Marcus Valerius Maximianus

Marcus Valerius Maximianus
Roman inscription on the castle rock in Trenčín
Born	Poetovio, modern-day Ptuj
Allegiance	Roman Empire
Service/branch	Roman army Roman navy
Rank	Legatus legionis
Unit	Classis Misenensis Classis Ravennatis Legio I Adiutrix Legio II Adiutrix Legio III Augusta Legio V Macedonica Legio XIII Gemina
Battles/wars	Revolt of Avidius Cassius, Battle of Laugaricio
Awards	Chieftain Valao's "horse, decorations and weapons"
Memorials	Inscriptions at Diana Veteranorum and Laugaricio
Relations	Marcus Valerius Maximianus, Censor (father)
Other work	Governor of Numidia, Suffect Consul, c. 186

Marcus Valerius Maximianus was an important Roman general of the period of the Marcomannic Wars during the reign of Marcus Aurelius. He was born (year unknown) in the Roman colony of Poetovio (modern Ptuj, in Slovenia), where his father, also called Marcus Valerius Maximianus, was a local censor and priest. He was decorated for services in the Parthian war of Lucius Verus and was appointed by Marcus Aurelius to ensure the armies in Pannonia were supplied by boats on the Danube.

No surviving ancient writer mentions Marcus Valerius Maximianus, although he was clearly a significant military figure. His career is known to us only from inscriptions, chiefly the one set up by the council of the colony of Diana Veteranorum (Zana) in Numidia when he was governor.^[1] The inscription set up in Laugaricio 179 AD (CIL III, 13439) also provides information:

VICTORIAE

AVGVSTORV(m)

EXERCITUS QVI LAV

GARICIONE SEDIT MIL(ites)

L(egionis) II DCCCLV

(Marcus Valerius) MAXIMIANUS LEG(atus) LEG

(ionis) II AD(iutricis) CVR(avit) F(aciendum)

"To the victory of emperors, dedicated by 855 soldiers of the Second Legion of the army stationed in Laugaricio. Made to order of Marcus Valerius Maximianus, legate of the Second Adiutrix legion."