The man that came to be called 'Magnus Maximus' was born of humble stuff. Magnus was brought into the world as a scion of a poor Spanish family in the province of Callaecia, in northwestern Spain.

During his military career, Magnus under Theodosius the Elder in Britain (369 CE) and Africa (373-375 CE). For his loyal service to the Emperor, he was rewarded with overall military command in Britain, where he commenced to numerous successful campaigns against the Picts and Scots.

At this time the army in Britain, influential as ever, became very dissatisfied with the Emperor Gratian. In 383 CE, spurred by privileges awarded to 'barbarian' units fighting for the Empire, the garrison in Brittania revolted and proclaimed it's commander, Magnus Maximus, Augustus of the West.

The newly crowned emperor immediately crossed the English Channel and took Gratian completely by surprise. The final showdown looked to set for a battle at Lutetia. However, it ended in somewhat of an anticlimax - Gratian's troops deserted him and pledged allegiance to Magnus.

Gratian fled, but to no avail. Magnus' Magister Equitium, Andragathius, caught up with Gratian and killed him.

Meanwhile Magnus Maximus set up his capital at Treviri and began negotiating with Theodosius. Eventually Theodosius recognized Magnus as Augustus of the West, in order to save the young Valentinian II, who still remained in command of Italy, Pannonia, and Africa. Shortly after his recognition by Theodosius as Augustus, Magnus adopted the name Flavius, so that he could pass himself off as an 'adopted member' of the imperial family.

In the summer of 387 CE, Magnus invaded Italy and successfully ousted Valentinian II, who fled with his mother to Theodosius in Constantinople. However, the play proved too ambitious. Theodosius, with Valentinian II safely ensconced in the East, marched on Magnus.

In 388 CE, Magnus, who stayed in Aquileia, sent his faithful Magister Equitium, Andragathius, against Theodosius. He was defeated and killed at Siscia. His brother Marcellinus then took up command, regrouped the army, and once again marched on Theodosius. This effort, too, proved not enough. Marcellinus was defeated at Poetovio, and presumably killed.

The jig was up for Magnus. He threw down his arms and pleaded for mercy from Theodosius. Unluckily for him, there was none to be had. Magnus Maximus 'Flavius' was killed in 388 CE. Arbogast, Theodosius' Magister Pedarium, soon captured and killed Flavius Victor, Magnus' son.

LVF