Maximinus Thrax

• Maximus Thrax, also known as Maximinus I (235-238 CE), was the first Roman Emperor during the Year of the Six Emperors (238 CE). He was the first Emperor to be neither from the Equestrian class, nor the Senatorial class.
• He was said to have been a giant over eight feet (2.4m) tall.

1. BIOGRAPHICAL DETAILS

• NAME:
  • Gaius Julius Verus Maximinus
  • Maximinus Thrax (meaning the Thracian).
• MAXIMINUS’ DATES OF REIGN AS EMPEROR:
  • 20 March 235 CE to May 238 CE.
• MAXIMINUS’ DATE OF BIRTH AND DEATH:
  • Born: c.173 CE. Died: May 238 CE. Aged 65.
• PLACE OF BIRTH AND DEATH:
  • Born: possibly Thracia. Died: Aquileia, Italia
• MAXIMINUS’ PREDECESSOR:
  • Severus Alexander
• MAXIMINUS’ SUCCESSOR:
  • Year of the Six Emperors:
  • Gordian I with Gordian II, then Pupienus and Balbinus
  • Finally, Gordian III.
• HEIR TO THE THRONE BECAUSE:
  • His soldiers assassinated Severus Alexander and proclaimed him Emperor.
• DIED PEACEFULLY OR ASSASSINATED:
  • During his march on Rome, whilst camped in Aquileia, the soldiers of the Legio II Parthica, assassinated him and his followers, sending their heads to Rome.
• WHERE BURIED:
  • Unknown.
• MAXIMINUS WAS FAMOUS BECAUSE:
  • Maximinus is rumoured to have been a giant, over 8 feet (2.4m) tall.
  • He never set foot in Rome whilst he was Emperor.
  • He was the first Emperor who was neither from the Equestrian or Senatorial classes.

2. BRIEF SYNOPSIS

• Maximinus Thrax was the first Emperor during the Year of the Six Emperors. He was considered to be a semi-illiterate barbarian who hated the nobility and vice versa. His promotion to Emperor marks the beginning of the Crisis of the Third Century, a period of 50 years of civil wars between Roman Armies.

Rise to Power:

• He was the Commander of the Legio IV Italica and the Legio XXII Primigenia. His soldiers assassinated Severus Alexander and his mother in a mutiny at Mainz, in Germany. As Commander of the Mainz Legions, his soldiers proclaimed Maximinus Emperor, and the Praetorian Guard and the Roman Senate reluctantly ratified the decision.

Campaign in Germania:

• Between 235-238 CE he was obliged to Campaign against the Germanic Tribes in which he was successful. However, the increased taxation to pay for the war led to a serious Revolt in Africa.

Revolt in Africa Proconsularis:

• In 238 CE, the Province of Africa Proconsularis rebelled and the Governor Gordian I and his son Gordian II were proclaimed co-Emperors. The Roman Senate immediately ratified them as Roman Emperors, and Maximinus Thrax was forced to march on Rome from Pannonia.
• Meanwhile, the Legio III Augusta overthrew and killed the Gordians.

Revolt in Rome:

• This left the Roman Senate vulnerable to Maximinus.
• They elected two Patricians, Pupienus and Balbinus as co-Emperors, whilst another faction supported Gordian III, Gordian’s grandson.

Assassination:

• Maximinus Thrax was murdered by his own soldiers.
• Pupienus and Balbinus were eventually assassinated by the Praetorian Guard, and Gordian III became Emperor.

3. BIBLIOGRAPHY

• Sources:
  • Historia Augusta, Life of Maximinus.
  • Herodian, Roman History, Book 7.