Aure'lian, LUCIUS DOMITIUS AURELIANUS (about 212-275), emperor of Rome. He was of humble origin, rose to the highest rank in the army and on the death of Claudius II in 270 was chosen emperor. He delivered Italy from the barbarians, conquered the famous Zenobia, queen of Palmyra, and followed up his victories by the reformation of abuses and the restoration throughout the Empire of order and regularity. He was assassinated while heading an expedition against the Persians.