Pope Dionysius’s successor Felix, the author of an important dogmatic letter on the unity of Christ's Person, had received Aurelian's aid in settling the theological dispute between the anti-Trinitarian Paul of Samosata and the orthodox Domnus, Paul's successor, who the Italian bishops have endorsed.
Paul's patron, Zenobia, having meanwhile added Anatolia to Palmyra's sphere of influence, had even won partial recognition from Aurelian.
Paul loses her protection late in 272, however, when the emperor defeats her.
The Christians of Antioch bring their case before the Emperor, who orders Paul to yield the house to Domnus.