It is said that upon hearing the news that his father, Valerian had died, Gallienus experienced a silent joy. The frivolous son was not want of talent but spent most of his time in artistic pursuits with little care about the matters of state. As a result during his reign, there were more than a dozen rebel emperors. In the east, the rulers of Palmyra remained independent. While in west a whole score of usurpers ruled from Gaul. Gallienus never tried to assert his authority to the rebels unless he felt personally endangered. During that time he would mount a brief expedition and promptly retire afterwards; not having achieved a lasting order. During one of these campaigns, Gallienus was subduing the rebel Aureolus when he was struck with an arrow and died. His last sentence named Claudius as his heir.