Herennius Etruscus
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Quintus Herennius Etruscus Messius Decius

Known as: Herennius Etruscus

Reign: May/June – June 251 (less than a month)
Crisis of the Third Century

 Manner of Death: Killed at the Battle of Abrittus alongside his father

 Succeeded by: Trebonianus Gallus

Quintus Herennius Etruscus Messius Decius (died June 251), known simply as Herennius Etruscus, was briefly Roman emperor in 251, ruling jointly under his father Decius. His father was proclaimed emperor by his troops in September 249 while in Pannonia and Moesia, in opposition to Philip. Decius defeated Philip in battle, and was then proclaimed emperor by the Senate. Etruscus, still a child, was elevated to Caesar (heir) in 250, then further raised to Augustus (emperor) in May 251. When the Goths, under Cniva, invaded the Danubian provinces, he was sent with a vanguard, followed by the main body of Roman troops, led by Decius. They ambushed Cniva at the Battle of Nicopolis ad Istrum in 250, routing him, before being ambushed and routed themselves at the Battle of Beroe. Etruscus was killed in the Battle of Abritus the following year, alongside his father. After the deaths of both emperors, Trebonianus Gallus, who had been governor of Moesia, was elected emperor by the remaining Roman forces. 

 Christianity During Rule:

Little is recorded about Herennius Etruscus's dealing with Christians.

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