CLAU'DIUS, or CLODIUS, ALBI'NUS, a native of Adrumctum, in Africa, served with distinction under Marcus Aurelius and Corn modus in various parts of the empire; in Asia, in Gaul, iu Germany against the Frisians, and lastly in Britain. When Avidius Cassius, governor of Syria, revolted against M. Aurelius, Albinus, who com manded the troops in L'ithynia, checked the revolt which was beginning to spread among his soldiers. In consequence of this service he was raised to the consulate, together with Pompeiauus, the emperor's son in-law, A.D. 176. Wheu Septimius Severna became suspected of aspiring to the empire, Commodes, with the view' of strengthening himself, offered to Albinus, who was then commanding iu Britain, where he had succeded Pertinax, the title of Qom-, which Albinus declined. After the assassination of Commodes and of his short-lived successor Pertinax, Didius Julianus being made emperor by the praetorian guards of Rome, assumed the right of disposing of the empire to the highest bidder, three commanders of the legions abroad —Albinus in Britain, Severus in Illyricum, and Pescennius Niger in Syria—stood forth to dispute this right by the corresponding arguineut of the will of their own soldiers. Severus, who was the nearest to Rome, marched upon the city, upon which tho senate proclaimed him emperor, and the prietorians made way for him by assassinating the unfortunate Julianus. Severus while on his march had written to Albinus, proclaiming him Cesar, and adopting him as his successor. This time Albinus accepted the title, which he assumed publicly at the head of his legions; and the senate confirmed it, after the acces sion of Severus. But the new emperor having first overthrown his
competitor Pesconnius Niger, resolved to rid himself also of his dubious associate Albinus; who, having discovered his intentions in timo, passed over into Gaul, where he was proclaimed emperor, and strengthened himself by fresh recruits. Severus hurried from the east against this new enemy, and after several partial engagements a great battle was fought near Lyon, in February A.D. 197, iu which Severus was worsted at first and wounded, according to Spartianus, but succeeded in rallying his cavalry, with which ho gained the victory. The soldiers of Albiuus having taken refuge withia Lyon, that city was invested, stormed, and burnt, by the troops of Sevcrus. Albinus, according to Dion, killed himself, and his body was carried to Severus, who had the head cut. off and taken to Rome, and the body thrown into the Rhone. Severus, with Lis characteristic inhumanity, put to death the wifo and children of Albinus, and ordered a general pro ecriptiou of all his friends, who wero numerous in Gaul and in Spain, and even at Rome. Albinus appears to have been a man of consider able talents and information. lie was n distinguished commander, and had many partisans among the senators, but was harsh and even cruel in his military discipline : and is said by Capitoliuus to have been an enormous glutton. (Herodien, Dion, and Spartianus; and Julius Capitoliuus in the Ilistoria A uputa.)