Maximus, according to John of Antioch, was…

Maximus, according to John of Antioch, was so irritated by Valentinian’s refusal to appoint him as his magister militum that he decided to have Valentinian assassinated as well.

He chooses as accomplices Optilia and Thraustila, two Scythians who had fought under the command of Aetius and who, after the death of their general, had been appointed as Valentinian’s escort.

Maximus easily persuades them that Valentinian was the only one responsible for the death of Aetius, and that the two soldiers must avenge their old commander, while at the same time also promising them a reward for the betrayal of the Emperor.

Valentinian, who is in Rome, goes on March 16, 455, to Campus Martius with some guards, accompanied by Optilia, Thraustila and their men.

As soon as the Emperor dismounts to practice with the bow, Optilia comes up with his men and hits him in the temple.

As Valentinian turns to look at his attackers, Optilia kills him.

Thraustila at the same moment kills Heraclius.

Most of the soldiers standing close by had been faithful followers of Aetius and none lift a hand to save the emperor.

The two Scythians take the imperial diadem and robe and bring them to Maximus.