Maximinus Thrax

Maximinus had a position of high command in the Army of the Rhine under Severus Alexander (emperor 222-235), and after Severus was assassinated, the Rhine army proclaimed Maximinus emperor. The majority of Maximinus's reign was devoted to battling encroaching tribes along the Danube and Rhine. His vigorous renovation of the roads in these areas is attested to by the numerous landmarks bearing his name.

Maximinus's empire was worn out by battle. His army finally turned on him. It is believed that under his authority, the great "Military Anarchy" of the third century began. Sarmatians at the same time after suffering catastrophic losses in his battles with German tribes. He is one of the worst Roman Emperors who had no concern for Rome's finances; instead, he doubled the army's pay to gain their favor. Maximinus ordered all church leaders assassinated because his predecessor had favored Christians. He attempted to bring his never-ending battle home to Rome when the senate supported a rebellion against him.

Maximinus's rule seems to mark the start of a half-century of instability and crisis to modern historians. He may have appeared odd at the time, interrupting the Septimius Severus-established military monarchy for a short while.

Time: 235 - 238 AD