Maximinus

MAXIMINVS (Caius Julius Verus), born in Thrace, A.D. 173, of an obscure and barbarous family, the son of Micea, a Goth, and of Ababa, an Alanian. This herdsman, by original occupation, entering into the Roman cavalry, attracted by his extraordinary size and strength the notice of Septimius Severus, who eventually raised him to military dignities. ---- Alexander Severus caused him to be elected a senator, and appointed him to different governments. In the war against Persia he shewed his courage and capacity. Accompanying that excellent Emperor into Germany, he basely procured his assassination; and then usurped the empire C.E. 235. The army having proclaimed his Augustus, he associated with himself his son Maximus, as Ceasar, and the Senate confirmed their election. A harsh and distrustful tryrant, pride, insolence, avarice, and bloodthirstiness governed all his actions. Of gigantic stature and of prodigious muscular powers, the wondrous proofs of his bodily from obtained for him the names of Hercules and Milo. His ferocity was equally manifested in his devastations of Germany by fire and sword; and in letting loose his fury against Christians as well as his other subject. At length, justly abhorred for his cruelty, and declared the enemy of the country, this sanguinary despot was massacred by his own soldiers at Aquileia (together with his son) in the 65th year of his age, C.E. 238.

View whole page from the |Dictionary Of Roman Coins|