Trajan

Trajan Decius was Roman Emperor from 249 to 251. In the last year of his reign, he co-ruled with his son Herennius Etruscus until they were both killed in the Battle of Abrittus.

Decius, who was born at Budalia near Sirmium in Lower Pannonia, was one of the first among a long succession of future Roman Emperors to originate from the province of Illyricum in the Danube.

Unlike some of his immediate imperial predecessors such as Philip the Arab or Maximinus, Decius was a distinguished senator who had served as consul in 232, had been governor of Moesia and Germania Inferior soon afterwards, served as governor of Hispania Tarraconensis between 235–238, and was urban prefect of Rome during the early reign of Emperor Philip the Arab (Marcus Iulius Phillipus).

Decius' political program was focused on the restoration of the strength of the State, both military opposing the external threats, and restoring the public piety with a program of renovation of the State religion.

Either as a concession to the Senate, or perhaps with the idea of improving public morality, Decius endeavoured to revive the separate office and authority of the censor. The choice was left to the Senate, who unanimously selected Valerian (the future emperor). But Valerian, well aware of the dangers and difficulties attaching to the office at such a time, declined the responsibility. The invasion of the Goths and Decius' death put an end to the abortive attempt.

During his reign, he proceeded with several building projects in Rome, "including the Thermae Deciane or Baths of Decius on the Aventine", which was completed in 252 and survived through to the 16th century; Decius also acted to repair the Colosseum, which had been damaged by lightning strikes.

Annia Cupressenia Herennia Etruscilla was Augusta (Sept. 249 – Jun. 251) of the Roman Empire, wife of Emperor Trajan Decius, and mother of Emperors Herennius Etruscus and Hostilian.

As with most third century Roman Empresses, very little is known about her. Probably of senatorial family, she became regent on her son Hostilian, when Decius and Herennius were defeated and killed in the Battle of Abrittus to sink into obscurity after her husband and sons perished.

It is assumed that her ancestors settled in Etrurian lands. Herennia married Decius probably before 230 AD and gained the title Augusta. Her sons were Herennius Etruscus and Hostilian.