But when the governor of Africa, the unpopular count Romanus, disputed Firmus' claim, the latter used his influence, and the effects of the public outrage at Romanus' maladministration, to raise the province into open revolt, and only the swift response of the Imperial court and the energetic conduct of the general Theodosius prevented the province from becoming an independent monarchy of Firmus. The tyrant was captured, and the rebellion suppressed (373–374 AD); but the province remained unhappy.
Despite the unpopularity of Governor Romanus in Africa, Firmus, using his influence and public anger at Romanus' rule, sparked a rebellion in the province.  The Imperial court and General Theodosius intervened swiftly to prevent the province from becoming an independent kingdom under Firmus. The tyrant was captured, and the rebellion was put down (373–374 AD). However, the province remained unhappy.