TETRICUS, GAIUS PIUS ESUVIUS

flourished 3rd century rival Roman emperor in Gaul from 270 to 274. He was a Gallic noble related to the usurping ruler of Gaul, Victorinus, and to Victorinus' mother, Victoria. Upon the murder of Victorinus, Tetricus, who was governor of Aquitania, was proclaimed emperor, apparently backed by the influence and money of Victoria. During his short and nominal reign, the monetary inflation of the 3rd century reached its peak. Gaul experienced extensive invasions by Germanic tribes, and Tetricus was threatened by successive mutinies. When the emperor Aurelian (reigned 270275) appeared in Gaul with an army, Tetricus concluded a private treaty with him, then deserted to him during the battle. Pardoned by Aurelian, Tetricus was appointed governor of southern Italy.