Final answer:
The Year of the Six Emperors refers to a period of political instability in the Roman Empire, during which Balbinus served as a co-emperor tasked with clerical duties in Rome, while Pupienus handled military affairs. They were both assassinated by the Praetorian Guard, an act that underscores the turbulence of the Crisis of the Third Century.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Year of the Six Emperors
The historical period in question is known as The Year of the Six Emperors, which occurred during the Crisis of the Third Century. This era is characterized by rapid succession and political instability in the Roman Empire as various individuals assumed the title of emperor over a short time.
One of the co-emperors during this period was Balbinus, who shared power with Pupienus. Balbinus was predominantly engaged in clerical work within Rome while Pupienus was involved in military campaigns. Tragically, both emperors were assassinated by members of the Praetorian Guard following the death of Pupienus, highlighting the chaotic and treacherous nature of Roman politics at the time.
After the peaceful transition and competent rule of Claudius, the empire witnessed the tumultuous reigns of Caligula and Nero, both of whom fell victim to the wrath of the Praetorian Guard. This period set a precedent for the violent and unpredictable shifts in power that would intensify during the Crisis of the Third Century.
The period known as the Tetrarchy attempted to establish more structured succession, but ultimately ended in civil strife, leading to the rise of Constantine and his definitive victory at the Battle of Milvian Bridge. However, before this stabilization, the empire faced a grave ordeal as numerous claimants, including Balbinus and Pupienus, competed for the throne during such volatile years as 'The Year of the Six Emperors'.