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Maximinus Thrax

Imperator Caesar Gaius Julius Verus Maximinus Augustus

Reign 235 AD – 238 AD
Dynasty Crisis of Third Century
Born c. 173 AD
Died 238 AD

A Thracian peasant who rose through the army ranks, Maximinus Thrax was the first 'soldier emperor' and never visited Rome during his reign. His enormous physical size was legendary; ancient sources describe him as over eight feet tall, though this is likely exaggerated. His heavy taxation to fund frontier wars provoked revolt and his own murder.

Maximinus Thrax's accession demonstrated that any successful general could seize the throne regardless of birth or senatorial approval. His reign inaugurated the military anarchy of the third century, where over 50 emperors would rule in as many years.

Key Events

235 AD Acclaimed emperor by the legions after murdering Severus Alexander
235 AD Successful campaigns against the Alamanni on the Rhine frontier
236 AD Campaigns against the Dacians and Sarmatians on the Danube
238 AD Revolt in Africa led by Gordian I and II; Senate declared Maximinus a public enemy
238 AD Murdered by his own soldiers while besieging Aquileia

Coinage

Maximinus's coinage is primarily military in theme, reflecting his constant campaigning and the loyalty of the army. The denarius continued to decline in silver content, and the sestertius remained the primary bronze denomination. His portrait is notable for depicting his massive, brutish features.

Denominations

Aureus Denarius Sestertius Dupondius As

Notable Types

  • VICTORIA GERM types for Germanic campaigns
  • FIDES MILITVM types
  • PAX AVGVSTI types

Common Reverses

VICTORIA GERM FIDES MILITVM PM TR P II COS P P PAX AVGVSTI PROVIDENTIA AVG SALVS AVGVSTI

Active Mints

Rome

Further Reading

  • Roman Imperial Coinage, Volume IV, Part 2 — Harold Mattingly, Edward A. Sydenham & C.H.V. Sutherland
  • Roman Coins and Their Values, Volume III — David R. Sear
← Predecessor Severus Alexander Successor → Gordian I