230 – 240s

Events in the 230s 1

• 235 – 284 Crisis of the Third Century From 235 to 284 AD — 49 years — the Roman Empire nearly collapses. Over 50 emperors claim the throne; most are murdered by their own troops within months. The empire simultaneously faces Persian invasion in the east (Shapur I captures Emperor Valerian in 260 AD — the only Roman emperor ever taken prisoner), Gothic raids across the Danube, plague, economic collapse and the secession of the Gallic Empire (260–274 AD) and Palmyrene Empire (263–273 AD). The currency is debased by 95%; trade collapses; population falls.