Consolidation of Provincial Upper Classes under Gallienus

Introduction:
Gallienus was a Roman emperor who reigned from 253 to 268 AD during the Crisis of the Third Century. He is known for his military and administrative reforms, including the consolidation of provincial upper classes.

Consolidation of Provincial Upper Classes:
Gallienus realized that the Roman army was becoming too dependent on the senatorial class, who were often corrupt and incompetent. He sought to break their monopoly on military command by creating a new class of officers from the provincial upper classes. These individuals were often wealthy landowners and merchants who had the necessary skills and resources to lead the army effectively.

Exclusion of Senators:
As a result of this policy, Gallienus began to exclude senators from military command. This was a significant departure from the traditional Roman system, in which senators held the highest military ranks. However, Gallienus believed that this change was necessary to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the army.

Impact:
The consolidation of provincial upper classes under Gallienus had a significant impact on the Roman military. It helped to create a more diverse and merit-based officer corps, which was better able to adapt to changing circumstances. It also reduced the power of the senatorial class, which had become increasingly corrupt and ineffective.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Gallienus was a Roman emperor who consolidated the rise of provincial upper classes so as to exclude senators from military command. This policy was a significant departure from traditional Roman practices but ultimately helped to create a more effective and efficient army.