27th Emperor of Rome (253 - 260 A.D.).
Military and civil official under Emperors Decius and Gallus. Became Emperor in defeating Aemilianus's revolt at Spoletum. Started 257. Appointed his son Gallienus co-emperor, and campaigned against the Persians.
Valerian was captured at Edessa, and variously reported to have been skinned alive or kept as a step-stool, by the Persian king Shapur I (or Sapor I).

the Roman Emperors