Magnentius

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Magnentius, a usurping emperor 350–3, was at his elevation an army commander in Britain. He was probably born at Amiens. In 350 he was proclaimed emperor by the Gallic cabal which deposed Constans. He crossed to the continent and was defeated by Constantius II at the costly battle of Mursa in Pannonia in 351. It was two years before Constantius could press home his advantage and kill Magnentius at the battle of Mons Seleucus in Gaul. After Magnentius' death, vicious reprisals were visited on his supporters in Britain.

Alan Simon Esmonde Cleary