Macrianus Major

Fulvius Macrianus (died 261), also called Macrianus Major, was a Roman usurper. He was one of Valerian's generals and a man of vast wealth. His wife was of noble birth, he himself merely brave.

After Valerian's capture and execution by Shapur I of Persia in 260, Valerian's son Gallienus became sole emperor. Since Gallienus was in the west, the eastern troops hailed Macrianus Major as their new emperor. Macrianus refused the throne because of his old age and physical condition (he was lame).

With the support of Balista, Valerian's praefect, and with the influence that possession of the treasurury of Valerian brought, Macrianus managed to have his two sons Macrianus Minor and Quietus elevated to the throne.

Quietus and Balista stayed in the East to secure their rule. Macrianus Major and Minor marched the eastern army from Asia to Europe, but were defeated in Thrace in 261 by Aureolus. Macrianus and his son were killed in battle. Quietus was later murdered by Odaenathus of Palmyra.