brm_933723 - MAGNENCE Double Maiorina

MAGNENTIUS

(01/18/350-08/10/353)

Magnentius was from the Amiens region and a mint was set up there. Its lifespan was extremely short between the middle of the year 350 and the end of 353. One of the reverse legends used, the Health of Our Lords, Augustus (for Magnentius) and Caesar (for Decency) with the association of Christian symbols shows that Magnentius was a Christian. In this case, was he orthodox following the Council of Nicaea (325) or favorable to Arianism like Constantius II? Magnentius was proclaimed on January 18, 350, thanks to his speed and significant diplomatic activity which enabled him to seize Brittany, Gaul, Italy and part of the Balkans; but he did not succeed in being recognized by Constantius II. Magnentius suffered a severe defeat at Mursa in September 351. Forced to retreat, he lost Italy the following year before seeing Gaul invaded by the generals of Constance. Beaten at Mount Seleucus near Gap, he committed suicide in Lyon on August 10, 353.