Little is known of his early life. Maximian is believed to have been born about 499 in the Istrian city of Pola, in what is now Croatia. He became a deacon and, in 546, Pope Vigilius of Rome consecrated him in Patras, Greece as bishop of Ravenna. He was apparently selected by emperor Justinian. According to the priest Andreas Agnellus of Ravenna, Maximian's congregation at first did not accept his leadership, objecting to his appointment by the emperor, as he was not their first choice as a candidate. Maximian died on February 22, 556.