Germanic tribes and other nomadic people have begun in the 160s to launch raids along the northern border, particularly into Gaul and across the Danube.

This new impetus westwards is probably due to attacks from tribes farther east.

A first invasion of the Chatti in the province of Germania Superior had been repulsed in 162.

Far more dangerous is the invasion of 166, when the Marcomanni of Bohemia, clients of the Roman Empire since 19, cross the Danube together with the Lombards and other German tribes.

Fronto's son-in-law Aufidius Victorinus had been stationed during the early 160s as a legate in Germany, there with his wife and children (another child had stayed with Fronto and his wife in Rome).

The condition on the northern frontier looks grave.

A frontier post has been destroyed, and it appears as though all the peoples of central and northern Europe are in turmoil.

There is corruption among the officers: Victorinus has to ask for the resignation of a legionary legate who is taking bribes.

Experienced governors have been replaced by friends and relatives of the imperial family.

L. Dasumius Tullius Tuscus, a distant relative of Hadrian, is in Upper Pannonia, succeeding the experienced M. Nonius Macrinus.

Lower Pannonia is under the obscure Ti. Haterius Saturnius.

M. Servilius Fabianus Maximus is shuffled from Lower Moesia to Upper Moesia when Iallius Bassus joins Lucius in Antioch.

Lower Moesia is filled by Pontius Laelianus' son.

The Dacias are still divided in three, governed by a praetorian senator and two procurators.

The peace cannot long hold; Lower Pannonia does not even have a legion.