Claudius had distinguished himself as a military commander under the last few emperors. His origins are not clear, however it is believed he was from the Danube area. During his brief rule, the Goths from the Black Sea undertook a serious naval expedition. It culminated in a pivotal battle in Macedonia, where the legions prevailed. Rampant disease had helped reduce the Goths and it was this same disease that afflicted Claudius. Like Gallienus, Claudius named a successor in his death bed. That man would come to be known one day as the restorer of the world.