Maximinus Thrax

Background

Maximinus Thrax was born in Thrace or Moesia in 173.

Career

A Thracian peasant, noted for his physical strength and soldierly abilities, Maximinus had become a general under Alexander Severus, and when military discontent with that emperor culminated in his murder, Maximinus was made emperor by his soldiers. As emperor, Maximinus was successful in repelling a German invasion of Gaul and in defeating barbarians along the Danube, but because he failed to make headway against a revolt of the senatorial party in Italy and Africa, he was deposed and executed by his own soldiers in 238.

Achievements

• He was the first barbarian to become Roman emperor and the first common soldier to rise from the ranks to that exalted post.

Connections

Wife:

Caecilia Paulina

References

• Maximinus Thrax: From Common Soldier to Emperor of Rome