Short Biography about the life of Petronius Maximus
Short Biography profile and facts about one of the most famous Romans of all, in the life of Petronius Maximus, Emperor of the Western Roman Empire

• Name commonly known as: Petronius Maximus
• Latin Roman Name: Flavius Anicius Petronius Maximus
• Reigned as Roman Emperor / Caesar: 17 March 455 - 31 May 455 in competition with Majorian and Maximianus

• Dynasty / Historical Period: Western Empire (394 - 476) which led to the disintegration of Roman authority and the Fall of the Roman Empire

• Date of Birth: c. 396
• Name of previous Emperor: His predecessor or the Emperor before Petronius Maximus was Valentinian III and his successor was Avitus
• Date of Death: Spring, 455

• For the names of the next Roman emperors in the East and the West of the Empire refer to the Timeline of Roman Emperors

Interesting facts about the life of Petronius Maximus
Obtain a fast overview of the times of the Roman Emperor Petronius Maximus from the following facts and information about his life. Petronius Maximus rose through the political ranks before taking the throne. He became joint consul with the famous general Aetius. He poisoned the mind of the emperor against the great general and Valentinian III who, jealous of his glory, stabbed Aetius with his own hand. Valentinian III was then assassinated in Rome, by two of the barbarian followers of Aetius called Optila and Thranstila. The assassination was believed to have been fuelled by Petronius Maximus leaving a path clear for him to seize the throne. Petronius Maximus claimed the throne on 17 March 455. He then went into competition with various rivals including the future emperor Majorian, who had the backing of the Empress Eudoxia. Petronius Maximus gained control of the palace and forced the Empress Eudoxia to marry him. Then the terrible news came - the Vandals were coming to Rome. There was panic in the streets and Petronius Maximus was killed in the streets by the mob on 31 May 455. On 9 July 455 Avitus was proclaimed emperor with backing by the Visigoths.