After the emperor Aurelian was assassinated a long interregnum of eight months took place where no emperor was chosen. Instead of the guard electing the new ruler, the Senate voted to make the aged Tacitus emperor. In an attempt to gain prestige, Tacitus, no relation to the famed historian from the first century, was to have passed out the works of the historian, trying to pass him off as a relative. Modern historians do not believe there is any evidence that links the two men as blood relations. During the long period where no emperor was installed it is believed that Severina, the wife of Aurelian, actually ruled. Once installed as emperor, Tacitus mainly fought on the eastern front against barbarian tribes. He apparently died of a fever when returning from a campaign. Others suggest that he was assassinated.