Petronius Maximus Becomes Roman Emperor

On March 17, 455, Petronius Maximus ascended to the position of Roman Emperor following the assassination of Emperor Valentinian III. His reign, however, was notably brief, lasting only until May 31, 455.

Background

Petronius Maximus was a prominent Roman senator and a member of the aristocracy, holding various high-ranking positions, including that of praetorian prefect and consul. His rise to power was facilitated by the chaotic political environment of the Western Roman Empire during the mid-5th century, characterized by internal strife and external threats.

Assassination of Valentinian III

Valentinian III, who had ruled since 425, was assassinated on March 16, 455, in a conspiracy involving Petronius Maximus and others. Valentinian’s reign had been marked by instability and the loss of Roman territories to barbarian groups. His assassination created a power vacuum that Petronius Maximus quickly moved to fill.

Reign of Petronius Maximus

Petronius Maximus’s time as emperor was marked by attempts to consolidate power and stabilize the empire. He sought to secure his position by marrying Licinia Eudoxia, the widow of Valentinian III, and by appointing his son as Caesar. However, his reign was plagued by challenges:

• Political Instability: The rapid change in leadership did little to stabilize the empire, which was already weakened by internal divisions and external pressures.
• Vandal Threat: The Vandals, under King Genseric, posed a significant threat to Rome. Petronius Maximus’s inability to effectively address this threat would prove disastrous.

Downfall and Death

Petronius Maximus’s reign came to an abrupt end when the Vandals approached Rome in May 455. As panic spread through the city, Maximus attempted to flee but was caught by an angry mob and killed on May 31, 455. His death marked the end of his short-lived rule and further destabilized the Western Roman Empire.

Historical Significance

The brief reign of Petronius Maximus is often seen as emblematic of the declining power and influence of the Western Roman Empire during this period. His inability to defend Rome from the Vandals highlighted the empire’s vulnerability and foreshadowed the eventual fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476.

Petronius Maximus’s rise and fall underscore the tumultuous nature of Roman politics in the 5th century and the challenges faced by emperors in maintaining control over a fracturing empire.