A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

a Roman consular, accused of having organized an extensive plot against Maximinus I., in which, according to Herodian, he was supported by a great number of centurions, and the whole body of the senate. The emperor, soon after his accession (A. D. 235), was about to commence a campaign against the Germans; and having thrown a bridge over the Rhine, for the purpose of transporting his troops, it was proposed by the conspirators to break down the structure as soon as the prince should have passed, and thus leave him on the further bank, with a handful of men, at the mercy of the barbarians. The truth or falsehood of the charge was never ascertained, for all who were impeached, or who were open to the most remote suspicion, were instantly put to death without trial or investigation, without being allowed to confess their guilt, or to assert their innocence. The statement that the whole senate were parties to the scheme is, considering the nature and circunmstances of the case, an extravagant hyperbole, contradicted by the very details of the narrative, although doubtless from the well-known hatred entertained by that body towards the sanguinary tyrant, they would have rejoiced in any event which might have caused his destruction. (Herodian. 7.2; Capitolin. Maximin. duo, 10.)

[W.R]