Claudius II had a good reputation. He defeated a huge Goth army
in the Battle of Naissus (268 or 269 AD). This ended invasions of
the eastern part of the Roman Empire by the Goths and Heruli which
had been taking place on and off for thirty years. For this he was
given the title of Gothicus (winner against the Goths). Later,
Constantine the great, who was born at Naissus, claimed descent
from Claudius Ii to bolster his bid for power.
According to the medieval Golden Legend of 1260, St Valentine
refused to deny Christ before the "Emperor Claudius" during a
persecution of the Christians and was beheaded. As the first
emperor named Claudius did not persecute the Christians, it was
believed that the legend referred to Claudius II. Since then
February 14 had been the day dedicated to this Roman priest and
physician since then.
