The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire · Character
Magnus Maximus
Also known as Magnus Clemens Maximus, Emperor Maximus, the tyrant of the West
- Minor
- First seen · Book 1 · Ch. 122
Authority clings to him like armor that no longer fits—a man of Spanish origin whose military bearing has been pressed into the service of imperial ambition. There's something calculated in his presence, the careful construction of a commander playing emperor.
- Gender
- male
- Age
- Adult
- First appears
- Book 1 · Ch. 122
- Books
- 1
Magnus Maximus began as a native of Spain and provincial commander who was proclaimed emperor by British legions, rival to Theodosius with abilities and integrity that initially commanded respect. His ambition led him to collect a barbarian army and become the first Christian prince to shed the blood of Christian subjects for religious opinions. Ultimately captured and stripped of his imperial ornaments—the robe, diadem, and purple slippers—he was reduced from emperor to condemned criminal before his murder.
Description
A mature man of Spanish origin with a sturdy military build and dark hair showing the first signs of age, wearing the full imperial regalia of purple robe, diadem, and purple slippers. His features carry the authority of command, though something in his bearing suggests the weight of stolen rather than inherited power. The ornaments of empire adorn him with the careful dignity of one who has claimed rather than been granted his position.
Story so far
BOOK 1The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire / Table of Contents with links in the HTML file to the two Project Gutenberg editions (12 volumes)
Appearances
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