This silver Denarius was minted during the reign of emperor Maximinus, who ruled from 235 to 238 AD.
Emperor Maximinus was a poor peasant born in Thrace. Maximinus was described as a giant man who stood over 8 feet tall. He initially worked as a shepherd before enlisting in the Roman legions. Maximinus rose though the ranks to eventually become a general. After emperor Alexander Severus was assassinated by the army, the soldiers elected general Maximinus as their new emperor.
The Roman Senate later acknowledged Maximinus as the legitimate emperor. However, some senators were opposed to a peasant such as Maximinus holding the office of emperor. This prejudice motivated the senators to plot against Maximinus. Maximinus discovered the Senate’s conspiracy and retaliated by executing many senators.
Emperor Maximinus spent most of his time campaigning against the barbarians or putting down rebellions. While Maximinus was busy campaigning, the Senate once again plotted behind his back. The Senate elected new emperors to seize the throne from Maximinus. The new emperors were Balbinus, Pupienus, and Gordian. Once Maximinus heard the news, he immediately set off to defend his throne against the three rival emperors. However, Maximinus was assassinated by his own troops before he reached Rome.
