After reigning for a few weeks Quintillus was overthrown by Aurelian, who had been proclaimed rival emperor by the legions he commanded.

The ancient sources variously report him to have killed himself, to have fallen in battle against Aurelian, or to have been murdered by his own soldiers.

[2] Originating from a low-born family, Quintillus came to prominence with the accession of his brother Claudius Gothicus to the imperial throne in 268 CE.

[4] Records, however, agree that the legions which had followed Claudius in campaigning along the Danube were either unaware or disapproving of Quintillus' elevation.

Modern scholars believe "17" to be a misreading of a larger number, since Quintillus had time to produce an abundance of coins.

[8] According to Joannes Zonaras, Quintillus opened his veins and bled himself to death;[4] John of Antioch concurs, adding that the suicide was assisted by a physician.