MAGNUS MAXIMUS
Western Usurper
Reigned: 383-388 A.D.
MAGNVS CLEMENS MAXIMVS was born in Spain and is thought to have been either related to or in the service of the father of Theodosius I. Maximus entered military service and served in Britain, Africa and the Danube area. In 383 the legions in Britain proclaimed him Augustus, and he immediately invaded Gaul and overthrew the Western Emperor Gratian. He was recognized by Theodosius I and Valentinian II and ruled quietly for 4 years until he invaded the territory of Valentinian II. By the intervention of Theodosius, Maximus was beaten, taken captive at Aquileia, and executed on July 28, 388. |