He first came to notice in 59 BC when, together with Marcus Caelius Rufus, he prosecuted Gaius Antonius Hybrida for extortion in his province of Macedonia.
Although Cicero served as lead counsel for the defense, Fabius Maximus and Caelius Rufus were successful.
[5] Maximus was sent by Caesar to Hispania along with Quintus Pedius in command of the troops sent from Sardinia to deal with the Pompeians, who were led by Gnaeus Pompeius.
[6] Once there, they were unwilling to risk battle with Pompeius's superior numbers, and so remained encamped at Oculbo, waiting for Caesar to arrive in person.
[11] When Maximus entered a theatre and his lictors asked for the audience members to stand, Anti-Caesarean citizens showed their displeasure, shouting "He is no consul".