There was a considerable gap between his consulate and the first known appointment Maximus enjoyed, governor of Moesia Inferior, which he held from the year 100 to 102. While governor, Maximus served as a general in Trajan's First Dacian War. During the hostilities a slave of his, Callidromus, was captured by the Dacians: this man was later interviewed in Bithynia in 111 by Pliny the Younger. According to Cassius Dio, Maximus distinguished himself during the campaigning of 102, and was rewarded for his services by a second consulship in 103, indicating his favour with emperor Trajan.