Book cover of Maximinus Thrax: From Common Soldier to Emperor of Rome

Book description

Maximinus was a half-barbarian strongman 'of frightening appearance and colossal size' who could smash stones with his bare hands and pull fully laden wagons unaided. Such feats impressed the emperor Severus who enlisted him into the imperial bodyguard whereupon he embarked on a distinguished military career. Eventually he achieved senior…

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Why read it?

1 author picked Maximinus Thrax as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I found this book very easy to read yet packed with historical detail. Paul Pearson presents superbly researched history in an engaging narrative style. This book provides a fascinating insight into the life of one of Rome’s least known emperors, and suggests some thought-provoking theories about his character and reputation.

From Gordon's list on Roman history.

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