Galerius
Valerius Maximianus
Caesar 293-305
Augustus 305-311 |
Galerius [b. ca. 250] became Diocletian's Caesar in 293, marrying Diocletian's
daughter Galeria Valeria. He began well in defending the Danubian frontier, but in 296
suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of the Persians. In 297 he had his revenge, defeating the
Persians so severely as to establish peace for a generation.
When Diocletian and Maximianus retired in 305, Galerius became senior Augustus; but
after Constantius died and Constantine was
acclaimed, Maxentius seized power in Rome and Galerius
had to recall Diocletian to resolve the conflicts. A man of action who demanded
strict obedience, Galerius confronted the conflicting beliefs of the Christian sect. His
repressive measures are remembered as the Great Persecution, and Galerius'
agonizing death
from cancer in 311 was described in early Christian literature as divine
retribution.
Relatives depicted on coins: Galeria Valeria -
wife |
