Ancus Marcius vs Postumus

Ancus Marcius founded the port city of Ostia at the mouth of the Tiber River. This colony served as Rome's primary naval base and commercial port, facilitating trade and military control over the Tyrrhenian Sea and the salt flats.

Ancus Marcius ordered the construction of the Pons Sublicius, the first bridge across the Tiber River in Rome. This wooden bridge improved transportation and communication between Rome and the Janiculum hill, and became a strategic military structure.

Ancus Marcius incorporated the Janiculum hill into the city of Rome, fortifying it with walls. This strategic hill on the west bank of the Tiber provided a defensive position and was used as a citadel against Etruscan threats.

Ancus Marcius established state-controlled salt works near Ostia, securing a vital resource for Rome. Salt was essential for food preservation and trade, and this monopoly generated revenue and ensured supply for the growing Roman population.

Ancus Marcius waged war against the Latin tribes, defeating them and expanding Roman territory. He annexed several Latin towns and forcibly relocated their populations to Rome, increasing the city's population and extending Roman hegemony over Latium.

Following the capture of Emperor Valerian by the Sassanids, Postumus was proclaimed emperor by his troops in Gaul. He established the Gallic Empire, a breakaway state comprising Gaul, Britain, and Hispania, with its capital at Colonia Agrippina.

Postumus repelled an invasion by Emperor Gallienus, defeating him at the Battle of Mursa. This victory secured the Gallic Empire's independence and forced Gallienus to abandon attempts to reconquer the western provinces.

Postumus successfully defended the Gallic Empire against both internal usurpers and external Germanic invasions for nine years. His reign provided stability to the western provinces during the Crisis of the Third Century, with effective administration and coinage.

After defeating the usurper Laelianus at Mainz, Postumus refused to allow his troops to sack the city. His soldiers mutinied and killed him, ending his reign. His death led to a period of instability in the Gallic Empire.