magnentius

Updated: May 31, 2025

Next summer he was forced to evacuate Italy, and in 353 his destruction was completed by a defeat in the Cottian Alps. Magnentius fell upon his sword, and Constantius remained the master of the world. The Eusebians were not slow to take advantage of the confusion. The fires of controversy in the East were smouldering through the years of rest, so that it was no hard task to make them blaze afresh.

Henry Melvill Gwatkin - The Arian Controversy

It was the object of Magnentius to tempt or to compel his adversary to relinquish this advantageous position; and he employed, with that view, the various marches, evolutions, and stratagems, which the knowledge of the art of war could suggest to an experienced officer.

Edward Gibbon - History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire — Volume 2

Constantius acknowledged him as a legitimate and equal colleague in the empire, on condition that he would renounce his disgraceful alliance with Magnentius, and appoint a place of interview on the frontiers of their respective provinces; where they might pledge their friendship by mutual vows of fidelity, and regulate by common consent the future operations of the civil war.

Edward Gibbon - History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire — Volume 2

Constantine, the eldest, had the Western provinces for his share. He endeavored to wrest Italy from his brother Constans, but was slain at Aquileia . This event left Constans the master of the entire West. He took up his abode in Gaul, where he was slain by Magnentius, the leader of a mutinous body of soldiers . Constantius was at Edessa, engaged in war against the Persians.

George Park Fisher - Outline of Universal History

These offers were enforced by the eloquence of Philip the Imperial ambassador; and the council as well as the army of Magnentius were disposed to accept them.

Edward Gibbon - History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire — Volume 2

The pride of Magnentius was reduced, by repeated misfortunes, to sue, and to sue in vain, for peace. He first despatched a senator, in whose abilities he confided, and afterwards several bishops, whose holy character might obtain a more favorable audience, with the offer of resigning the purple, and the promise of devoting the remainder of his life to the service of the emperor.

Edward Gibbon - History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire — Volume 2

The city of Mursa, or Essek, celebrated in modern times for a bridge of boats, five miles in length, over the River Drave, and the adjacent morasses, has been always considered as a place of importance in the wars of Hungary. Magnentius, directing his march towards Mursa, set fire to the gates, and, by a sudden assault, had almost scaled the walls of the town.

Edward Gibbon - History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire — Volume 2

The fierce Chnodomar, shaking the ponderous javelin which he had victoriously wielded against the brother of Magnentius, led the van of the Barbarians, and moderated by his experience the martial ardor which his example inspired.

Edward Gibbon - History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire — Volume 2

Tragic Deaths Of Constantine The Younger And Constans. Usurpation Of Magnentius. Civil War. Victory Of Constantius. The character of the prince who removed the seat of empire, and introduced such important changes into the civil and religious constitution of his country, has fixed the attention, and divided the opinions, of mankind.

Edward Gibbon - History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire — Volume 2

Magnentius had fixed his residence in the city of Aquileia, and showed a seeming resolution to dispute the passage of the mountains and morasses which fortified the confines of the Venetian province.

Edward Gibbon - History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire — Volume 2