Vetranio

After the death of Constans I, the Illyrian legions proclaimed the aged general Vetranio as emperor. Vetranio initially accepted the title to prevent the region from falling to the usurper Magnentius.

When Emperor Constantius II arrived in Illyria, Vetranio voluntarily abdicated before the assembled army. Constantius II accepted his resignation, allowed him to retire to private life in Bithynia, and spared his life.

After his abdication, Vetranio retired to a private estate in Bithynia provided by Constantius II. He lived there peacefully for several years, a rare example of a usurper who survived and was allowed to live in comfort.