Terra Sebus. Acta Musei Sabesiensis, 17, 2025, p. 67-85

MAGNUS MAXIMUS ÎN SURSELE VREMII (A DOUA JUMĂTATE A SECOLULUI AL IV-LEA)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.63578/terrasebus.2025.04

Magnus Maximus in the Sources of the Time (Second Half of the Fourth Century)
Abstract. The fourth century was important for the way in which some divisive figures were treated in order to disqualify them in the eyes of contemporaries and posterity. The term tyrannous was used in the fourth century to designate a political rival, an usurper. Lacking the honour of his name and the details that could identify him as a historical person, Maximus became a generic tyrant. This explains why Magnus Maximus’s name almost always appears in historical sources alongside the appellation usurper and/or tyrant, as these titles became synonymous with an emperor who failed to maintain his power and was removed. Maximus’ memory became an instrument in Theodosius’ political purposes.

Keywords: Maximus, Theodosius, tyrant, usurper, Valentinian II, Roman Empire.
Cuvinte-cheie: Maximus, Theodosius, tiran, uzurpator, Valentinian al II-lea, Imperiul Roman.

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