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Maximianus
Short Biography
about the life of Maximianus (aka Herculius and also
Maximian)
Short Biography profile and facts about one of the most famous Romans of all, in the life of
Maximianus, Emperor of Rome and provinces of the Roman Empire.
Name commonly known as: Maximianus
(aka Herculius and also Maximian) *** Latin Roman Name: Gaius Valerius Galerius
Maximinus Daia *** Also referred to by the title
of Herculius *** Reigned as Roman Emperor /
Caesar: April 1, 286 – May 1, 305 Maximianus
(Maximian) as Augustus of the West with
Diocletian as Augustus of the East *** Two Caesars were appointed to
assist in the control of the Empire: Galerius, reporting to
Diocletian, who controlled the legions of the Danube and Constantius
reporting to Maximianus who controlled Britain, Spain and Gaul *** Dynasty / Historical Period: In 285 the Roman Empire was
split in half by Diocletian - The Western Roman Empire and the other
half became known as the Eastern Roman Empire or the Byzantine
Empire. *** Usurpers during the reign of
Maximianus: Maxentius,
Carausius,
Allectus
and
Domitius Domitianus
Place and Date of Birth: 20
November c. 270 at Felix Romuliana (Serbia) *** Name of previous Emperor: His predecessor or the Emperor before Maximianus was
Diocletian
Family connections / Genealogy
*** Married: Eutropia *** Children: Theodora, Maxentius
and Fausta
Place and Date of Death:
Died August 313
*** Name of next Emperors:
The successors to Maximianus were
Constantius Chlorus
and
Galerius
Interesting facts
about the life of Maximianus (aka Herculius and also
Maximian)
Obtain a fast overview of the times of the Roman Emperor
Maximianus from the following facts and information about his life.
Finding the empire too large to be governed by a single
ruler, the Emperor Diocletian selected General Maximianus as
co-emperor. Maximianus was a brave, fierce but ignorant
soldier, who had risen to a high rank in the army. The
Diarchy ('the rule of two') was therefore created.
Maximianus always admitted the intellectual superiority of
Diocletian who was the more senior of the two. Diocletian
assumed the title of Jovius and Maximianus assumed the title
of Herculius.
Maximianus
- The Tetrarchy
A Tetrarchy (Greek meaning
"leadership of four people") is a system of government where
power is divided between four individuals. The first
Tetrarchy was instituted by Emperor Diocletian and Emperor
Maximianus in 293 and lasted until c. 313. Diocletian and
Maximianus appointed two Caesars, Constantius and Galerius,
to aid the co-emperors in the defence of the empire.
Augustus Diocletian and his Caesar, Galerius controlled the
East. Augustus Maximianus and his Caesar, Constantius
controlled the West. The Roman Empire was divided between
the four princes, the Tetrarchy.
Diocletian was Augustus of
the East: Ruling Asia, Egypt and Thrace
*** Galerius who was given the
title of Caesar: Controlled the legions of the Danube
Maximianus was
Augustus of
the West: Ruling Italy and Africa
*** Constantius Chlorus who was given
the title of Caesar: Britain, Spain and Gaul
Maximianus
- Reasons for creating the Tetrarchy
The Tetrarchy was created
for the following reasons:
To
provide a stronger foundation for
the rule of the co-emperors
To govern and manage the huge Roman Empire
To limit
any possible fighting
over the succession to the throne
Maximianus
- Cementing the Tetrarchy
To cement the relationship
between Maximianus and his Caesar a political marriage was
arranged between Constantius and the elder daughter of
Maximianus whose name was Theodora. This policy continued
and ten years later, the son of Constantius Chlorus, called
Constantine, would marry the younger daughter of Maximianus
called Fausta.
Maximianus
- The Split of the Roman Empire
The split of the Roman
Empire provides a clear view of the immense extent of the
Roman power and how its commanders were simultaneously
struggling successfully against its enemies in Africa,
Britain, Germany, and the East. The four rulers worked
together in harmony, but the establishment of four courts in
different parts of the empire obliged them to increase the
taxes. Even Italy, which had always been favored in regard
to taxes, was now heavily burdened, and everywhere lands
were abandoned and left uncultivated because their owners
could not pay the taxes.
Maximianus, Rebellions and Usurpers
In A.D. 287 a rebellion occurred in Gaul, which
was suppressed by Maximianus; soon after, Carausius, having
become master of Britain, and possessing a considerable
fleet, defied the power of the emperor; but when Constantius
was appointed Caesar he prepared to reduce the island to
subjection. In A.D. 294 Carausius was put to death by
Allectus, a new usurper. Constantius now crossed the Channel
and recovered the island, which, after a separation of ten
years, was once more reunited to the empire. During this
reign the Goths, Vandals, and other northern barbarians
fought each other; but whenever, in intervals of peace, they
invaded the Roman territory, they were driven back by the
strength of the two Caesars. In 296 AD Galerius, added
Persia including Mesopotamia to the Roman empire. Maximian,
in the mean time, subdued a revolt in Africa.
Maximianus - The Last Triumph
The two co-emperors returned to Rome following
their victories in Africa and Egypt and celebrated their
Triumph
November 20, A.D. 303 which became the last spectacle of its
kind ever witnessed. In the last triumph, the two emperors
were attended by the spoils of Africa and Britain, of the
East and the West.
The 'Retirement' and Death of Maximianus
In A.D. 305 Diocletian decided to abdicate his
power and 'persuaded' Maximianus to do the same. Maximianus
retired from public life in Lucania or Campania. Upon the
abdication of Maximianus and Diocletian, the two Caesars,
Constantius and Galerius, assumed the title of Augustus and
succeeded as co-emperors. Maximianus retired from public
life in Lucania or Campania. His retirement lasted for just
one year. The son of Maximianus, called Maxentius, provoked
a new Civil War in the empire. On 28 October 306 Maxentius
was proclaimed emperor at Rome and Maximianus was forced to
back his son and they ruled jointly until 308. Maximianus
attempted to depose his son in 308 but failed and his son,
the usurper Maxentius, continued to act as ruler until
October 312. In the summer of 310 Maximianus proclaimed
himself again emperor and Maximianus was eventually taken
prisoner. He was granted pardon for his crimes but then he
attempted to have Constantine murdered in his bed.
Maximianus died shortly after the failed assassination
attempt either by his own hand or on the orders of
Constantine.
Maximianus
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