Under Decius was begun a persecution of the Christians severer than any that preceded it.
The next seventeen years (251-268) is a period of great confusion.
Several generals in different provinces were declared Emperor.

The Empire nearly fell to pieces, but finally rallied without loss of territory.

Its weakness, however, was apparent to all.

This period is often called the AGE OF THE THIRTY TYRANTS.
FIVE GOOD EMPERORS (268-283).
FIVE GOOD EMPERORS now ruled and revived somewhat the shattered strength of the government: CLAUDIUS (268-270); AURELIAN (270-275); TACITUS (275-276); PROBUS (276-282); and CARUS (282-283).

Aurelian undertook a campaign against the famous ZENOBIA, Queen of PALMYRA.