Quick Facts
Biography
- For the 4th-century Roman usurper under Valentinian I, see Firmus (4th-century usurper).For the saint and martyr, see Saint Firmus and Saint Rusticus.For the energy company, see Firmus Energy
According to the Historia Augusta, Firmus (died 273) was a usurper during the reign of Aurelian. The contradictory accounts of his life and the man himself are considered to be a complete fabrication, perhaps based on the later Firmus.
Historia Augusta account
According to Historia Augusta ("Firmus"), Firmus was a man of great wealth. He hadhis house fitted with square panels of glass, and owned a huge library. His commercial relationships involved Blemmyes, Saracens, and India. He had two elephant tusks, which later Aurelian projected to use as a basis for a statue to Jupiter and which were actually given as a present by Carinus to a lover of his. Physically, Firmus was noteworthy, being huge and very strong. He ate and drank a lot.The importance and threat of Firmus revolt is related to the interruption of the Egyptian grain supply to Rome.