Petronius Maximus
Short Biography
about the life of Petronius Maximus
Short Biography profile and facts about one of the most famous Romans of all, in the life of
Petronius Maximus,
Emperor of the Western Roman Empire
Name commonly known as: Petronius Maximus *** Latin Roman Name:
Flavius Anicius Petronius Maximus *** Reigned as Roman Emperor /
Caesar: 17 March 455 - 31 May 455 in competition with Majorian
and Maximianus ***
Dynasty / Historical Period:
Western Empire (394 - 476) which led to the disintegration of Roman
authority and the Fall of the Roman Empire *** Date of Birth: c. 396 *** Name of previous Emperor: His predecessor or the Emperor before Petronius Maximus was
Valentinian III and his successor was
Avitus *** Date of Death: Spring, 455
***
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 Petronius Maximus
Obtain a fast overview of the times of the Roman Emperor
Petronius Maximus from the following facts and information about his life.
Petronius Maximus rose through the political ranks before
taking the throne. He became joint consul with the famous
general Aetius. He poisoned the mind of the emperor against
the great general and Valentinian III who, jealous of
his glory, stabbed Aetius with his own hand. Valentinian III
was then assassinated in Rome, by two of the barbarian
followers of Aetius called Optila and Thranstila. The
assassination was believed to have been fuelled by Petronius
Maximus leaving a path clear for him to seize the throne.
Petronius Maximus claimed the throne on 17 March 455. He
then went into competition with various rivals including the
future emperor Majorian, who had the backing of the Empress
Eudoxia. Petronius Maximus gained control of the palace and
forced the Empress Eudoxia to marry him. Then the terrible
news came - the Vandals were coming to Rome. There was panic
in the streets and Petronius Maximus was killed in the streets by
the mob on 31 May 455. On
9 July 455
Avitus was proclaimed emperor
with backing by the Visigoths.
Petronius Maximus
The content of this Petronius Maximus
category in the Emperors of Ancient Rome provides free educational
details, facts and information for reference and research
for schools, colleges and homework. Refer to the
Colosseum Sitemap for a comprehensive search on interesting
different categories containing the history, facts and
information about the lives and people of Ancient Rome.
|