Imagine being the ruler of the mighty Roman Empire, only to end up as a Persian king's footstool. In this fiery segment of Jeremy Roman Empire, host Jeremy Ryan Slate uncovers the shocking story of Emperor Valerian—the only Roman emperor in history to be captured alive—and how his brutal humiliation became a symbol of Rome’s darkest hour during the third century crisis. What does Valerian's downfall reveal about the fragility of great powers? Could the political chaos, economic collapse, and foreign invasions that plagued ancient Rome be a warning for modern superpowers today?Buckle up for a thought-provoking discussion as we explore how Rome, plagued by devastating plagues, hyperinflation, political instability, and relentless enemies like Shapur I of the Sassanid Persian Empire, faced one of its most catastrophic defeats. Discover how Valerian’s capture shook the ancient world and marked a pivotal moment in the decline of the #RomanEmpire. How did Rome survive such chaos? Could Gallienus have changed history by paying the ransom for his father’s release?Join us as we dissect the events that led to Rome’s most humiliating moment and the parallels that resonate with modern political history. Don’t miss this deep dive into #RomanHistory, #PoliticalHistory, and the #FallOfRome—full of lessons for understanding resilience in the face of collapse. Hit play now to learn how empires rise, fall, and surprisingly endure. Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more fascinating insights into #AncientRome and the incredible stories of the #ThirdCenturyCrisis!#romanhistory #valeriancapture #persianinvasion #persianempire #politicalchaosCHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro01:20 - The Third Century Crisis03:06 - Valerian’s Capture09:16 - Rome’s Response10:22 - Symbol of Rome’s Decline11:15 - How Rome Survived12:22 - Gallienus' Strategic Decisions12:38 - Outro