one of the thirty tyrants enumerated by Trebellius Pollio [see AUREOLUS], was nominated proconsul of Achaia by Gallienus in consequence of his high character as a soldier, and a statesman. The usurper Macrianus [MACRIANUS] fearing him as a rival, and hating him as a private foe, despatched an emissary [PISO, No. 33], to put him to death. Valens, upon receiving intelligence of this design, conceived that he might best avoid the threatened danger by assuming the purple. Accordingly he was proclaimed emperor, and was soon after murdered by his soldiers. (Trebell. Poll. Trig. Tyrann. xviii.)
[W.R]A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology
Smith, William
A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology. William Smith, LLD, ed. 1890