BACKGROUND
In 293 CE, Diocletian created a tetcharchy that divided Rome into four regions with two Augusti: himself and Maximian and two Caesari: Galerius and Constantius (Constantine’s father). After Dioletian and Maximian retired in 305 CE, rivalries among the Western and Eastern emperors began for total power over the empire. After the death of his father, Constantine was acclaimed as emperor of the West by his father's troops at York in 306 CE. Galerius appointed him a Caesar reluctantly under the new Augustus Severus. When Severus is killed, Galerius then appoints Licinius in his place. Constantine was in charge of Britain and Gaul, while Maxentius (Maximian’s son) waged war against Galerius for control of Rome. Maxentius soon seized Rome and Italy with the help of his father. Once Galerius died, Licinius moved to the East to become a co-emperor with Maximinus Daia, leaving Constantine in the West. Constantine invaded Italy and soon marched on Rome to confront Maxentius. Maxentius came out to fight him at Milvian Bridge on October 28, 312 CE.
Flavius Claudius Constantius
Constantine was the son of Constantius and Helena, the daughter of an inn-keeper. After Constantius was appointed Caesar, he divorced Helena and left Constantine. Constantine distinguished himself as a soldier and earned the army’s affection. Later, he traveled to Britain with his father; however, Constantius died at York in 306 CE. Galerius passing over Constantine yet again decided to appoint Licinius as Augustus after the death of Severus. However, Constantine was beloved and his father’s army proclaimed him emperor in the West. After his first wife died, Constantine married Fausta who was the daughter on Maximian. When Maximian was rejected by Maxentius after plotting to have him killed in 308 CE, he went to Gaul to help Constantine. However, he was found to be conspiring against him and forced to commit suicide (sources are unclear on whether Constantine ordered the suicide or if he committed it on his own accord). Constantine led an army against Maxentius at Milvian Bridge. Constantine is best known for his involvement with helping Christianity flourish in the Roman Empire. During his life, Constantine credited much of his success to Christianity and the Christian God. He was baptized as a Christian on his death bed. |
Marcus Aurelius Valerius Maxentius
Maxentius was born in 279 CE as the son of Maximian and his Syrian wife Eutropia. Later he became Contantine’s brother-in-law because of Constantine’s marriage to Fausta. Maxentius married Galerius' daughter Valeria Maximilla to try and confirm his status of the son of an emperor. He and Constantine were both passed over and had to watch as Serverus and Maximinus took what they believed was their rightful places. Then when Constantius died, Constantine was granted the rank of Caesar by Galerius, leaving Maxentius out of the picture. Maxentius then proceeded to call his father Maximian out of retirement to help him take control. Maxentius was backed by the Roman senate, the praetorian guard, and the people of Rome in his rebellion to become an emperor. Galerius sent Serverus to take care of him but Serverus was defeated and held captive in Rome where he later was killed. Even when Galerius himself tried to march on Rome, he was forced to turn around as he realized Maxentius’ power was too great. Maxentius led his army against Constantine in the Battle of Milvian Bridge. He drowned in the Tiber River in 312 CE. |
- Above: Interestingly enough, Constantine marched through the Alps on his way to Italy, as had Hannibal 500 years earlier.