Nepotianus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nepotianus |
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Nepotianus on a coin bearing
his claimed title of Augustus |
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| Roman emperor (usurper) | |||||
| Reign | 3–30 June 350 (in competition with Magnentius) |
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| Died | 30 June 350 Rome |
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| Dynasty | Constantinian | ||||
| Father | Virius Nepotianus | ||||
| Mother | Eutropia | ||||
Nepotianus (died June 30, 350 AD) was a member of the important Constantinian dynasty. He briefly claimed to be the Roman emperor in Rome. He was a "usurper," which means he took power without being officially chosen. Nepotianus ruled Rome for only 28 days. He was then killed by Marcellinus, a general working for his rival, Magnentius.
Who Was Nepotianus?
Nepotianus was part of a famous Roman family. His mother was Eutropia, who was the half-sister of a very important emperor, Constantine I. This made Nepotianus the grandson of Emperor Constantius Chlorus. His father was Virius Nepotianus. Being part of this family meant he had a connection to the Roman throne.
Nepotianus Takes Power
In 350 AD, a man named Magnentius started a rebellion and became emperor. This created a lot of confusion in the Roman Empire. Nepotianus saw his chance. On June 3, 350, he declared himself emperor. He marched into the city of Rome with a group of gladiators.
The city's leader, called the praefectus urbi (city prefect), tried to stop Nepotianus. This prefect, named Titianus, supported Magnentius. However, Titianus's forces were not well-trained Roman citizens. They were quickly defeated, and Titianus had to flee Rome.
The End of His Reign
Magnentius quickly heard about Nepotianus's takeover. He sent his trusted general, Marcellinus, to Rome. Marcellinus was a magister officiorum, a high-ranking official. He was sent to deal with Nepotianus's rebellion.
On June 30, 350, Nepotianus was killed during the fighting. His head was placed on a spear and carried around the city. This was a warning to anyone else who might try to rebel. In the days that followed, Nepotianus's mother, Eutropia, was also killed. Many of his supporters faced the same fate.
See also
In Spanish: Nepociano para niños
- List of Roman emperors
- List of Roman usurpers
