Roman Empire Maximianus 286-310AD Bronze

The latest element in an extensive account of the deterioration and ultimate ruin of one of the world’s mightiest powers, we are delighted to present the ‘Maximianus 286-310AD Bronze Coin’.

Born into a family of shopkeepers around 250AD, Maximianus rose from humble beginnings to become ruler of one of the greatest empires in recorded history. He was one of a succession of men from the Balkans that came through the ranks of the Roman army to dominate Roman politics during the 3rd century.

Although Maximianus had served the emperors Aurelian and Probus with great success, it was still a surprise when Diocletian proclaimed him Caesar in 285AD. Although Maximianus was considered an uneducated brute, and more suited to the world of war than the world of politics, Diocletian valued the strengths of his long-time military comrade.

Although there was no strict division of the empire at this time, Maximianus was, broadly speaking, given responsibility for the west. It wasn’t long before his military prowess was called into action. Having smashed marauding robber bands known as the Bagaudae, Maximianus then defeated two Germanic armies invading Gaul across the Rhine. Internal threats were no less pressing, with Maximianus facing an uprising by Carausius.

A Roman commander given the task of regaining control of the channel between Britain and Gaul, Carausius established a breakaway state in Britain in 286AD. An attempted invasion by Maximianus to crush the rebellion in 289AD ended in failure. As a result, an uneasy truce developed between Carausius and Maximianus, who had by this time been raised to the rank of Augustus. Carausius’ successful revolt had a significant impact on the structure of Roman government, with Diocletian convinced that the empire was too large to be ruled by just two men.

As a consequence, Constantius was appointed as Caesar (junior emperor) in the west beneath Maximianus in 293AD, with Galerius appointed Caesar in the east beneath Diocletian. Thus, the Tetrarchy, or Rule of Four, was born. The father of Constantine the Great, Constantius crushed the rebellion in Britain and Gaul, allowing Maximianus to focus on other objectives, including a string of triumphs in North Africa from 296 to 298AD.

After years of successful campaigning, Maximianus retired to a life of luxury. Official retirement from his role as Augustus was soon to follow, with Diocletian extracting a promise from his co-emperor that they would step down simultaneously. This occurred at separate ceremonies in 305AD, with Constantius and Galerius elevated to become the new rulers of the Roman world. Maximianus had not lost the taste for power, however, and a year after his retirement, he leapt at the chance to rule again.

Maximianus expected his son, Maxentius, to be appointed junior emperor in the west in 305AD, but Galerius ensured that Severus II became the new Caesar. As a result, Maxentius seized power from Severus in late 306AD, and asked his father to take up the role of emperor for a second time.

Maximianus unhesitatingly accepted the opportunity. Severus’ attempt to reclaim power failed when his soldiers deserted him before the walls of Rome in September 307AD. That same month, Galerius invaded Italy in a bid to unseat Maximianus and Maxentius, but was also thwarted. In another remarkable twist in the tale, Maximianus tried to take the throne from his son in April 308AD. After the coup failed, he fled to Gaul to take refuge in the court of Constantine, who had succeeded his father, Constantius I, in the west.

Even more remarkable, Maximianus then attempted to overthrow Constantine! Announcing that Constantine had been killed whilst on campaign against the Franks, Maximianus proclaimed himself emperor. It proved a very unwise move. With the army remaining loyal to Constantine, Maximianus was taken prisoner, and stripped of the title for the third and last time. It was announced soon after that Maximianus had hanged himself, and the eventful life of one of the more colourful characters of Ancient Roman history was at an end.

Whilst defined by his incorrigible pursuit of power, his indulgence in pleasures of the flesh and his persecution of Christians, Maximianus did provide strong, long-term support for Diocletian, and therefore played a key role in stabilising the Roman Empire that had teetered on the brink of collapse during the 3rd century.