope Sixtus II
Papacy
257–258
Cao Fang
China
239–254
Meanwhile in history
One “meanwhile in history” story each week: who ruled where, and what was happening on thrones across the world.
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From the library
Go deeper on Gallienus
Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.
SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome
Mary Beard
Beard's acclaimed introduction to Roman politics and emperors, readable and wide-ranging.
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A Short History of Byzantium
John Julius Norwich
A narrative survey of the Eastern Roman emperors from Constantine to the fall of Constantinople.
Find on Amazon
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