Silver Siliqua Western Roman Emperor Magnus Maximus

The most important primary source of the period was written by Ammianus Marcellinus who has nothing good to say about Maximus. In A.D. 376 Maximinus was second-in-command to Lupicinus. They were in charge of settling the Goths in Roman territory. Marcellinus (31:4) wrote that -

"The critical situation resulting from the opening of our frontier and in the eruption of armed men from the barbarian lands like lava from Etna called for generals of the highest distinction, but by some unfavourable dispensation of providence men of flawed character were collected and put in command. At their head were Lupicinus and Maximus, the one commander in Thrace and the other a disastrous general, both equally reckless. Their sinister greed was the source of all our troubles."

Marcellinus said that one crime in particular was most loathsome. The Goths were starving so Lupicinus and Maximus traded them dogs, to be used for food, in exchange for tribesmen, who were to be slaves. Some of the people traded for food were even "the sons of leading men."


Basically, Marcellinus blamed Maximus (and men like him) for agitating the Goths and pushing them towards rebellion and setting into motion the events which ultimately led to the Battle of Adrianople and the death of Valens.

I have only owned one.

Magnus Maximus, AR Siliqua

Obv:- D N MAG MAX-IMVS P F AVG, diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right
Rev:- VIRTVS ROMANORVM, Roma enthroned facing, head left, holding globe & spear
Minted in Trier (TRPS), A.D. 383-388
Reference:- RIC IX, 84b1. RSC 20a