Gaius Messius Quintus Traianus Decius, 249 - 251

Decius, or Trajan Decius as he is often known, was born c201 in Lower Pannonia. He was a governor and general under Severus Alexander and succeeding emperors. As one of Philip's generals, he was sent to put down the rebellion of Pacatian, but the rebels, having lost their leader, forced Decius to declare for the empire. Decius' reluctance to do this appears genuine, as he was threatened with death for not complying with the rebels' demands. The forces of Decius met those of Philip near Verona, and were victorious. After a reign of only two years, noted as the first in which serious persecution of the Christians took place, Decius and his son, Herennius Etruscus , were killed in battle against the Goths on the northern borders of the empire.