Regalian

P. C. Regalianus, known simply as Regalian, emerged as a Roman usurper during the tumultuous years of the Crisis of the Third Century, specifically in the years two hundred sixty and two hundred sixty-one. His brief reign was marked by his acclamation as emperor by troops stationed along the Danube River, a strategic region frequently threatened by barbarian incursions. This military support was likely rooted in the hope that Regalian could effectively secure the empire's vulnerable frontiers.

Despite the scarcity of reliable historical accounts regarding Regalian, the Historia Augusta suggests he was of Dacian descent, possibly linked to the famed Dacian king Decebalus. However, modern scholarship largely disputes this claim, leaning towards the notion that Regalian hailed from a high-ranking Roman lineage, particularly given his marriage to Sulpicia Dryantilla, a woman from a prestigious senatorial family.

Regalian's rise to power followed a failed usurpation attempt by Ingenuus, who had also been proclaimed by the Danube troops but was ultimately defeated by Emperor Gallienus. In a notable departure from his predecessor, Regalian established his own mint at Carnuntum, where he produced coins bearing his likeness and that of his wife, although the quality of these coins was often subpar.

His local usurpation inadvertently benefited Gallienus, allowing the emperor to concentrate on defending Italy against an Alemanni invasion while Regalian engaged in battles against the barbarians in Illyria. However, Regalian's rule was short-lived; after only a few months, he met a violent end, likely during a raid on Carnuntum by the Roxolani, possibly with the betrayal of some of his own men.