Eastern Mediterranean 280: Probus’ Frankish revolt

As Probus arrived in the East in 280, new revolts broke out in Gaul, prompting him to return west. Taking advantage of his departure, Frankish tribesmen—who Probus had recently resettled in the Balkans—rebelled and, seizing some ships, made their way home across the Mediterranean, raiding Greece, Sicily, and Africa as they went.

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Main Events

278?–279 Lydius

While traveling east through Asia Minor, Probus turned his army on the Isaurian bandit leader Lydius, who had been ravaging Lycia and Pamphylia. Lydius withdrew to the fortified mountain town of Cremna, where he was besieged by the Romans. Eventually, after a long siege, a skilled marksman defected from the bandits and, using his knowledge of Lydius’ habits, mortally wounded him with a scorpion bolt thrower. With Lydius’ death, the remaining bandits quickly surrendered. in wikipedia

279?–280? Probus’ Blemmyan War

In the late 270s the major Egyptian city of Ptolemais revolted against Probus. In support, the Blemmyes of Nubia overran much of southern Egypt and captured the town of Coptos. Both Ptolemais and the Blemmyes were defeated by local Roman forces in about 280. in wikipedia

280?–281? Proculus

In c.280 Proculus was declared emperor by the disgruntled people of Lugdunum and soon claimed authority over Gaul, Britain, and Spain. However, as soon as Probus returned west, Proculus’ support seems to have collapsed and he fled to the Franks. The Franks in turn promptly betrayed him to Probus, who had him executed. in wikipedia

280?–281? Probus’ Frankish revolt

Receiving news of the revolts in Gaul, Probus made a truce with the Persians and returned west, resettling a large number of Bastarnae who submitted to him in Moesia or Thrace. Meanwhile, some Franks that he had also resettled rose up in revolt and gained control of a fleet of ships. After raiding Greece and Syracuse, and suffering a repulse outside Carthage, they successfully sailed back to their homeland on the Rhine Delta. in wikipedia