Magnetius

Magnetius (350-353 CE), also known as Magnentius, was a Roman Emperor.
In 351 CE He fought the Battle of Mursa Major against Constantius II, which was the bloodiest battle in the history of the Roman Army.

1. BIOGRAPHICAL DETAILS

NAME:
- Flavius Magnus Magnentius, also known as Magnetius.
MAGNENTIUS’ DATES OF REIGN AS EMPEROR:
- 18 January 350 CE to 11 August 353 CE.
MAGNENTIUS’ DATE OF BIRTH AND DEATH:
- Born in 303 CE. Died 11 August 353 CE.
PLACE OF BIRTH AND DEATH:
- Born in Samarobriva, Gaul. Died at Mons Seleucus, Gaul.
MAGNENTIUS’ PREDECESSOR:
- Constans
MAGNENTIUS’ SUCCESSOR:
- Constantius II
HEIR TO THE THRONE BECAUSE:
- He proclaimed himself Emperor at Autun and had Constans assassinated.
DIED PEACEFULLY OR ASSASSINATED:
- After being defeated at the Battle of Mons Seleucus, he committed suicide on his sword.
WHERE BURIED:
- Unknown.
MAGNENTIUS WAS FAMOUS BECAUSE:
- In 351 CE Magnetius fought the Battle of Mursa Major against Constantius II, which was the bloodiest battle in the history of the Roman Army.
- Magnetius lost two thirds of his army and Constantius II lost half, a total of 50,000 men.

Constans’ reputation for vice and cruelty eventually lost him the army’s support. General Magnetius proclaimed himself Emperor at Autun in Gaul, where Constans happened to be on vacation nearby. Constans attempted to flee to Hispania, but was captured and killed in the fort of Vicus Helena in Gaul.

Instead of joining Magnetius, Vetranio, the Commander of Illyricum, proclaimed himself Augustus. When Constantius II arrived in Illyricum, Vetranio resigned his claim, handed over his legions and was retired honourably by Constantius II.

In 351 CE, Constantius II met the army of Magnetius on the Danube, and defeated him at the Battle of Mursa Major, which was the bloodiest battle in the history of the Roman Army. Magnetius lost two thirds of his army and Constantius II lost half, a total of 50,000 men.

Magnetius withdrew to Italia. Constantius II remained on the Danube to campaign against the Sarmatians.
In 352 CE, Constantius II invaded Italia, and Magnetius’ armies changed sides and left him. Magnetius escaped to Gaul.
In 353 CE, Constantius II again defeated Magnetius at the Battle of Mons Seleucus. Realising that further conflict would not succeed, Magnetius committed suicide by falling on his sword on 10 August.