The Tumultuous Year of the Six Emperors (AD 238)

The year AD 238 is etched into the annals of Roman history as The Year of the Six Emperors, a truly extraordinary and unsettling period when no fewer than six individuals laid claim to the imperial throne of Rome. This rapid succession of rulers was not merely a fleeting anomaly but rather an ominous precursor, an early and dramatic symptom of a much larger, protracted epoch that historians now refer to as the Crisis of the Third Century. Also known as the Military Anarchy or the Imperial Crisis, this turbulent era, spanning from approximately AD 235 to 284, witnessed the formidable Roman Empire teetering perilously close to complete disintegration. The pressures were relentless and multifaceted: fierce barbarian invasions and large-scale migrations pushed into Roman territories from various frontiers, devastating civil wars erupted repeatedly, peasant rebellions flared up across the provinces, and profound political instability became the norm, characterized by numerous usurpers constantly vying for ultimate power. Adding to these external and internal conflicts was Rome's increasing reliance on – and the growing influence of – barbarian mercenaries, often called foederati, along with military commanders who, while nominally serving Rome, were becoming increasingly independent and assertive. Furthermore, the empire grappled with the devastating social and economic repercussions of widespread plagues, the corrosive effects of currency debasement leading to rampant inflation, and a deep, pervasive economic depression that crippled trade and prosperity. This profound crisis finally began to abate with the ascension of Emperor Diocletian in 284 AD and his subsequent implementation of far-reaching administrative and military reforms, which sought to restore order and stability to a battered empire.

Maximinus Thrax: The Soldier Emperor Who Sparked the Crisis

At the very beginning of this turbulent period stood Gaius Julius Verus Maximinus "Thrax", earning his cognomen "the Thracian" due to his perceived regional origins. Born around 173 AD, he reigned as Roman Emperor from 235 until his death in 238 AD. His background was notably humble for an emperor; his father served as an accountant in a provincial governor's office, and his ancestors hailed from the Carpi, a resilient Dacian tribe. Interestingly, it was this very group, the Carpi, whom Emperor Diocletian would eventually compel to leave their ancestral lands in Dacia and resettle in Pannonia many decades later, illustrating the long and complex history of Roman interaction with these peoples. Maximinus’s rise to power was a testament to the growing influence of the military in Roman politics. He was a distinguished commander of the Legio IV Italica when Emperor Severus Alexander, a relatively young and perhaps less assertive ruler, was brutally assassinated by his own disgruntled troops in 235 AD. Seizing the moment, the powerful Pannonian army, recognizing Maximinus's strength and military prowess, promptly elected him as their new emperor.

However, Maximinus's reign, though effective militarily in protecting the frontiers, was marked by an absence of traditional aristocratic support and a perceived harshness, making him deeply unpopular with the Roman Senate. This simmering discontent boiled over in 238 AD – the very year that would become infamously known as the Year of the Six Emperors. A major senatorial revolt erupted, challenging Maximinus's authority. In rapid succession, the Senate proclaimed several men as emperors in opposition to him: first Gordian I and his son Gordian II, then, following their swift demise, Pupienus and Balbinus, and finally the young Gordian III. In response to this audacious challenge, Maximinus, a seasoned military leader, marshaled his legions and began an advance on Rome, fully intending to crush the rebellion and reassert his absolute authority. His march, however, was critically halted at the strategically important city of Aquileia, which refused to open its gates to him. During the prolonged siege of Aquileia, frustration and disaffection within his own ranks reached a breaking point. Ultimately, Maximinus and his son were assassinated by disaffected elements of the Legio II Parthica, bringing an abrupt and violent end to his three-year reign.

Maximinus is vividly described in several ancient sources, though notably, only Herodian's "Roman History" is considered contemporary to his lifetime, offering a valuable firsthand perspective. He is often categorized as a quintessential "barracks emperor" of the 3rd century – a ruler who rose from the military ranks rather than through senatorial or aristocratic lineage. His rule is widely considered by historians to mark the precise beginning of the Crisis of the Third Century, largely because he was the very first emperor who hailed neither from the venerable senatorial class nor from the prestigious equestrian class, signaling a dramatic shift in the sources of imperial power from traditional Roman elites to the military might of the legions.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Year of the Six Emperors and Maximinus Thrax

What was the "Year of the Six Emperors"?

The "Year of the Six Emperors" refers to AD 238, an incredibly unstable year in Roman history when six different men were proclaimed or claimed to be Roman emperors: Maximinus Thrax, Gordian I, Gordian II, Pupienus, Balbinus, and Gordian III.

When did the Crisis of the Third Century begin and end?

The Crisis of the Third Century, also known as the Military Anarchy or Imperial Crisis, typically began in AD 235 with the ascension of Maximinus Thrax and the assassination of Severus Alexander, and it concluded in AD 284 with the rise of Emperor Diocletian and his sweeping reforms.

Who was Maximinus Thrax?

Maximinus Thrax was a Roman Emperor from 235 to 238 AD. He was a distinguished military commander of humble, non-aristocratic origins who was proclaimed emperor by his troops after the assassination of Severus Alexander. He is often considered the first "barracks emperor" and his reign marked the beginning of the Crisis of the Third Century.

Why was Maximinus Thrax called a "barracks emperor"?

Maximinus Thrax earned the moniker "barracks emperor" because he rose to power directly from the ranks of the military, having a background as a soldier and commander, rather than through traditional political or aristocratic channels like the senatorial or equestrian classes. His support primarily came from the legions, who often proclaimed their chosen leader without senatorial approval.

How did Maximinus Thrax die?

Maximinus Thrax was assassinated in 238 AD by disaffected soldiers of his own Legio II Parthica during his siege of Aquileia. This occurred amidst a senatorial revolt that had proclaimed other emperors in opposition to him.

Who were the other five emperors of 238 AD who opposed Maximinus Thrax?

The other five emperors involved in the tumultuous year 238 AD were Gordian I, Gordian II (father and son, proclaimed by the Senate in Africa), Pupienus, Balbinus (co-emperors chosen by the Senate in Rome after the Gordians' deaths), and finally Gordian III (the young grandson of Gordian I, who succeeded Pupienus and Balbinus and would reign until 244 AD).

What were the main causes of the Crisis of the Third Century?

The Crisis of the Third Century was caused by a devastating combination of factors including barbarian invasions, civil wars, rampant political instability with numerous usurpers, economic decline due to currency debasement and depression, the widespread effects of plague, and the growing influence and independence of military commanders and barbarian mercenaries (foederati).

How did the Crisis of the Third Century end?

The Crisis of the Third Century formally ended with the ascension of Diocletian as emperor in 284 AD. His comprehensive reforms, which included the establishment of the Tetrarchy (rule by four emperors), administrative restructuring, and military reorganization, effectively stabilized the Roman Empire after decades of turmoil.