The ascent to power by Decius was the probable moment that governor Jotapianus of Syria was killed by his own troops, and the revolt ended.
Decius defeated the Blemmyes, who had invaded Egypt in 250.
Decius had to deal with the first major Germanic invasion since the Marcomannic Wars. In 250, king Cniva of the Goths invaded the Roman Empire, supported by the Taifali, Vandals and Carpi. Thrace was ravaged, and the Thracian city Philippopolis was sacked. Governor Titus Julius Priscus of Thrace declared himself emperor, supported by the Goths, but was quickly dealt with. Emperor Decius had the Goths trapped into Thrace, because the Roman army was in the north in Moesia Inferior. Cniva headed north and destroyed the Roman army at the Battle of Abrittus. Emperor Decius was killed and was the first Roman emperor to die in battle against a foreign enemy.