More than Mere Markers? Magnentius' Milestones

Abstract

For much of the history of the Roman Empire, we are dependent for the public image of usurpers almost entirely upon one type of evidence: coinage. In the fourth century CE, however, usurpers were often able to control a region for a period of years and we consequently have more abundant epigraphic material erected in the name of such men - almost always in the form of milestones. As with the production of coinage, much about the extent to which a regime controlling an area was involved in the erection and content of milestones is obscure - to what extent did the regime dictate what titulature was presented on a milestone? To what extent can we consider milestones 'propaganda' for that regime? (For a summary of the debate, see Rathmann 2006). This paper will focus on a particularly interesting group of milestones erected in the name of the mid-fourth century usurper Magnentius, who controlled Gaul, Italy and Africa over the period 350-353. These milestones make tantalising suggestions about the extent of the role that could be played by the ruling regime in the representation of the imperial claimant. Milestones for Magnentius have been found in those areas where he was acknowledged: Gaul, Spain, Italy and Africa.