Claudius Gothicus ruled the Roman Empire during one of its darkest most dangerous periods, history however has been kind to him, with even the family of Constantine the Great claiming descent from him. The empire he assumed control of in 268 CE had lost both its western and eastern provinces to separatist regimes. Claudius did not regain this territory but he did stop the threat of Gothic tribes to the remaining portion. The title of Gothicus given in tribute to this victory over them. He fell victim to a plague in 270 CE.