Maximin

Maximin (Caius Julius Verus Maximinus) (măk'simin) [key], d. 238, Roman emperor (235–38). A rough Thracian soldier of great physical strength, he rose in the army, and when the soldiers revolted against Alexander Severus, they proclaimed Maximin emperor at Mainz. He established order among the troops and conducted (235–38) highly successful campaigns against the Germans. In 238 there was a rebellion in Africa, and Gordian (Gordian I) was named emperor by the landowners. Maximin marched on Italy and advanced on Aquileia. In the siege he was assassinated by the soldiers.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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