Magnentius

Latin Roman Name: Flavius Magnus Magnentius ***

Reigned as Roman Emperor / Caesar: 350-353 AD ***

Dynasty / Historical Period: The Constantinian dynasty (285 - 364) also called Neo-Flavian because every Constantinian emperor bore the name Flavius ***

Place and Date of Birth: Born 303 at Samarobriva, Gaul ***

Name of previous Emperor: His predecessor or the Emperor before Magnentius was Constans

Place and Date of Death: Died August 11, 353 at Mons Seleucus at Senonae in Gaul ***

Name of next Emperor:  The successor to Magnentius was Constantius II

For the names of the next Roman emperors in the East and the West of the Empire refer to the Timeline of Roman Emperors

Interesting facts about the life of Magnentius
Obtain a fast overview of the times of the Roman Emperor Magnentius from the following facts and information about his life. A quarrel broke out between the Emperors Constantine II and Constans, and the former, having invaded his brother's provinces, was defeated and killed in A.D. 350. Ten years later Constans was himself put to death by Magnentius, an ambitious soldier, who at once assumed the name of emperor. Magnentius gained power Britannia, Gaul, Hispania, Italia and Africa. However, he had to struggle for power with the remaining members of the Constantinian dynasty including a revolt by Nepotian. Another ambitious man called Vetranio who was commander of the Pannonian army, had been elected Augustus by his troops and recognised by Constantius II. Vetranio changed sides adding support to Magnentius. At this point Magnentius had to be put down and the emperor Constantius II met the armies of Magnentius at the Battle of Mursa Major in 351. Magnentius was defeated and forced to retreat back to Gaul. Magnentius fought a final battle in 353 in the Battle of Mons Seleucus. His forces were defeated and  Magnentius committed suicide by falling on his sword. It is believed that his brother was Magnus Decentius a usurper to the Roman throne.