Maximinus Thrax, also known as Maximinus I, was the emperor of Rome from 235 to 238. He served as the commander of the ‘Legio IV Italica’ when Severus Alexander was assassinated by his own people. He was chosen as the emperor of Rome because of his harsh ways, which were completely different from the appeasement policies of Alexander. He was the first emperor of Rome who had risen from the ranks of the army. His short reign marked the beginning of half a century of civil war in Rome. As an emperor, he spent most of his time invading tribes along the Danube and Rhine rivers. Heavy taxation was required to sustain his army, and that made him hugely unpopular with the commoners. Eventually, the senate took advantage of his absence and tried to depose him by recognizing Gordian as the emperor. Soon, there was absolute turmoil in the empire. The period came to be known as the “Year of the Six Emperors of Rome.” Maximinus lost the support of his army and was ultimately killed by his own men.
