- history of France - Gaul under the late Roman Empire (c. 250–c. 400)
- Gallienus
- Timeline of the Roman Empire - Crisis of the Third Century (235–284 ce )
- France - Gaul under the late Roman Empire ( c. 250– c. 400)
- ancient Rome - Succession of emperors and usurpers
- United Kingdom - The decline of Roman rule
- Gaul
Why did Gaul, Britain, and Spain form the Gallic Empire in 260 CE?
The formation of the "Gallic Empire" in 260 CE was not a move to gain independence from Rome, but rather a response to the severe political and military instability characterizing the Crisis of the Third Century.
During this period, the Roman Empire faced intense pressure from Germanic peoples, such as the Alemanni and the Franks, as well as a rapid succession of rulers and civil wars. Because the central Roman government prioritized defending the Danube and the East, the West was largely neglected. The Roman emperor Gallienus, occupied with threats elsewhere, was unable to protect the Gallic provinces effectively.123
Consequently, the Gallic Empire was established under Postumus to champion Gallo-Roman interests—specifically the maintenance of a strong Rhine frontier. It relied on the loyalty of the Rhine army to provide the protection that the central imperial government could no longer guarantee. The state remained a regional power until it was reconquered by the emperor Aurelian in 274 CE.124