Flavius Magnus Magnentius, 350 - 353

A barbarian soldier of great ability. He rose through the ranks to become a leading general. In 350, he rebelled against his emperor, Constans. Constans fled and was killed, whereupon Magnentius was recognised by most western provinces as emperor. His ambition got the better of him however, and he marched against the eastern emperor, Constantius II. After some initial success, he was heavily defeated in 351 and fled to Gaul. After a further defeat in 353, his army abandoned him and he committed suicide.