Magnus (Roman usurper)

Magnus (died 235) was a Roman usurper.

Gaius Petronius Magnus was a senator of consular rank. After the death of Emperor Alexander Severus there was much ill-feeling in the Senate about the elevation of Maximinus Thrax to the throne. A group of officers and senators under the leadership of Magnus plotted to overthrow Maximinus. Their plan was to have Roman soldiers destroy the bridge over the river Rhine, after Maximinus had brought the army across during his campaign against the Germans. Maximinus would be left stranded on the north bank of the Rhine, at the mercy of the Germans. Before it was realized, the plan was discovered and all conspirators executed.

References

• s.v. "Maximinus Thrax", De Imperatoribus Romanis