Lin Xin of Shang vs Trebonianus Gallus

Lin Xin became king of the Shang dynasty following the death of his predecessor, likely his father Wu Ding or a close relative. His accession occurred during the late Shang period, a time of internal stability but growing external pressure from the Zhou people. The exact circumstances of his succession are not recorded.

Lin Xin's reign is poorly documented in surviving Shang oracle bone inscriptions and later Chinese historical texts. No major military campaigns, construction projects, or religious reforms are attributed to him. This lack of records suggests a brief or uneventful rule, possibly overshadowed by his predecessor Wu Ding's long reign.

Lin Xin died around 1060 BC, ending a reign of roughly a decade. His death led to the succession of another Shang king, likely his brother or son. The brevity of his rule and lack of notable achievements contributed to his obscurity in historical records, with later texts like the Bamboo Annals providing only minimal details.

Facing a devastating Gothic invasion and the outbreak of the Plague of Cyprian, Trebonianus Gallus negotiated a humiliating peace with the Goths. He agreed to pay an annual tribute and allowed them to keep their plunder and prisoners, a decision criticized by contemporaries.

After the death of Emperor Decius at the Battle of Abritus, Trebonianus Gallus was proclaimed emperor by the Roman army. He was governor of Moesia at the time and quickly secured recognition from the Senate.

During Gallus's reign, a severe plague, known as the Plague of Cyprian, swept through the Roman Empire. It caused massive mortality, weakened the military, and contributed to economic and social instability, exacerbating the Crisis of the Third Century.

Rebel general Aemilianus, proclaimed emperor by the Moesian legions, marched into Italy. Trebonianus Gallus and his son Volusianus met him at Interamna Nahars (modern Terni) but were defeated and killed by their own troops, who defected to Aemilianus.