Maxentius
Maxentius: emperor of the Roman world (r. 306-312).
Names:
- ±278: Marcus Valerius Maxentius
- 28 October 306: Imperator Maxentius
- April 307: Marcus Aurelius Valerius Maxentius Augustus Herculius
- 28 October 312: kiled in action
ruled in Italy and Africa
Successor of: Constantius I Chlorus, Severus II
Relatives:
- father: Maximianus
- mother: Eutropa
- married to: Valeria Maximilla, daughter of Galerius
- children: Valerius Romulus
Main deeds
- 306 Death of Constantius I Chlorus, Severus II becomes emperor; he is forced to recognize Constantine, the son of Constantius, as caesar; in this situation, Maxentius is proclaimed emperor in Rome, and recognized by the Senate
- 307 Severus marches on Rome, but is forced to return to Ravenna; Maxentius accepts the imperial title and is recognized in Sicily and Africa; his father Maximianus defeats Severus;note although Maxentius is recognized by Constantine, he fails to obtain recognition from Galerius
- 308 Consul (with his son Romulus); Maximinianus unsuccessfully tries to dethrone his son; Maxentius is not recognized by the other rulers, who gather in Carnuntum; Africa lost to the usurper Lucius Domitius Alexander, whose residence is in Cirta
- 309 Consul II (with Romulus); death of Romulus; break with Constantine
- 310 Consul III; Africa recovered; Lucius Domitius Alexander executed
- 312 Consul IV; defeat and death at the Milvian Bridge
- Damnatio memoriae
Buildings: Basilica of Maxentius; Circus of Maxentius; temple of Venus and Roma (all in Rome)
Succeeded by: Constantine I the Great