Thrace. Deultum. Maximus, Caesar AD 236-238.
Bronze Æ

25 mm, 7,91 g

C IVL VER MAXIMVS CES (sic), bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust right / COL FL PAC DEVL[T], Nemesis standing facing, head left, holding scales and rod; to left at her feet, wheel.

Very Fine

RPC VI, 831 (temporary); Jurukova, Deultum 211; Draganov, Deultum 815-7a.

Gaius Julius Verus Maximus, commonly known simply as Maximus, was born around AD 217 and was the son of Maximinus Thrax, the first emperor to rise from the ranks of the military without a prior senatorial career. Maximus was elevated to the rank of Caesar by his father shortly after Maximinus became emperor in AD 235, making him the heir to the throne. As Caesar, Maximus was given certain responsibilities and was expected to assist in governing the empire, although his father held the ultimate authority as Augustus. However, Maximus’s role was largely symbolic, as he was still quite young when he was given the title. Maximus's life was cut short in AD 238 during the year of upheaval known as the "Year of the Six Emperors." After a series of revolts against Maximinus Thrax's harsh rule, the Senate declared Maximinus and his son Maximus public enemies. In the ensuing chaos, Maximinus and Maximus were both assassinated by their own soldiers at Aquileia during a siege. This marked the end of their brief and tumultuous rule.