Death of Magnentius. A.R. 1151

This is one of a group of drawings by British artist and book illustrator Edward Francis Burney, depicting scenes from Greek and Roman history and mythology. Emperor Magnentius ruled between 350 - 353 after usurping power. His main opponent was Constantius II, ruler of the Eastern Empire. After being defeated by Constantius at the Battle of Mursa, Magnentius committed suicide to avoid being captured.