Magnentius

Flavius ​​Magnus Magnentius (c. 303 in Ambianum; ? † August 10 at Lugdunum 353 ) was Roman Emperor from 350 to 353 counter-

Life

Magnentius was of Germanic origin; his father seems Briton to have been his mother Franconian. Under Constantine the Great, he was promoted in the army and was - perhaps already under Constantine's sons - first protector and then comes rei militaris.

Discontent in the ranks of the Roman army officer with Emperor Constans culminated in the collection of the Emperor Magnentius on January 18, 350 at a banquet in Augustodunum ( Autun ), which was driven primarily by Marcellinus, Constans ' treasurer. Constans was out hunting when he found out about it. But he was then attacked by almost all left and killed a short time by a troop of light cavalry near the Pyrenees later.

Magnentius quickly gained the support of the provinces in Britain, Gaul, and the rest of the western part of the empire, in part because he did recognize a greater tolerance towards the religions, Christianity on the one hand and the old Roman religion on the other. Resistance was formed, however, in Illyricum, where Vetranio proclaimed Augustus, as well as in Italy, where Magnentius had to suppress the aided by the Senate usurpation of Nepotianus. His brother Decentius he rose to Caesar.

The remaining emperor of the family of Constantine the Great, Constantius II, broke off his campaign against Persia and marched west. Their armies met at the Battle of Mursa (now Osijek ) in the year 351 Magnentius led his troops into battle, while Constantius spent the day in prayer in a nearby church. Nevertheless, the troops of the usurper were beaten and forced to retreat to Gaul.

As a result of Magnentius ' defeat moved from the Italian garrisons and waved a loyalist to a course. Magnentius made ​​one last attempt, but was defeated again at the Battle of Mons Seleucus 353, whereupon he committed suicide. His widow married Justina 370 Valentinian I.