Although his father was from an
equestrian family, Macrianus Minor's mother was of noble birth and of senatorial descent and her name, possibly, was Junia. According to the often unreliable
Historia Augusta, he had served as military
tribune under
Valerian. With help from his father, who kept the imperial treasure, and by the influence of
Balista, Valerian's
praefect, Macrianus gained the imperial office together with his brother
Quietus, through the election by the army, in contrast with the lawful Emperor
Gallienus, son and co-emperor with Valerian, who was far in the West. The two emperors and brothers were recognized in the eastern part of the Empire, having a stronghold in
Egypt, the grain supplying province for the city of
Rome. After having temporarily secured the Persian frontier, Macrianus Major and Macrianus Minor moved to the West to attack and eliminate their rival Gallienus. They were however defeated in autumn 261 by
Aureolus, and later killed by their own soldiers at the father's request. == Cultural depictions ==