Aurelian , (or Aurelianus), Lucius Domitius (212?–275 A.D.), a Roman emperor, reigned 270–75. He was a native of the lower Danube and was called the Illyrian. A man of humble birth, Aurelian entered the army and rose to high command. After Claudius II died, Aurelian was elected emperor by the army. He expelled the Alemanni from Italy, held the Goths beyond the Danube, and regained control of Gaul and Britain. Aurelian recovered control over Syria, Asia Minor, and Egypt by defeating and capturing Zenobia, queen of Palmyra. For these successes the Senate gave him the title "Restorer of the Empire." He began the 13-mile (21-km) Aurelian Wall around Rome. He opened a campaign against Persia but was assassinated by his own officers.