Magnus Maximus (c. 355 - August 28, 388 CE) was a Roman usurper and Western Roman Emperor from 383-388 CE. He was a prominent general in the Roman army, particularly in the province of Britain. In 383 CE he usurped the Western throne, rebelling against the legitimate emperor Gratian. Following Gratian's death, negotiations with the Eastern Emperor Theodosius led to Maximus being proclaimed ruler of Britannia and Gaul, while Gratian's brother Valentinian II retained Italy, Spain, Pannonia, and Africa. Maximus eventually invaded Italy, bringing him into direct conflict with Theodosius. He was defeated by Theodosius' forces at the Battle of the Save in 388 CE. He was able to flee but was later captured and executed in the city of Aquileia in August of 388 CE.
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Definition
Timeline
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c. 355 CE - 28 Aug 388 CELife of Magnus Maximus.
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367 CEPicts, Scots, Saxons, and Franks attack the Roman Empire.
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367 CE - 383 CEReign of Western Roman Emperor Gratian.
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376 CEThe Goths cross the Danube.
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378 CEFritigern defeats Roman emperor Valens at the Battle of Adrianople.
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383 CE - 388 CEReign of Magnus Maximus.