[1] Jovinus first appears in the historical record as an officer of unspecified rank in emperor Julian's army.

Julian died on the Persian campaign, and his successor, Jovian, tried to oust Jovinus because he feared his popularity with the troops could allow him to usurp imperial power.

[6] Contemporary historian Ammianus Marcellinus criticizes Lucillianus for immediately putting a civil official on trial for corruption, without first securing the safety of the province or the loyalty of the soldiers.

[7] This official fled to the army and claimed that Julian was still alive and Jovian was trying to usurp his power, so the soldiers rioted and killed Lucillianus.

He engaged the Alemanni, who had crossed the Rhine, in three notable battles: one at Scarponna (Dieulouard), another along a river[9] (probably the Moselle), and a final encounter at Châlons-en-Champagne.