Battle of Edessa: a Roman emperor taken captive
For the first time, a Roman emperor is taken captive
The Sasanian king Shapur I crushed a Roman army near Edessa and captured Emperor Valerian along with his staff. Valerian died in captivity in Persia. Shapur celebrated the triumph on a rock relief at Naqsh-e Rostam showing the defeated Roman before the mounted king — an unprecedented humiliation for Rome.
Wikipedia (Russian) · Wikipedia (English) · 3rd century
Meanwhile around the world (±25 years)
Africa
- 249–262 Plague of Cyprian — 11 years earlier
Americas
- c. 250 Rise of the Classic Maya cities — 10 years earlier
Alive at the time
- Zenobia (aged 20)
- Anthony the Great (aged 9)