In the mid-4th century, the Roman Empire was in a state of flux, with rival claimants to the throne and tensions among various factions. On this pivotal day, Nepotianus, a figure claiming descent from the Constantinian dynasty, made a dramatic bid for power by entering Rome amid a throng of gladiators. His entrance was not only a physical invasion but also a symbolic one, aimed at rallying local support against the ruling emperor, Constantius II, who was in the midst of consolidating his power after a series of civil wars. Gladiators, often seen as champions of the people in the arena, converted into a military force underscored the desperation and theatricality of Nepotianus's claim. It illustrated the extent to which he was willing to go to seize the throne. The spectacle attracted attention and stirred emotions among the populace, creating a division in loyalty and raising questions about legitimacy in the tumultuous political landscape of the time.

However, his attempt at claiming supreme power was short-lived, leading to increased instability in an already fragile empire. Not long after his proclamation, he faced immediate military challenges from Constantius II's forces. The brutal reality of the dynamics of power in Rome became evident as Nepotianus's reign lasted only a brief moment before he was captured and executed.

This event reflects not only the personal ambitions of Nepotianus but also the broader context in which emperors were often elevated to power through military backing, highlighting the interconnectedness of politics and military might in the late Roman Empire. The rise and fall of Nepotianus served as yet another reminder of the volatile nature of imperial authority during this period.