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Bonosus

Usurper of the Roman Empire (died 280)

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About Bonosus

Bonosus was a Roman military personnel.

Bonosus (died AD 280) was a late 3rd-century Roman usurper. He was born in Hispania (Roman Spain) to a British father and Gallic mother. His father—a rhetorician and "teacher of letters"—died when Bonosus was still young but the boy's mother gave him a decent education. He had a distinguished military career with an excellent service record. He rose successively through the ranks and tribuneships but, while he was stationed in charge of the Rhenish fleet , the Germans managed to set it on fire. Fearful of the consequences, he proclaimed himself Roman emperor at Colonia Agrippina (Cologne) jointly with Proculus. After a protracted struggle, he was defeated by Marcus Aurelius Probus and hanged himself rather than face capture.

Bonosus left behind a wife and two sons who were treated with honor by Probus.

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Important facts

Born
Hispania
Occupation
Nationality
Positions held
Roman emperor

Family & relationships

Parent
Roman Gaul
Parent
Romano-Britons

Frequently asked questions

Who was Bonosus?

Usurper of the Roman Empire (died 280)

When was Bonosus born?

Bonosus was born in Hispania.

What was Bonosus's occupation?

Bonosus was a military personnel.

What nationality was Bonosus?

Bonosus was Roman.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Bonosus

· Wikidata: Q437760

· DBpedia: Bonosus (usurper)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Bonosus. https://biography.guide/bonosus/

MLA: "Bonosus." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/bonosus/.

Chicago: "Bonosus." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/bonosus/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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