Roman Empire, Valerian (253-260 CE), Antoninianus(C)

Valerian is famous for being taken captive by the Sassanian Persian king Shapur I, after his defeat at the Battle of Edessa, the first Roman Emperor to be captured as a prisoner of war. The worst however was yet to come, he was used as a human footstool by Shapur for mounting his horse. After a while, Valerian offered Shapur a huge ransom for his release. Shapur responded by forcing Valerian to swallow molten gold and then had him skinned and stuffed with straw and preserved as a trophy.

Ancient & Historical, Loose Roman

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