While many factors led to the fall of the Roman Empire, the Crisis of the 3rd Century embodied the turmoil that eventually ended Rome's centuries-long rule. More than 20 barracks emperors - men who came to power thanks to their military prowess and their troops' support - rose in quick succession to control imperial Rome. The first of those military emperors was Maximinus Thrax, Roman emperor from 235 to 238 CE.