Maximinus Thrax

Maximinus Thrax (c. 173–238) was a Thracian-born Roman commander under Severus Alexander. After the army murdered Alexander in 235, the Pannonian legions made Maximinus emperor, the first non-senatorial, non-equestrian emperor; his accession opens the Crisis of the Third Century.

He defeated the Alemanni across the Rhine and raised his son Maximus to Caesar. In 238 the African revolt and the senatorial emperors turned Rome against him; his siege of Aquileia stalled, and his own soldiers killed him with his son Maximus.