Maximinus was a half-barbarian strongman ‘of frightening appearance and colossal size’ (supposedly over seven feet tall). From humble origins he rose through the ranks, achieved senior command during the invasion of Persia in 232 and ultimately became Emperor due to a military coup in 235. As Emperor he campaigned across the Rhine and Danube for three years until a rebellion in Africa triggered a civil war. This is an accessible narrative account of the life and times of one of Rome’s most remarkable emperors.