Magnus Maximus

Magnus Maximus was a Spanish-born general commanding in Britain who was acclaimed emperor by his troops in 383 and crossed to Gaul, where he killed Gratian. Recognised by Theodosius as co-emperor in the West, he governed Gaul, Spain, and Britain for five years with apparent competence. He overreached when he invaded Italy in 387 to take Valentinian II's territories; Theodosius marched against him, defeated him at Aquileia, and had him executed. He is remembered in Welsh tradition as Macsen Wledig.

Magnus Maximus's British usurpation marks the beginning of the withdrawal of Roman military strength from Britain; many troops who crossed with him to Gaul never returned. His numismatic legacy from the London mint is historically significant for British collectors, and his Welsh folkloric memory as Macsen Wledig gives him a unique afterlife in Celtic tradition.

Key Events

Coinage

Magnus Maximus struck coinage at Trier, Arles, and London. The London mint issues are among the most prized of any late Roman British coins and among his rarest types. The REPARATIO REIPVB and VICTORIA AVGG types follow the Valentinianic template. His portrait is typically that of a mature, heavily built military man. London mint solidi of Maximus are extreme rarities.

Related Resources

Further Reading

• Roman Imperial Coinage, Volume IX, J.W.E. Pearce
• Roman Coins and Their Values, Volume V, David R. Sear