Tiberius Claudius Maximus
Tiberius Claudius Maximus
Late First -Early Second Centuries c.e.
Soldier
Consummate Professional. Tiberius Claudius Maximus was a legionnaire whose career reflects the professionalism inherent in the Roman military machine. He began his service as a cavalryman and treasurer in Legion VII Claudia and was soon assigned as a guard of the legion commander and standard-bearer of the cavalry. During the Dacian uprising of 85-88 C.E. Emperor Domitian awarded him military decorations for bravery. Afterward, he was promoted to “double-pay” soldier (in the second ala of Pannonians) and scout by the Emperor Trajan. He received two more decorations for bravery during the First and Second Dacian wars (101–102 C.E. and 105–106 C.E.) and the Parthian War (114–116 C.E.). Because he had captured the Dacian king Decebalus and brought his head back to Trajan at Ranisstorum, the emperor promoted him to decurion. After voluntarily serving beyond his required enlistment of twenty-five years, he was honorably discharged by Terentius Scaurianus.
Sources
J.B. Campbell, The Roman Army 31 B.C.-A.D. 337 (London & New York: Routledge, 1994).
Peter Connolly, The Roman Army (London: Macdonald Educational, 1975).