The Rise and Fall of the Empire

In 186 a charismatic army deserter in Gaul named Maternus began to round up a motley crew of followers consisting of fellow deserters, ex-soldiers, and brigands. The plan was to infiltrate Rome during an upcoming festival, get close to the Emperor and assassinate him. But before the conspiracy got off the ground Maternus was betrayed by one of his followers over some personal slight and the assassins were all rounded up and executed. Pescenius Niger finally able to confront Maternus's force and defeat it in open battle. In March of 187 Maternus regrouped with a core of supporters and headed south into Italy. His life had been saved