Maximinus Thrax Biography

(Roman Emperor from 235 to 238)

Born: 173

Born In: Thracia

Maximinus Thrax, also known as Maximinus I, was the emperor of Rome from 235 to 238. He served as the commander of the ‘Legio IV Italica’ when Severus Alexander was assassinated by his own people. He was chosen as the emperor of Rome because of his harsh ways, which were completely different from the appeasement policies of Alexander. He was the first emperor of Rome who had risen from the ranks of the army. His short reign marked the beginning of half a century of civil war in Rome. As an emperor, he spent most of his time invading tribes along the Danube and Rhine rivers. Heavy taxation was required to sustain his army, and that made him hugely unpopular with the commoners. Eventually, the senate took advantage of his absence and tried to depose him by recognizing Gordian as the emperor. Soon, there was absolute turmoil in the empire. The period came to be known as the “Year of the Six Emperors of Rome.” Maximinus lost the support of his army and was ultimately killed by his own men.
3
Quick Facts

Also Known As: Gaius Julius Verus Maximinus

Died At Age: 65

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Caecilia Paulina (m. ? – 236 AD)

father: Micca

mother: Ababa

children: Gaius Julius Verus Maximus

Born Country: Greece

Emperors & Kings Ancient Roman Men

Died on: 238

place of death: Aquileia, Italy

Cause of Death: Assassination

  • 1

    What was Maximinus Thrax known for during his reign?

    Maximinus Thrax was known for his military background and his harsh treatment of the Roman Senate.

  • 2

    How did Maximinus Thrax rise to power?

    Maximinus Thrax rose to power by being proclaimed emperor by the Roman army after assassinating Alexander Severus.
  • 3

    What were some of the major challenges faced by Maximinus Thrax during his rule?

    Some major challenges faced by Maximinus Thrax included military uprisings, financial difficulties, and opposition from the Roman Senate.
  • 4

    How did Maximinus Thrax's reign come to an end?

    Maximinus Thrax's reign came to an end when he was assassinated by his own soldiers during a rebellion in 238 AD.
  • 5

    What impact did Maximinus Thrax's rule have on the Roman Empire?

