Events By Place Roman Empire Valerian I recovers Antioch from Shapur. The Goths build a fleet on the Black Sea. The Goths separate into the Ostrogoths and the Visigoths. Aurelian defeats the Goths along the lower Danube, bringing many prisoners back to Rome. By Topic Religion August 30 — Pope Sixtus II succeeds Pope Stephen I as the 24th pope. Valerian's persecution of Christians begins: his edict orders bishops and priests to sacrifice according to the pagan rituals, and prohibits… (More on 257)