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Gaius Messius Quintus Decius, the emperor Decius (249–51 ce), born in *Pannonia, but of an old senatorial family, had already achieved high office before being appointed by Philip (M. *Iulius Philippus) to restore order on the Danube. His success, and Philip's unpopularity, caused his troops to declare him emperor and compel him to overthrow his patron. In 250 the Carpi invaded Dacia, the *Goths, under Kniva, Moesia. Decius was defeated near Beroea. The following year, in an attempt to intercept the Goths on their way home, he and his son Herennius were defeated and killed at Abrittus.Decius was a staunch upholder of the old Roman traditions. His assumption of the additional surname of Trajan promised an aggressive frontier policy; and his persecution of Christians resulted from his belief that the restoration of state cults was essential to the preservation of the empire. See Christianity.