    Maximinus Thrax's rule contributed to political instability and a period of crisis in the Roman Empire known as the Crisis of the Third Century.
Childhood & Early Life
According to historical records, Maximinus, or Gaius lulius Verus Maximinus Augustus, was born in the year 173, to a Gothic father and an Alanic mother, in Thrace or Moesia. However, there are many conflicting stories about his origin. His father was an accountant in the governor’s office and was not considered a true Roman.
Maximinus grew up as a barbarian leader of shepherds and bandits till he joined the ‘Imperial Roman Army’ under the rule of Septimius Severus. He stared his career as a common soldier and got promoted under Alexander Severus, who was impressed by his massive size and strength.
Maximinus was appointed as the prefect of the legions of Parthica and Mesopotamia during his early career. He soon rose to become the commander of the ‘Legio IV Italica’ in the Rhine, which consisted of troops from Pannonia.
Alexander was not much liked by his troops because of his policy of appeasing the Germanic tribes of Alemanni and his habit of avoiding war. He was assassinated by his own troops, who chose Maximinus to be the emperor of Rome in his place.
Continue Reading Below
Career
Maximinus was the first Roman emperor who was neither from the senatorial class nor from the equestrian class. He was elected to be the emperor by the ‘Praetorian Guard’ in March 235, because they wanted a man with a stern personality to rule after Alexander. The senate opposed his appointment but had to eventually accept him as the emperor because of the support he received from his army.
He was ruthless with those he suspected of plotting against him and soon eliminated the close advisors of Alexander. There were two attempts to plot against him during the first year of his rule, but both were foiled.
In the first plot, a group of senators conspired to destroy a bridge across the Rhine so that they could trap him in hostile territory and appoint senator Magnus as the new ruler. However, he discovered the conspiracy and got the culprits executed. In the second plot, the Mesopotamian archers, who were still loyal to Alexander, tried to make Quartinus the emperor of Rome. However, Quartinus was murdered by his own people due to differences of opinion and infighting.
The beginning of his rule is referred to as the beginning of the “Crisis of the Third Century,” during which the Roman Empire crumbled due to external invasions, internal civil war, and economic slowdown. It is also known as the period of “Military Anarchy” and “Imperial Crisis.”
Maximinus and his troops defeated the Alemanni in his first campaign in the swamps of Agri Decumates, despite suffering heavy casualties. He declared himself Germanicus Maximus and gave his son the title of “caesar” and “princeps iuventutis.” He is believed to have defeated the Germanic tribes in a second campaign beyond the Weser river, in the Battle at the Harzhorn.
After securing the German frontier, he set up camp at Sirmium in Pannonia to consolidate his empire. He fought the Dacians and the Sarmatians from his base in 235–236. During this period, he invested in infrastructure and built roads to improve the lines of communication and to sustain his army.
He paid his soldiers well and was engaged in continuous warfare, which required harsh tax-collection policies. This alienated the governing class from the rest of the population. He continued to be ruthless in his ways and was responsible for killing many innocent men who came in his way.
In early 238, a group of landowners revolted against a treasury official in the province of Africa, because of his atrocities while collecting tax. This escalated into a full-scale revolt that was supported by the senate in Rome.
The senate gave the title of “Augustus” to both the governor, Gordian I, and his son, Gordian II, who were declared co-emperors. On hearing this, Maximinus decided to march into Rome with his army to crush the rebellion. Meanwhile, Gordian II was killed while fighting with the army of governor Capelianus from the neighboring province of Numidia. Following this, Gordian I hanged himself.
Continue Reading Below
Fearing the wrath of Maximinus for supporting Gordian I and II, the senate appointed Pupienus and Balbinus from the patrician class as co-emperors of Rome. However, the people of Rome were not happy with the choice, because both the senators were old. The senate was ultimately forced to appoint Gordian’s grandson, Gordian III, as the “caesar.”
When Maximinus marched into Rome with his army, the city of Aquileia closed its gates to his soldiers. He besieged the city, but his soldiers were dissatisfied and famished by then. They revolted against him and killed Maximinus and his son on May 10, 238. Both his and his son’s severed heads was carried to Rome.
Family, Personal Life & Legacy
Maximinus was a tall and well-built man, with an imposing personality. It is said that his thumb was so large that he wore his wife’s bracelet on it as a ring. He had superhuman strength and was feared by his enemies.
He was married to Caecilia Paulina. They had a son named Gaius Julius Verus Maximus. He was loyal to his wife and groomed his son to make him the emperor of Rome someday. However, his dynasty ended when his men killed him and his son because of his harsh ways.
Facts About Maximinus Thrax

Maximinus Thrax was known for his imposing height, reportedly standing at over 8 feet tall, making him one of the tallest Roman emperors in history.

Despite his reputation for being a fierce and aggressive ruler, Maximinus Thrax was also known for his dedication to physical fitness and personal discipline, often engaging in rigorous military training exercises.
Maximinus Thrax was the first emperor of Roman origin who did not hail from the Italian peninsula, instead coming from the province of Thrace, which was located in modern-day Bulgaria.

Maximinus Thrax was a skilled military commander who rose through the ranks of the Roman army, eventually becoming emperor in 235 AD after leading successful campaigns against invading Germanic tribes.

Maximinus Thrax was known for his populist policies and efforts to improve the welfare of the common people, including providing food subsidies and support for the urban poor during his reign.

See the events in life of Maximinus Thrax in Chronological Order

How To Cite

Article Title
- Maximinus Thrax Biography
Author
- Editors, TheFamousPeople.com
Website
- TheFamousPeople.com
URL
https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/maximinus-thrax-41246.php

People Also Viewed

Elagabalus Biography
Elagabalus
(Ancient Roman)
 
Alexander Severus Biography
Alexander Severus
(Ancient Roman)
 
Diocletian Biography
Diocletian
(Ancient Roman)
 
Domitian Biography
Domitian
(Ancient Roman)
 
Nerva Biography
Nerva
(Ancient Roman)
 
Trajan Biography
Trajan
(Ancient Roman)
 
Septimius Severus Biography
Septimius Severus
(Ancient Roman)
 
Titus Biography
Titus
(Ancient Roman)