Gallic Empire

The Gallic Empire was a breakaway state from the Roman Empire in Western Europe, functioning de facto as a separate entity from 260 to 274 CE. It originated during the Crisis of the Third Century when Roman military leaders and aristocrats declared themselves emperors, taking control of Gaul and adjacent provinces. Established by Postumus in 260, it eventually encompassed territories including Germania, Gaul, Britannia, and Hispania. After Postumus' assassination in 269, the empire lost much of its territory but persisted under several emperors. It was ultimately retaken by Roman Emperor Aurelian in 274 following the Battle of Châlons.