Marble bust of Emperor Maximinus Thrax
Roman marble bust of Emperor Maximinus Thrax. Object dated around 235 CE.
Ancient sources, both the unbelievable ones like “Historia Augusta” and those more sensible (Herodian, “Roman History”) mention Maximinus Thrax as a man of enormous size for those conditions. Apparently he had an unusually large forehead, nose and lower jaw, which could indicate an overgrowth. His thumb was reportedly so large that he wore his wife’s bracelet as a ring. According to the Historia Augusta, he measured about 250 cm, which should nevertheless be considered one of the many luxuries of this ancient work.
Some sources mention, apart from his great height, other characteristics: excessive sweating, incredible strength, brutality. It is possible that they wanted to emphasize his barbaric roots in this way, and thus slander his character a bit.
Some scientists support the statement that Emperor Maximinus may have suffered from a disease caused by excessive secretion of growth hormone – acromegaly.
