Maximus of Hispania facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Maximus |
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| Usurper of the Western Roman Empire | |||||||||
Siliqua of Maximus
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| Reign | 409 - 417 (in Hispania only, in competition with Constantine III and Honorius); ? 419-21 (may or may not be same figure) |
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| Predecessor | Constantine III | ||||||||
| Successor | Honorius | ||||||||
| Died | 422? Rome? |
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| Father | Gerontius? | ||||||||
Maximus was a Roman usurper (409 – 411) in Hispania (the Iberian Peninsula, modern Spain and Portugal). A usurper was someone who took power as emperor without being officially recognized. Maximus was chosen by a powerful general named Gerontius, who might have been his father.
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Who Was Maximus?
Maximus was a figure who claimed to be a Roman emperor. He ruled parts of Hispania, which is the area we now call Spain and Portugal. He was not recognized by the main Roman Empire. His time as emperor was quite short, lasting from 409 to 411 AD.
How Maximus Became Emperor
Maximus was put into power by General Gerontius. Gerontius was a general for another emperor, Constantine III. However, their relationship became difficult in 409 AD. Constantine III had sent Gerontius to Hispania.
In 410 AD, Constantine III sent his own son, Constans, with an army to Hispania. This made Gerontius worried he might be replaced. So, Gerontius decided to rebel. He chose Maximus to be the new emperor in late summer 410 AD.
Maximus's Rule in Hispania
Even though his rule was short, Maximus did have some control over Hispania. Coins were made in his name in the city of Barcino (modern Barcelona). There is also proof that major building work happened on the city's walls during his time. This shows he had some real power and influence.
The End of Maximus's First Reign
For about 18 months, Gerontius's forces fought against Constantine III's armies. They even defeated and killed Constantine's son, Constans. Constantine III himself was trapped in the city of Arelas.
Seeing that the armies of both Maximus and Constantine were weakened, the official Roman Emperor, Honorius, sent his own general, Constantius, to Gaul. Many of Gerontius's soldiers left him to join the imperial general. Without his main supporter, Maximus reportedly fled. He found safety "amongst the barbarians in Hispania."
A Possible Second Reign
The story of Maximus becomes less clear after this. Many historians believe he is the same person as a second Maximus. This second Maximus started another rebellion in Hispania between 419 and 421 AD.
According to historical records, this Maximus was captured. He was brought to Rome and put on display. He was then executed around January 23, 422 AD. This happened during a big celebration for Emperor Honorius. A Roman general named Asterius is said to have captured him. Asterius was rewarded for this achievement.
