Maximin

Related Category: Ancient History, Rome: Biographies

(Galerius Valerius Maximinus), d. 313, Roman emperor (308–13); kinsman of Galerius. He is called Maximin Daia. He was made caesar in 305 and in 308 proclaimed himself augustus in opposition to Emperor Licinius. After the death of Galerius (310), Maximin exercised considerable power. He persecuted the Christians and tried to revive paganism. He later allied himself with Maxentius against Licinius and Constantine (Constantine I); Maxentius was crushed by Constantine, and Maximin was defeated by Licinius. A last-minute effort to win the Christians by an edict of toleration did not help him. He died a fugitive.