Siege of Aquileia

In 238 Maximinus Thrax invaded Italy after the Senate recognised rival emperors. The fortified city of Aquileia closed its gates and organised a determined defence under senatorial leadership, denying the emperor a quick route towards Rome.

The besieging army suffered from shortages, disease and failing morale while the defenders maintained resistance from the walls. Maximinus and his son were eventually killed by soldiers of the Second Parthian Legion, bringing the siege and their reign to an abrupt end.

Fire and Sword places the siege inside the wider struggle among Maximinus, the Senate, Pupienus, Balbinus and the supporters of Gordian III. The event provides a concentrated setting for military exhaustion, divided loyalty and the vulnerability of an emperor whose authority depended on the army.