The first of the "soldier-emperors," Gaius Julius Verus Maximinus spent all three years of his reign on campaign. Although Rome's senatorial elite was eventually able to bring about the downfall of this non-aristocratic emperor, the victory was only a temporary check on the rising importance of the military in the third century.
WI the Senatorial class manages to increase Senate powers after the fall of Maximinus by invoking his thracian (aka "barbarian") background and claiming the same time the right to appoint the Emperor in order to prevent further "barbarians" from reaching the Purple... Could this lead to a civil war similar to the one between Caesar and Pompey? Any thoughts?
WI the Senatorial class manages to increase Senate powers after the fall of Maximinus by invoking his thracian (aka "barbarian") background and claiming the same time the right to appoint the Emperor in order to prevent further "barbarians" from reaching the Purple... Could this lead to a civil war similar to the one between Caesar and Pompey? Any thoughts?