brm_665342 - MAXIMIANUS HERCULIUS Aurelianus

MAXIMIEN HERCULES

(10/12/285-02/310)

Augustus I

Maximian was born in Sirmium to 250. It has "low forehead, wrinkled face, nose trumpet, chin and thick neck, shaggy beard" after "Roman emperors", op. cit., p. 119. This description does not really resemble the portraits of argentei are stereotyped and not necessarily recognizable. He is chosen by Diocletian to assist him. It is first Caesar and august from April 286, and it is the foundation of the Dyarchie. Maximian moved to Trier and must fight against the barbarian invasions and the usurpation of Carausius in Britain. In 293, the creation of the Tetrarchy, he is assisted by Constantius. Diocletian forced Maximian to abdicate on 1 May 305. He resents retirement and will support his son Maxentius when it seizes Rome 28 October 306. He is back in august as 307 and helps Constantine to whom he gives his daughter Fausta in marriage. Maximian was forced to abdicate to the conference Carnuntum 11 November 308. One last time, he took the purple early 310 in Marseille before committing suicide or being murdered.