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The Life of Maxminus II

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Gaius Galerius Valerius Maximinus Daza
Imperator Caesar Gaius Galerius Valerius Maximinus Daza Augustus (as Emperor)
c. 263 - Moesia Superior
August 313 (aged 42)
Natural causes
May 1, 311 – July/August 313  (2 years)
Licinius
None
Galerius
Licinius

Early Life

Maximinus II was born in Moesia Superior around the year 263. His mother was the sister of the future Emperor Galerius. Maximinus joined the military at a young age and rose through its ranks, earning himself notoriety as a skilled commander. His true rise to power however came in 305 when his uncle Galerius was appointed as Roman Emperor of in the East. Upon his succession he named Maximinus as his heir, granting him the rank of caesar. In addition, he was given command over the provinces of Syria and Egypt. During this time he warred against the Sassanids who were repeatedly encroaching into his given territories.

Reign & Death

In 311 Galerius died and Maximinus succeeded him as Augustus of the East. Maximinus was in communication with a usurper called Maxentius, who was the son of Maximian. Together they conspired against Licinius and Constantine who were both vying for power and control of the empire. In 313 civil war broke out against Licinius, but it would be short-lived. Despite managing to raise an army of 70,000 soldiers Maximinus was defeated by Licinius and his 30,000 strong army at the Battle of Tzirallum on 30 April 313. Meanwhile Maxentius was defeated and killed by Constantine's army at the Tiber.

Maximinus fled the battlefield to avoid capture but died some months later the same year, possibly due to natural causes.

Trivia

  • Maximinus was suspected to suffer from Graves disease due to the appearance of his statues.
  • During his time in power Maximinus was known to be particularly harsh towards Christians, even going as far as to renew persecution after the edict issued by Galerius which was supposed to end this discrimination and oppression.
  • Before his death he renounced his persecution of Christians and allowed them to have their confiscated possessions back.